As the broadcast and media landscape rapidly transforms around the globe, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as one of the most interesting areas for innovation, experimentation, and growth. Stretching from advanced economies like South Korea and Japan to emerging markets across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, APAC is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem where the future of broadcasting is already taking shape.
The broadcasting industry in APAC is undergoing a significant shift, characterised by an accelerating move toward cloud-based workflows, the rise of new distribution models, and an audience that consumes content in increasingly mobile and on-demand ways. While broadcasters in other regions may still be tied to legacy systems, many APAC service providers are demonstrating remarkable agility, adopting flexible, cloud-native solutions to combat the limitations of traditional broadcasting.
In countries like Japan and South Korea, the broadcast industry is embracing ultra-high-definition formats and next-generation codecs, while simultaneously integrating cloud infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Meanwhile, across Southeast Asia and South Asia, broadcasters are prioritising cloud technologies as a way to overcome infrastructure limitations and reach digitally native audiences more effectively.
Despite its many strengths, APAC also presents a unique set of challenges. Regulatory requirements differ widely between countries, making compliance a complex task for broadcasters with regional operations. Infrastructure disparities persist, with world-class connectivity in markets like Singapore and Australia contrasted against limitations in broadband access in other parts of the region. Cultural complexity further adds layers to content delivery, with multilingual output, regional preferences, and communication styles requiring a careful and localised approach.
Yet, these challenges also create opportunities. The flexibility and scalability of cloud-based solutions allow broadcasters to tailor their services and meet these diverse demands. Solutions like Veset Nimbus offer broadcasters the ability to manage linear and OTT channels from a single interface, making it easier to deliver multilingual content, insert region-specific advertising, and maintain broadcast-grade quality – all without relying on expensive, location-bound infrastructure.
The region is also seeing significant growth in hybrid distribution models. Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels are becoming increasingly popular, driven by consumer demand for accessible, localised content. As viewers come to expect seamless access to content across devices, broadcasters are shifting to workflows that cater to both linear TV and OTT delivery models. The rollout of 5G networks is accelerating this trend, offering faster, more reliable connectivity that enhances the quality of live broadcasts and supports real-time streaming across platforms.
There is also a growth in interest for emerging technologies such as JPEG XS and Multicast distribution. Broadcasters in technologically advanced markets like Japan and South Korea are beginning to explore JPEG XS for its ultra-low latency and visually lossless compression, which is proving valuable for remote production, high-quality contribution feeds, and cloud-based workflows. Meanwhile, Multicast is being looked at more seriously as a method to optimise bandwidth when distributing content to large audiences simultaneously, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Both of these developments signal APAC’s continued commitment to technical innovation that supports a scalable, future-ready broadcast infrastructure.
As the APAC broadcasting market continues to evolve, the direction is clear. Broadcasters are moving away from fixed, hardware-heavy environments in favour of scalable, intelligent, cloud-first solutions that enable them to remain competitive in a fast-changing media world. For broadcasters looking to deliver hyper-localised, multilingual content while staying agile and compliant, cloud-based platforms are no longer optional – they are essential.
In response to these evolving needs, Veset is working closely with public and private broadcasters across the region to help them navigate the next era of broadcasting. Veset Nimbus is being used in APAC to manage linearTV and OTT distribution that is adaptable to the region’s unique cloud ecosystem, offering innovative, flexible, and cost-effective solutions.
If you’re looking for support to manage complex workflows, adapt to regulatory environments, or deliver premium content to diverse audiences, speak to Veset today. The team will also be at Broadcast Asia – book a meeting to discuss all things cloud-based playout and workflows.
