In a strategic move to bolster their presence in Southeast Asia's burgeoning digital entertainment landscape, leading streaming platforms Viu and iQIYI International have unveiled an innovative bundled subscription service. This new offering aims to consolidate their extensive and complementary content libraries, providing an enriched viewing experience for audiences across key markets.

Streaming Giants Unite for Southeast Asian Audience

On June 16, 2026, during the esteemed APOS conference, a significant announcement reverberated through the streaming industry. Viu, a prominent player in Asian entertainment, and iQIYI International, the global arm of China's streaming titan, revealed their plans for a joint subscription bundle. This collaboration is slated for a grand launch in the latter half of 2026, targeting the vibrant markets of Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Janice Lee, CEO of Viu, and Yang Xianghua, President of iQIYI International, jointly presented this initiative during a session aptly titled "Inside View: The Future of Streaming in Greater Southeast Asia." While the specific financial terms of this pioneering cross-regional streaming alliance, as described by Yang, remain confidential, the implications for regional content consumption are substantial.

The synergistic nature of this partnership lies in the diverse strengths of each platform. Viu contributes a rich array of Korean and Chinese dramas, alongside local Southeast Asian productions, its original series (Viu Originals), and a collection of microdramas (Viu Shorts). Notable titles from Viu's lineup include "The Season," "Kidnap Game," "Love In Sync," "Dream To You," "When Fish Swim to Land," and "I Became the Fake Heiress." Conversely, iQIYI International brings to the table a wealth of premium Chinese and local original content, popular anime, engaging variety shows, and its own suite of microdramas. Subscribers can anticipate accessing acclaimed series like "Pursuit of Jade," "Speed and Love," the Thai original "Khemjira," the Indonesian drama "The Other Sister," the Malay drama "Griya," and the variety series "Running Man Thailand." Upcoming attractions from iQIYI International include "Key to the Phoenix Heart" and "Overdo."

Janice Lee expressed her enthusiasm during the conference, stating that the partnership with iQIYI is poised to deliver "the best, most appealing Asian content in the coming year." Yang Xianghua echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared goals and values that underpin their collaboration. He highlighted iQIYI's expanding catalog of Thai originals and observed that Chinese dramas are currently driving significant streaming traffic in Thailand, underscoring the strategic importance of this market. Both leaders conveyed a unified vision: to deepen access to the region's best storytelling by merging their extensive content libraries into a single, compelling offering. The bundled service will be made available for direct acquisition via both platforms' official websites, with further specifics regarding content features and device compatibility to be announced.

This alliance represents a significant leap forward in the competitive Southeast Asian streaming arena. It not only expands the content options for consumers but also exemplifies a new model of collaboration between major streaming entities. By combining their unique strengths, Viu, a unit of PCCW Limited, and iQIYI International, the global arm of a Chinese streaming giant, are setting a new benchmark for regional content delivery and market penetration. This move is expected to enhance viewer engagement and solidify their positions in a rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.