The proposed $52 billion deal has drawn attention for potentially turning over to Disney another major Hollywood studio and key television operations in the US and overseas.

But if streaming video represents the future, Hulu could be the key.

Created in 2008, Hulu has garnered comparatively little attention as the number three streaming platform in the US market, behind Netflix and Amazon.

Hulu was created by the major broadcast operators to counter the growing influence of Netflix. But Hulu’s structure has been a handicap. Disney Fox and Comcast’s NBCUniversal each own 30 percent, with Time Warner holding the remaining 10 percent.

The deal announced in December would give Disney a 60 percent stake and, according to analysts, greater ability to build a winning platform.

“Hulu never made sense to begin with,” said analyst Brian Wieser of Pivotal Research.

“The concept that the networks needed to come together to form this consortium probably held it back more than anything else. They’re probably better not working in a consortium-like model.”

Disney’s firm control of Hulu would probably lead to the exit of Comcast’s NBCUniversal to establish its own platform, according to Wieser.

Hulu has an estimated 17 million subscribers — up from 12 million a year earlier — compared with over 100 million for Netflix.

New directions

But Hulu has made gains in the past year as it ramps up original content, including “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a winner of eight Emmy awards. Hulu has also indicated it may start expanding to international markets to step up its challenge to Netflix.

Daniel Ives of the research firm GBH Insights said allowing Disney to take a controlling share in Hulu “significantly changes the strategic direction” for the platform.

Ives noted that Hulu could complement the streaming services which Disney expects to launch in the coming years — one for general content and another for sports.

“From a content perspective having the Disney machine and (chief executive Bob) Iger behind Hulu makes it a much more competitive platform over the coming years as this will be a two-head monster with Disney’s streaming service slated for 2019 and Hulu as a standalone,” Ives said.

“While the Netflix machine remains the clear leader and poised to increase its market share both domestically as well as internationally we believe Disney will invest a billion-plus in Hulu over the next three years with its live programming being a potential difference maker.”

– Triple threat –

Iger said in December that he wants to launch a streaming service which is a “destination” for children’s programming which will come from Disney itself as well as its ABC television unit and the Fox television entities.

During Disney’s earnings call this week, Iger said the regulatory review for the Fox deal was underway in various jurisdictions and said the tie up would offer a boost to the media-entertainment group.

Adding the Fox assets, Iger said, will deliver more content and the production capabilities and talent to produce even more. It will enhance our direct-to-consumer initiatives with platforms, technologies, brands and existing customer relationships to build on.”

Hulu would complement that with programming for a more general audience and with its ESPN sports service, Disney could offer a “triple threat” to rivals.

Wieser said it remains unclear if Disney’s strategy of streaming services targeted at specific audiences will work. It will also face competition from streaming services offered by broadcast group CBS and Time Warner’s premium video channel HBO.

“Maybe customers ultimately prefer services that are tailored somewhat rather than broad,” Wieser said. “And by taking so many kicks at the can they’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t.”

Hulu is also promoting its “Live TV” option which offers a bundle of channels as slimmed down option for viewers not seeking a large cable or satellite package.

“This is going to be a heavyweight fight over the coming years with Hulu playing a central role in Disney’s ability to gain market and mind share versus the iron fortress and empire of streaming, Netflix,” Ives said.

The big names include Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, ST Engineering, Honeywell Aerospace, Thales and UTC Aerospace Systems.

The event lasts until Sunday at the Changi Exhibition Centre in the city state and has been organised by Experia Events.

“We see a rapid increase in demand in the Asia-Pacific region. During the last five years, we supplied over 250 machines,” the chief executive of Russian Helicopters, Andrey Boginsky, said at a press conference late on Tuesday.

“Overall, now there are over 1,200 helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region that were made in Russia. During the Singapore Airshow, we plan a large-scale business programme with traditional partners and potential customers.

“In late December we signed an agreement on cooperation with the Singaporean company Progression Pte Ltd. This will allow us to make additional efforts to promote machinery and attract investment in Asia-Pacific countries.”

Honeywell Aerospace, a manufacturer of aircraft engines and avionics, is also eyeing business expansion in the Asia-Pacific, especially in Southeast Asia and China, the company’s president for Asia-Pacific, Steve Lien, said.

“From 2017 till 2036, the Asia region will have demand for 16,050 aircraft worth US$2.5 trillion,” he said in a group interview at the air show yesterday.

“This will drive aviation business in the region to sustainable strong growth. The challenge for our business expansion in this region, especially with the connected aircraft services, is to help airlines better manage their traffic and services for their customers.”

Leck Chet Lam, managing director of Experia Events, said the global aviation industry is at an inflection point.

“Rapid digitalisation and the unparalleled growth of innovative technology have converged to open up new opportunities that are transforming the fundamentals of the industry,” said Leck.

“By focusing on both vital aviation-centric technologies like avionics and connected aircraft, predictive maintenance and additive manufacturing, as well as innovations in the areas of cybersecurity and autonomous technology, the Singapore Airshow will empower stakeholders to effectively harness the vast potential of technology innovation to shape the industry’s future.”

At the event, there are potential business opportunities being presented by 1,062 companies from 50 countries and regions participating in the exhibition, he said.

Participating companies and organisations are taking the opportunity to showcase their most innovative products spanning key technology trends at the air show. These include the new, innovative and reliable ELTA Emergency Locator Transmitter, and the first-of-its-kind Orion-D Man Pack drone detection system from TRD Consultancy, which will be making its global debut.

Additionally, ST Engineering is showcasing smart technologies and their applications in enhanced solutions across three clusters – aviation, defence and smart city, while CAAS and Air Traffic Management Research Institute will be showing off its UAV air traffic management system.

ISS Reshetnev is displaying the latest in Russian satellite technologies, while Airbus will demonstrate its “Project Skyways” autonomous parcel delivery drone prototype for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.

Among the most anticipated elements in the air show are an extensive line-up of the latest aircraft from around the world, headlined by the world’s leading fifth generation multi-role fighter – the F-35B Lightning II. This F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft, and will be showcased at an air show in Asia for the first time. The F-35B will be on static display on all days at the Singapore show.

Other military aircraft making their appearance at an air show for the first time in Asia are the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft, the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen jet and the United States Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

They are the YAK Festival, S2O Songkran Music Festival, and Sensation Thailand 2018 presented by Heineken, the company said in a press release.

Heineken will also leverage different and premium music experiences through its “Five-Star Music Experience” strategy presenting “phenomenal experiences” to a new generation at each music festival.

This will be done through the “Heineken Star Hive”, which the brewer says will address the needs of consumers “in true premium style, including distinctive music experiences and creating valuable brand recognition”.

Pattapanee Ekahitanond, marketing manager for Heineken and Strongbow at TAP Group in Thailand, said: “Music marketing is a significant strategy that is driving Heineken’s growth in the premium beer market, and always strengthens our brand.

“In 2018, we will continue to sponsor grand music festivals to emphasize Heineken’s leadership in the premium beer market which helps to connect our brand to consumers’ lifestyles under our brand DNA of ‘Heineken Open Your Music 2018’.”

The announcement was made by Central Pattana Plc (CPN) led by Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice president of marketing; Neil Thompson, deputy managing director of BEC-Tero Entertainment Plc; and sponsors comprising Serm Suk, Kasikorn Bank, Master Card Thailand, Thai Life Insurance, Central Family Mart, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales, AP Honda, Sahapattanapat, Thai Airways, and JTB (Thailand).

According to a media release, “this will be the first time that the whole Ninja Village is taken out of Japan for people of all ages to test their bravery and intelligence”.

Featuring the mysterious maze from the original Ninja Village, the event will run from March 17 to May 31 at WestGate Hall, 4th floor, CentralPlaza WestGate shopping centre.

Under this agreement, TAI will become the main Airbus Helicopters service provider in Thailand for the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police. Airbus Helicopters’ signature HCare suite of aftersales services, spare parts, tools and training will be made easily available to the military and police through TAI, the companies said.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police currently operate a strong fleet of about 40 helicopters, which includes the light single engine H125M, twin engine H145, H145M, UH72, medium twin engine AS365, H155, H175 and heavy tactical H225M. These helicopters are deployed for various missions within the Royal Thai Air Force, Army, Navy, Police and the Survey Department.

Air Chief Marshal Nitat Sirimas from Thai Aviation Industries said: “This new partnership will reinforce our position as a world-class aviation service provider here at home, while globalising our operations to provide quality service of international standards.

“We are looking forward to opening a new chapter with Airbus Helicopters, bringing Thailand’s technical competency in helicopter maintenance to greater heights.”

Philippe Monteux, head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters, said: “We are very happy to collaborate with TAI to bolster our support for the military and law enforcement operators in Thailand. TAI is a dependable partner and is the most suitable focal point between Airbus, the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police.

“Through this new milestone agreement, Airbus’s impressive range of helicopter services will now be available in-country, as we stay committed to developing a strong ecosystem for our customers.”

According to Paragon, the seat is set to the viewing angle of the screen, even in the first row. It is available now in the 8th and 10th cinemas, with tickets available at regular prices.

There is also a special promotion for M Generation members of a discounted Bt200 seat for all movies from now until March 31.

Paragon said it is celebrating the “month of love” in February by giving customers who purchase two lounger seats two strawberry flavoured ice-creams with a premium design from Chimp Tim Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts. The offer applies only to the first 200 couples.

According to its press statement, the campaign will feature massive discounts on a wide range of electronic products, including mobile gadgets, cameras, laptops, home entertainment and home appliances, from leading industry brands such as Asus, Huawei, Acer, Meizu by CSC, Sandisk, Phillips and more.

“Starting from today until to February 20, make your Angpao worth more than its cost, pay less and get more for your Electronics wishlists,” read the statement.

Users can also look forward to other highlights throughout the Electronics Mega Sale Month, such as surprise voucher codes releasing every Tuesday and double coins cashback set across various electronic products.

“The more you shop, the more you get – Be one of Shopee’s electronics top spenders,” read the statement.

– Celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year festival and shop your favorite electronic items at Shopee to get a chance to win prizes as one of the top 10 spenders.

– All special rewards for 10 top spenders is worth up to 200,000 Baht, some highlights include the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Prisma 55-inch 4K TV, Acer Nitro 5 Core AMB, Olympus OMD EM10 Mark III and many more.

Grab massive discounts at our ‘Daily Deals Giveaway’

– Get up to 90% off a total of 36 massively discounted deals at over 12 days between 5 to 20 February

– The best deals include Iphone X 64GB, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Nintendo Switch Mario Odyssey and Acer F5 I7 at very best prices.

For more information, visit http://shopee.co.th/electronicsmegasale. Download Shopee for free on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

This year, the company said it plans to offer more than 390,000 items online. Recently, it has joined forces with many leading brands such as Lion, Chaba Bangkok and UFC to launch official online stores with monthly promotions.

Jeon Hong-cheol, chief executive officer of 11street (Thailand), said: “Today, online shopping has become more popular among Thai shoppers due to the rise in internet penetration. By this year, we expect that sales in our consumer goods category will increased by three times compared to 2017.

“Presently, 11street offers over 166,000 grocery products which includes food, beverage and kitchen products. We anticipate that by the end of 2018 there will be up to 390,000 items on our platform.

“Official stores that have recently opened on 11street include Nestlé, Brand’s, Lion, UFC, Chaba Bangkok, Ampol Food, Kaset and Hongthong Rice. In the near future, 11street is seeking more partners to open their official stores so that consumers will be confident that they are purchasing the authentic products directly from the brand owners.”

The CEO noted that bulk purchase was an emerging trend, and 11street was able to sell in small and large amounts.

The company said that the average spend in the grocery category for 11street shoppers was about Bt390 per basket. It said that consumers who like to buy online grocery products are aged between 25 and 34. The top five popular products in 2017 were Brand’s Essence of Chicken, Ovomaltine Crunchy, almond milk, spin mop buckets and laundry stain removers.