Viu and iQIYI International Form Streaming Partnership for Southeast Asia

Set to debut in the second half of 2026 — spanning Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, according to Deadline. This Viu and iQIYI International Strike Streaming Bundle Deal for Southeast Asia combines their content libraries into one offering, betting on deeper reach in Southeast Asia. The announcement, made at the Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Forum (APOS) in Bali from June 16 to 18, shows both platforms’ commitment to the region’s booming streaming audience.

Asian content is at the heart of what our audiences love, and our collaboration with iQIYI International puts that front and center, according to Deadline.

Formal talks between Viu and iQIYI International began in early 2026 and wrapped just in time for the public reveal at APOS in Bali, as Deadline reported.

Janice Lee, Viu’s CEO, says the team-up “puts that front and center” for fans — making Asian stories central to the service. Meanwhile, iQIYI International’s Yang Xianghua emphasized their “strong presence” in Southeast Asia, built over years of investment. He says the bundle will feature premium Chinese and local programming as cornerstones. This approach takes on new significance with the launch of pan-Asian drama “Kidnap Game,” a co-production by PCCW’s Makerville, Japan’s Fuji TV, and Korea’s SimStory. The Cast includes big names like Lee Joon-gi and Kentaro Sakaguchi, highlighting both companies’ bet on cross-border appeal, as Deadline reports.

Growing consumer demand for Asian dramas and local language content is driving services to join forces rather than go it alone.

IQIYI International’s extensive Chinese drama lineup pairs naturally with Viu’s broad catalog of Korean and Southeast Asian series, giving the Viu and iQIYI International Strike Streaming Bundle Deal for Southeast Asia strong cross-border appeal. Experts point out that Yang Xianghua’s focus on developing premium Chinese and local shows is now translating directly into strategic advantage, since their catalog will anchor user growth.

For Viu, the alliance reinforces its leadership in Southeast Asian dramas. And for iQIYI International, it opens up crucial new audiences for Chinese content outside China. Data show that such tie-ups nudge Southeast Asia toward greater platform collaboration, setting it apart from more fragmented OTT markets.