Tag: Brand Partnership

Mastercard Brings Artist Accelerator to Southeast Asia to Champion Emerging Local Music Talent

Malaysia, 3 June 2026 – Across Southeast Asia, local music is shaping culture and redefining how audiences connect with artists—making homegrown talent a powerful force across the region’s music ecosystem. Against this backdrop, Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, bringing its global music platform to Southeast Asia for the first time through Indonesia and Thailand, in collaboration with SoundOn, part of the TikTok family. The program is designed to champion local artists and help transform creative potential into sustainable, fan-powered careers—while bringing consumers and Mastercard cardholders closer to the music and moments that matter to them. Driven by a fan-first vision, Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA focuses on turning listeners into loyal fans and passion into possibility, equipping artists with the mentorship, tools and digital support needed to grow their presence, confidence and commercial viability in today’s creator-led economy. The program launches at a moment when local music is gaining undeniable momentum across the region, with homegrown content accounting for 35% of on-demand streaming in Indonesia in 2023, up 12 percentage points compared to three years earlier, alongside similar growth trends in Thailand’s pop and independent music scenes . Tailored for Southeast Asia’s diverse, digitally native markets, Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA reflects Mastercard’s commitment to supporting the creative economy and elevating local music culture—starting with Indonesia and Thailand, and with ambitions to expand across the region in the second half of the year. “Across Southeast Asia, music is more than something people listen to—it’s how they express who they are and what they care about,” said Dheeraj Raina, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Southeast Asia, Mastercard. “Local artists are at the heart of this cultural movement, yet many still face barriers to turning talent into sustainable careers. With Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, we’re creating what matters most: bringing fans closer to the artists they love, creating exclusive, priceless experiences for our cardholders, and giving creators the mentorship, tools and platforms they need to thrive. By doing so, we’re helping Southeast Asia’s creative economy grow—one artist, one fan and one meaningful connection at a time.” The Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA will guide participating artists through a curated development journey, combining mentorship from local experts with live performance opportunities to help them sharpen their craft, build confidence and connect with wider audiences across Indonesia and Thailand. Mastercard cardholders will have access to the program’s experiences through participating issuers and stakeholders in the region, creating an exclusive channel for fans to get closer to the music, artists and their passion. Winning artists from Indonesia and Thailand will be supported through a strategic creative initiative designed to elevate their journey beyond the program—amplifying their music and story at scale, deepening fan connection, and supporting their transition toward sustainable, market ready careers. “SoundOn is committed to helping artists at all stages of their career turn creative momentum into long-term success, and we're excited to partner with Mastercard to support the next generation of talent in Southeast Asia,” said Tom Chou, Head of SoundOn, Southeast Asia. “Through this program, artists will have the opportunity to connect with TikTok's global music-loving community, grow their fanbase and share their stories in authentic and meaningful ways. We've seen firsthand how powerful community and discovery can be in helping artists break through, and we're proud to help create more opportunities for local talent across Indonesia and Thailand.” The Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA will be supported by a regional content plan across TikTok and social channels, tracking and celebrating each artist’s journey from raw talent to wider recognition. Fans can follow the artists’ progress, behind-the-scenes moments and key milestones throughout the program on Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA TikTok page @artistacceleratorsea.

Malaysia, 3 June 2026 – Across Southeast Asia, local music is shaping culture and redefining how audiences connect with artists—making homegrown talent a powerful force across the region’s music ecosystem. Against this backdrop, Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, bringing its global music platform to Southeast Asia for the first time […]