Asia Star

• A 2026 Nielsen report indicates that Asian-led content and sports stars, such as Shohei Ohtani, are driving record-breaking viewership levels across U.S. television and streaming platforms. • The data highlights a broader cultural shift where Asian influence is significantly reshaping the landscape of American pop culture and professional sports. • In related cultural developments, director Herman Yau is releasing "We’re Nothing at All," a social drama focusing on the marginalized fringes of Hong Kong society.

• ENHYPEN and ATEEZ emerged as the primary winners at the 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA), both securing prestigious Daesang trophies. • They shared the top honors with other prominent K-pop acts, including BLACKPINK and &TEAM, highlighting the continued global dominance of the genre. • The victory coincides with ATEEZ's recent promotional activities, including a February 5, 2026, press conference in Seoul for their 13th mini album, ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part 4’.

• Ecosystem Roundup from e27.co reports that the AI pay gap in Southeast Asia's startup industry has emerged and is accelerating, with AI-skilled workers commanding significantly higher salaries than non-AI peers as of May 5, 2026. • Key details highlight disparities where AI engineers in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia earn 30-50% more than general software developers, driven by demand from firms like Sea Limited and Grab. • This matters as it risks exacerbating talent shortages and inequality across ASEAN tech hubs, potentially slowing non-AI startup growth while fueling AI dominance in Vietnam and Thailand.