Asia

• Zee Entertainment reported a decline in ad revenues for Q4 FY26, citing the ongoing conflict in West Asia and rising operational costs as primary drivers. • Despite the revenue hit, the company noted that losses for its streaming platform, ZEE5, are narrowing. • The stock price slid nearly 6% following the results and a downgrade of the stock by Elara Securities.

• Planetcast won a sports broadcasting award at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2026 for implementing an IP-first architecture. • The company's new technical approach streamlined operational workflows and significantly reduced overall complexity. • Separately, a Zurich study of six markets, including Australia and Malaysia, revealed that 60% of patients in Hong Kong delay medical treatment due to cost anxiety.

• 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 has released "We’re Nothing at All," a social drama focusing on the marginalized fringes of Hong Kong society.

• Perfect World is organizing the CS Asia Championships 2026, an offline S-Tier Counter-Strike 2 tournament held in China. • The event will take place from May 20 to 24, 2026, featuring 16 competing teams. • As a Valve Tier 1 event, it carries significant competitive weight with a total prize pool of $400,000 USD.

• NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan won an award for animation storytelling at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2026. • The winning animation follows the journey of a rural swordsman, focusing on themes of discipline, experience, and late-stage mastery. • Additionally, Eurovision Services was recognized with multiple wins during the same awards ceremony.

• The Asia Pacific Report highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing the Rohingya people, emphasizing urgent concerns regarding their safety and lack of accountability. • In a separate political development on May 14, 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has returned to the center of legal and political turbulence. • This resurgence of controversy has reignited national debates over constitutional processes and the potential for impeachment proceedings against the President.

• Asian markets traded higher on Friday, led by Japan's Nikkei 225 which surged more than 2 per cent and Taiwan's market which climbed nearly 1.5 per cent. • The rally was driven by improved investor sentiment following hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough in peace talks between the US and Iran. • Despite the gains, markets remain cautious due to rising oil prices and instability in the Strait of Hormuz, which continue to fuel inflation worries.