Overcoming KYC Challenges in the Philippines | ASEAN 2025

Philippines

AGBrief Editorial

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April 7, 2025

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Overcoming KYC Challenges in the Philippines | ASEAN 2025

A top panel at the ASEAN Gaming Summit takes a particular focus on KYC in the Philippines, with Manavia Limited’s Frank Schuengel drawing out key insights from Sumsub’s Philippines Head of Business Development Chuan Wee Lye and S5 Casino CEO Greffin Manibo.

The panelists address the perceived challenges and evolution of KYC processes from both compliance and operational perspectives. Despite initial resistance from operators and players regarding the burdensome nature of KYC, there is a recognition that these practices are becoming more accepted due to technological advancements and increased awareness.

Operators have increasingly optimized KYC procedures to ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining an enjoyable user experience. The conversation also addresses how Filipino consumers generally respond to KYC requests, particularly regarding their comfort level with data sharing and identification processes.

Key insights include the balancing act required to ensure compliance without alienating users, the adoption of technology such as AI to refine KYC processes, the role of operators in impressing upon potential clients the value of robust KYC implementations, and the underlying importance of establishing trust between operators and users.

Panelists emphasize the potential of KYC data beyond simple verification, such as using it to monitor user activities for fraud prevention. The future landscape of KYC in the gaming industry appears to be shifting towards a greater reliance on technology, forcing operators to adapt to evolving regulatory environments and player expectations.

Highlights

KYC is often seen as a hurdle by both operators and players, but reassessing this perception is key.
Modern KYC processes have become streamlined due to growing consumer awareness and adoption of technology.
Compliance can coexist with operational efficiency, and optimized KYC procedures can enhance user onboarding experiences.
Operators need to adopt creative incentives to make KYC less of a barrier for users.
Effective KYC processes are essential for combating fraud, including issues like multi-accounting and bonus abuses.
AI tools can significantly aid in the KYC process and enhance fraud detection capabilities.
The industry is slowly moving towards a situation where technology could allow verification without traditional KYC documents.

Key Insights

Changing Perceptions of KYC: Whereas KYC was traditionally viewed with skepticism, both players and operators in the Philippines are beginning to recognize its necessity and advantages, facilitating a better user experience.
Technological Integration for Seamless KYC: Advances in technology, including AI, are streamlining KYC processes and making it easier for operators to collect and verify user information while maintaining compliance.
KYC as a Dual Tool for Growth: Beyond compliance, KYC data serves a strategic function for operators by enabling them to analyze customer behavior and monitor potential fraudulent activities, ultimately leading to better financial performance.
Balancing User Experience and Compliance: Operators must navigate the fine line of ensuring robust KYC practices while also keeping the onboarding process as effortless as possible for users. Creative incentives can elevate user engagement without sacrificing essential compliance measures.
Shift Away from Traditional Verification Methods: The future of KYC may see a transition away from conventional identification documents, using technology to verify identity in more efficient and less invasive manners.
Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes: As regulations tighten, operators must be proactive in adopting compliance technologies that keep them ahead of the curve, thus ensuring they not only meet requirements but also set industry benchmarks.
Growing Significance of Player Privacy Concerns: Engaging with users who prioritize privacy, particularly in the rapidly changing cryptocurrency landscape, necessitates that operators develop trust through transparent and secure KYC processes.

The transition towards a more age-inclusive, technology-driven KYC landscape in the Philippine gaming industry highlights the industry’s adaptability and foresight in nurturing a responsible and compliant gaming environment as it continues to evolve. With the mounting reliance on data and innovative solutions, operators have the opportunity to redefine user experiences while meeting regulatory expectations effectively.

From April 9 to April 16 players can dive into the riches of the Orient with Platipus games such as Caishen’s Gifts and 9 Dragon Kings. The adventure then moves to the Caribbean part from April 21 to April 28, inviting the gamers to join a thrilling tropical treasure hunt with games like Pirate’s Legacy and Hook the Cash.

Finally, the tournament culminates with the Las Vegas concept from April 30 to May 7. Players can experience the electrifying excitement of Sin City with games such as Mission: Vegas and Urban Neon.

“Platipus is thrilled to partner with Softswiss to bring gamers this exclusive online championship, available for Softswiss clients online. The collaboration combines our expertise in gaming with our partner’s proficiency to deliver a unique gaming experience. We invite players to join this exciting tournament and compete for impressive rewards”, – said Maksym Kozlov, Head of Account Management.

The multiplier strategy is applied across all four tournament stages, allowing players to achieve the highest win-to-bet ratios. This strategy focuses on getting the highest return compared to the initial bet amount, rather than just racking up big winnings.

The 10th Anniversary Tournament rewards players who consistently achieve high multipliers throughout multiple rounds, as all multipliers accumulate to determine the final ranking. This dynamic approach promotes strategic play, where every successful spin can significantly boost a player’s total score. The larger the multiplier accumulated, the higher the ranking – making it a crucial tactic for those aiming for the top prizes.

Mastering the multiplier strategy is key for serious tournament players looking to excel beyond the rivals and win the largest rewards. This tool is about smart play, where every decision counts and can make a difference in reaching the top.

With a decade of innovation behind it, Platipus Gaming continues to elevate the gaming experience, offering players and operators an engaging, high-stakes competition that sets industry standards. This keeps it professional, highlights the developer’s growth, and appeals to both players and industry stakeholders.

The use of cutting-edge technology for the gaming industry has become absolutely essential, not only in retaining a competitive edge, but improving in-house efficiency and assuring compliance. This top panel at the ASEAN Gaming Summit delves into the adoption of new technologies, with 113 East Limited CEO Chris Rogers moderating, accompanied by PremierChain CEO Nick Hill and The Kyprock Group’s Managing Partner Jonathan Pettemerides.

The speakers highlight how the adoption of new tech, including AI and blockchain, is transforming the way gambling operations are managed, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and responsible gaming practices. Moreover, they discuss the challenges that come with integrating these technologies, including regulatory hurdles and the necessity for a data-driven approach to ensure successful implementation.

The conversation also delves into the importance of collaboration among technology providers for creating comprehensive solutions and the ongoing need for the gaming industry to cater to a younger, tech-savvy demographic through innovative services that enhance the overall gambling experience.

Highlights

Technological Convergence: The convergence of various technologies is transforming the gaming industry, enabling operators to create seamless customer experiences and embrace cashless solutions.
Fragmented Supply Chain: Modern operators must navigate a fragmented technology landscape, as no single supplier can deliver an all-encompassing solution, requiring collaboration among multiple vendors.
Focus on Customer Needs: Operators are advised to identify customer needs and preferences and work backwards in their technology strategy, inviting ongoing dialogue with end-users.
Player Protection: Technology must incorporate measures for responsible gaming and player protection, using algorithms to identify harmful behavior in real-time and engage with players proactively.
Multi-Channel Value: Multi-channel customers tend to contribute significantly more revenue, underlining the benefits of a cohesive online-offline customer strategy.
Regulatory Flexibility: Regions with more progressive regulatory environments, such as the Philippines, are seen as models for future growth, allowing for innovation without stifling potential.
The Importance of Data: Clean, organized data is essential for businesses transitioning from land-based to online operations, enabling the effective use of technology to enhance player experiences and interactions.

Key Insights

Adapting to New Technology is Essential: The discussion stresses that embracing new technologies, such as AI and blockchain, is fundamental for operators to optimize performance and meet customer demands. The gaming sector traditionally lags behind other industries in adopting technological innovations; thus, staying updated with cutting-edge solutions is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and enhancing operational efficiency.
Collaboration Over Competition: An important theme is that collaboration among technology suppliers has intensified, as individual providers often cannot meet all operational needs. This encourages a cooperative approach where different companies work together to create integrated solutions that can address multifaceted challenges in the gaming environment.
The Woeful State of Preparedness Regarding Regulation: As operators consider implementing new technologies, the conversation highlights an alarming gap between the fast-paced nature of tech development and the ability of regulators to keep up with changes. Operators need to be proactive in understanding and navigating regulatory landscapes while simultaneously pushing for more flexible regulations that allow for innovation.
The Push for Player Protection: Emphasis is placed on automating player protection measures through technology. Monitoring player behavior with algorithms can help identify issues before they escalate, signaling the need for responsible approaches to gaming that not only adhere to regulations but also foster a healthier gambling environment.
Data as the Central Commodity: The necessity for a robust data strategy is underscored, given the importance of data in driving customer engagement and tailoring experiences. Without clean and efficiently managed data, operators will struggle to adopt innovative solutions that enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
Future-Proofing Operators: The urgency to future-proof business models is apparent, especially as competition intensifies. Operators are encouraged to integrate new technologies into their cores, such as adopting cashless transaction methods and creating engaging customer experiences, to retain relevancy in an ever-evolving market.
A Need for Younger Demographics: The conversation reveals a collective industry concern about attracting younger players, emphasizing the necessity for innovation to capture the interest of a generation that is more accustomed to digital interaction and immersive customer experiences than traditional gaming methods. By integrating technology into their services, operators can create enticing environments for younger audiences, paralleling the social experiences that modern consumers seek.

The discussion encapsulates a dynamic era marked by rapid technological evolution in the gaming industry. Achieving the right balance between technology, customer engagement, regulatory compliance, and player protection will dictate the success of gaming operators as they navigate the challenges of this competitive landscape. The call for collaboration among vendors and operators to adapt successfully to these changes underscores a structural shift in the industry’s approach to modernization and customer service.

There were no sensations in the fight for gold medals, and the reigning champions confirmed their status as favorites. The Australia women’s team defeated Japan in the final with a 21-17 score. From the first seconds of the match, the players from Down Under took the initiative thanks to the bright play of Marena Whittle and Alex Wilson.

Singapore shines as the capital of 3x3 Basketball FIBA Asia Cup 2025

Near the middle of the game, the Japanese managed to restore parity, but it wasn’t enough. At the decisive moment, Anneli Maley had her say: her accurate shots helped the Australia team win the Asian Cup for the third time in a row and strengthen their status as the best team in the history of the tournament: they already have 5 titles.

The Australian Men’s National Team gave the fans a thriller as they defeated China 21-19 in the final. It was a spectacular duel between Alex Higgins-Tisha and Hanyu Gyo – the leaders of both teams scored 11 points each. The intrigue remained until the last seconds of the match, but at the very end the Chinese fouled, and 2 free throws brought the Australians victory. The Australia men’s team became five-time FIBA Asia Cup winners.

China has taken a big step forward

Before the start of the tournament, 1xBet experts called the Chinese men’s and women’s teams serious contenders for prizes. The girls lost to Australia in the semi-finals, but in the match for third place they defeated the Philippines (21-11) and won bronze.

The China men’s team exceeded expectations by finishing in second place and putting up a fight against the Australia national team. The silver medals are the best result for China in the history of the FIBA Asia Cup.

A pleasant surprise from Japan

The Japan women’s team became one of the main discoveries of the tournament, and for the first time in its history made it to the FIBA Asia Cup final. The girls from the Land of the Rising Sun managed to beat their more experienced opponents from New Zealand, who had won silver at the previous two tournaments.

The Japan men’s team also showed a decent result and managed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2018. In the bronze final, they lost to New Zealand (18-21). Japan finished in the top 4 in both categories, which is a great success for the country.

Mongolia’s prospects and the Philippines’ breakthrough

There’s a surge of interest in 3×3 basketball in Mongolia, so many experts predicted that the men’s and women’s national teams would reach the semi-finals. However, both teams got eliminated in the quarter-finals, reaching only the top 5.

The Philippines women’s national team participated in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup for the 3rd time in its history and managed to make it to the semi-finals for the first time, becoming the main sensation of the tournament.

The hosts of the tournament still cannot compete with the best teams in Asia. The Singapore men’s team finished in 7th place, while the women’s team finished in 11th place.

Format of the tournament

The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 among men and women was held according to the same formula and consisted of the qualifying draw, preliminary round and knockout stage. The winners of the 4 qualifying groups made it to the preliminary round, where 8 seeded teams were waiting for them. All national teams were divided into 4 groups of 3 teams each.

2 best teams of each trio qualified for the knockout stage, which started with the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, and then the third-place match and the final.

The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup was held for the first time with the support of global betting company 1xBet. The Singapore duo of the FIBA and 1xBet was formed under the slogan “Cut the net”, which became a new stage in the history of the prestigious tournament.

The fans highly appreciated the mix of thrill, action, emotion and excitement. Spectacular slam dunks and radio-controlled long throws drew applause from the stands, while the participants of the 1xPartners affiliate program received generous commissions.

Luxury resort The Laurus joins Resorts World Sentosa portfolio in 3Q25

Singapore

Viviana Chan

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April 7, 2025

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Luxury resort The Laurus joins Resorts World Sentosa portfolio in 3Q25

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is set to introduce The Laurus, Singapore’s first property under Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection brand. The resort is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025.

The Luxury Collection sits alongside Marriott’s premium brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and JW Marriott, and focuses on delivering exceptional hospitality coupled with cultural immersion and historical context.

According to The Straits Times, The Laurus—which replaces the former Hard Rock Hotel—will feature 183 suites. Deluxe and premier accommodations will start at 72 square meters, with nightly rates beginning at SG$1,200 ($891).

Interior design is being handled by Bangkok-based firm P49 Deesign, known for its work on JW Marriott Hangzhou, W Hotel Samui, and Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. The five-story property will include courtyard areas, event spaces, an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a new all-day dining restaurant.

Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive of RWS, stated “The Laurus embodies the very essence of our ongoing pivot to offer curated destination experiences as part of RWS’ transformational expansion plans.”

In November 2024, Genting Singapore launched a SG$6.8 billion ($5 billion) expansion project aimed at enhancing RWS’s offerings amid growing global tourism competition. Known as the “RWS 2.0” initiative, the project has already introduced the interactive Harry Potter: Visions of Magic experience (November 2024) and the Minion Land attraction at Universal Studios Singapore (February 2025).

The Singapore Oceanarium, which will replace the S.E.A. Aquarium and triple its space, is expected to open in the first half of 2025.

A waterfront lifestyle complex, currently under development and slated for completion by 2030, will further expand RWS. The development includes two additional luxury hotels providing 700 rooms, complementing the six existing properties: Crockfords Tower, Equarius Hotel, Equarius Villas, Hotel Michael, Hotel Ora, and The Laurus.

The expanded precinct will also feature an 88-meter light installation, an elevated walking path offering views of Sentosa and the Greater Southern Waterfront, and a promenade with retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

Macau records 409k visitors during Ching Ming Festival, up 14.7% yearly

Viviana Chan

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April 7, 2025

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Macau records 409k visitors during Ching Ming Festival, up 14.7% yearly

Macau saw an increase in tourism during the Ching Ming Festival holiday from April 4th to 6th, with visitor arrivals reaching 409,000 over the three days, according to data from the Macau Security Police Force.

This marks a 14.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year, with a daily average of 136,000 visitors.

On Friday, April 4th, visitor numbers peaked at over 173,000, leading authorities to implement crowd control measures near the Ruins of St. Paul’s on both Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Mainland Chinese visitors comprised the majority of arrivals, accounting for 73.7 percent, with 301,000 visitors. Hong Kong residents formed the second-largest group at 17.6 percent (72,000 visitors), while visitors from Taiwan represented 2 percent (8,000) and international tourists made up 6.7 percent (27,000) of the total.

The three-day holiday period coincided with mainland China’s Ching Ming Festival holiday and extended weekends in Hong Kong and Macau, resulting in high border crossing activity.

Officials recorded 2.01 million border crossings during this period, with daily averages of 671,000 crossings. This represents a 10.8 percent increase from the same period last year, when 1.81 million crossings were recorded.

The Border Gate (Gongbei Port) was the most utilized checkpoint, handling 1.01 million crossings and accounting for 50.2 percent of all crossings. The Qingmao Port processed 311,000 crossings (15.5 percent), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge checkpoint recorded 273,000 crossings (13.6 percent), and the Hengqin checkpoint processed 260,000 crossings (12.9 percent).

The Ching Ming holiday period is not typically one that typically draws large tourists to Macau, and caught some retailers and tourism-related business owners by surprise.

BMM Testlabs opens new product testing facility in São Paulo, Brazil

Elsewhere

AGBrief Editorial

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April 7, 2025

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BMM Testlabs opens new product testing facility in São Paulo, Brazil

BMM Innovation Group, a leading technology company focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, has announced the opening of its new BMM Testlabs independent product testing facility in São Paulo, Brazil.

The new lab is designed to meet the growing demand for BMM’s product certification and testing services for Brazil’s digital gaming sector and is strategically positioned to support the land-based gaming market once regulation is finalized. This expansion marks a significant milestone in BMM Testlabs’ continued investment in Latin America.

Marzia Turrini, BMM Testlabs’ President, iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “Brazil represents one of the most exciting emerging markets for digital and land-based gaming. With the launch of our new lab in São Paulo, we reinforce our commitment to helping our customers succeed in this fast-growing market.”

“Our new state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle the immediate needs of Brazil’s regulated fixed odds betting iGaming and sports betting sector and is fully scalable to accommodate land-based gaming testing as soon as legislation is passed. We are proud to be a trusted partner in the growth of a secure, fair, and vibrant gaming industry in Brazil.”

BMM Testlabs gains accreditation in Maranhão-Brazil to test fixed odds betting systems

The São Paulo lab will offer comprehensive product compliance and certification services, supported by a team of local experts trained to BMM’s global standards. This investment ensures timely and efficient service delivery while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and technical excellence.

With over four decades of experience, BMM Testlabs continues to be a trusted partner to gaming regulators, manufacturers, and operators worldwide. The new lab in São Paulo further strengthens BMM’s position as a leading testing and certification provider in Latin America, with offices in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru.

The Star turned back to Bally’s after Salter Brothers Capital withdrew a proposed AU$940 million ($593 million) refinancing plan. The deal with Salter Brothers Capital fell through as specific conditions could not be satisfied within the time frame needed to address the company’s urgent liquidity needs. At the time of the negotiations collapse, The Star was said to have enough cash to run its operations for only another week.

The Star first received the proposal from Bally’s Corporation on March 10th. It encompasses the issue of convertible notes subordinated to The Stars existing senior lenders, potentially convertible into a controlling 50.1 percent stake of The Stars fully diluted ordinary shares.

At the time of the proposal, Bally’s Chairman emphasized that the approach would ‘unlock the best alternative for the star and its shareholders’.

Good Morning. Against all risks. Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has framed the entertainment complex bill currently under discussion as an economic lifeline for the country to offset rising US tariffs on Thai exports. In a recap of the ASEAN Gaming Summit, a panel of industry experts, moderated by Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma, discussed strategies for integrating online and land-based gaming, addressing regulatory challenges, technological advancements, and attracting younger players. Meanwhile, a panel moderated by NYCE International’s Harmen Brenninkmeijer explored the regulatory implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the gaming industry.

What you need to know

Thai deputy PM defends casino bill as vital to counter US tariffs and boost economy, not to promote gambling.
The convergence between the online and land-based space is ever-increasing; watch the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025 panel!
A top group of panelists at the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025 explored the AI and Machine Learning boom, with a particular focus on regulation.

On the radar

Casino revenue grows 28% MoM at Grand Korea Leisure in March.
Visitor arrivals to the Philippines show slight decrease in 1Q25.
Indigenous groups oppose New Zealand’s online gambling reforms.
AGEM Index fell by 9.3% MoM in March, up 32.6% yearly.

AGB Intelligence

THAILAND

Deputy PM says casino bill essential for Thailand’s economic survival

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has strongly defended the upcoming Entertainment Complex bill, which includes provisions for casinos, as a crucial economic strategy to counteract rising US tariffs on Thai exports. Set for parliamentary debate on April 9th, the bill aims to generate significant revenue to mitigate the impact of a 36% tariff hike, far exceeding Singapore’s 10%. Phumtham argued that the legislation is about economic survival rather than promoting gambling, citing support from 80% of over 70,000 participants in a recent online public hearing.

Going Live – Everyone is “Converging” | ASEAN 2025

Lines are getting blurred between the offline and online space as operators increasingly shift towards convergence. But some questions need to be addressed to properly, and legally, provide the crossover. And challenges still remain in trying to attract a younger demographic.

How to Regulate AI and Keep It Fair | ASEAN 2025

The Artificial Intelligence revolution is fully upon us, presenting massive opportunities for innovation but also creating significant questions about oversight and regulation. Top experts examine how AI will shape sports betting and other sectors going forward and what needs to be done now.

Industry Updates

Wynn and ATD collaborate to host Asia Leadership Summit 2025.
SOFTSWISS names Max Trafimovich as International Non-Executive Director.
QTech Games boosts LatAm presence with MINCETUR license in Peru.

Corporate Spotlight

UU Wallet: Bridging traditional finance and Web3 flexibility

UU Wallet unveils comprehensive Digital Finance Solutions at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

With a strong focus on security and efficiency, UU Wallet stands out with its instant cryptocurrency exchange capabilities and globally accepted prepaid card, making it a preferred choice for those navigating the complexities of digital finance.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

A top panel at the ASEAN Gaming Summit takes a particular focus on KYC in the Philippines, with Manavia Limited’s Frank Schuengel drawing out key insights from Sumsub’s Philippines Head of Business Development Chuan Wee Lye and S5 Casino CEO Greffin Manibo.

Highlights

Key Insights

Table of Contents

Platipus Gaming, a leading game provider for online casinos worldwide, is marking its 10th anniversary with an incredible €100,000 online tournament. The event is divided into four stages, each showcasing a unique theme and offering a €25,000 prize pool.

Table of Contents

Highlights

Key Insights

Table of Contents

The Star Entertainment Group has entered into a AU$300 million ($180.8 million) investment agreement with Bally’s Corporation, marking a strategic move to bolster its faltering financial position.

Potential changes to investment structure

Staying true to tradition, the tournament organizers selected Singapore to host the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup for the fourth consecutive time. Over five days, 25 men’s and 23 women’s teams battled for top honors and the title of the strongest national team across two categories.

Table of Contents

Australia’s domination continues

China has taken a big step forward

A pleasant surprise from Japan

Mongolia’s prospects and the Philippines’ breakthrough

Format of the tournament

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is set to introduce The Laurus, Singapore’s first property under Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection brand. The resort is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025.

Macau saw an increase in tourism during the Ching Ming Festival holiday from April 4th to 6th, with visitor arrivals reaching 409,000 over the three days, according to data from the Macau Security Police Force.

BMM Innovation Group, a leading technology company focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, has announced the opening of its new BMM Testlabs independent product testing facility in São Paulo, Brazil.

Table of Contents

Embattled Australian gaming operator The Star Entertainment Group has reportedly reached a refinancing deal with US casino operator Bally’s, which will allow the American operator to control a majority stake in the company.

Table of Contents

What you need to know

On the radar

THAILAND

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

Table of Contents

ENQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACTS