Tag: digital economy

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 […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo Engages MICCI On E-Commerce Bill, Digital Economy Policies

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry developments and key policy matters involving the digital economy sector. Among the issues discussed were the upcoming e-commerce bill and proposed amendments to the Postal Services Act, including matters related to e-delivery services. The meeting also touched on concerns regarding algorithm transparency and protection of data, which Gobind said require careful and balanced consideration as Malaysia strengthens its digital economy framework. He stressed that the ministry remains committed to working closely with industry players to ensure that policies introduced are practical, future-ready and capable of supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic growth. Gobind added that collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders is essential in building a competitive and sustainable digital ecosystem for the country. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo: Digital Trust Key to Malaysia’s AI Nation Ambitions by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible ecosystem that enables AI to be deployed safely and at scale. Gobind stressed that cybersecurity and digital trust are now essential components of the digital economy, describing them as the “currency” of today’s digital landscape. Speaking at the launch of the RHB Digital Trust Programme, he said the initiative would help businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their cyber readiness, build confidence in digital systems, and support Malaysia’s wider digital transformation agenda. He added that the introduction of RHB Cyber-Secure, a cybersecurity self-assessment tool, would provide SMEs with a practical and structured approach to assess their cyber preparedness and improve digital resilience. Gobind also highlighted the collaboration between CyberSecurity Malaysia and RHB Bank, saying strong public-private partnerships are crucial in building long-term cyber resilience across the national ecosystem. He said Malaysia’s digital progress must continue to be guided by trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility to ensure the country develops a digital economy that is innovative, secure, resilient, and trusted by all. -- MINUTESMY -- FB: GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible […]