Astro's Desmond Ngai returns to WebTVAsia

WebTVAsia has appointed Desmond Ngai (pictured), former senior assistant VP, OTT at Astro, as SVP, corporate development. Ngai told A+M that he is responsible for identifying and executing new opportunities for strategic partnerships, corporate ventures, M&A and investments, while also leading group corporate communications, government relations and external stakeholder engagement. He reports to Fred Chong, founder and Group CEO, WebTVAsia.

Ngai was with Astro for two years and previously worked at WebTVAsia for close to six years, where he last held the position of SVP, global alliances. Ngai explained that he returned to WebTVAsia because the company is "once again in the driver's seat" following the advent of Web3 and the accelerated emergence of new business model, tools, and platforms for creators.

"I observed how the pandemic opened many new doors in the creator economy like never before, putting it front and centre on the global digital media map. I believe in the renewed vision of the founder and there’s no better place and better timing to pursue this ambition with," Ngai added.

Prior to his time with WebTVAsia, Ngai was head of investment, creative multimedia division at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation for almost three years. During his time there, he handled major foreign direct investments from global content studios across animation, gaming, VFX, film and TV, according to his LinkedIn. He was also previously brand manager, Tonton at Media Prima Digital, where he led the content acquisition, curation and branding for Tonton. Other companies Ngai has worked at include Endemol Shine Group, Total Sports Asia and Schneider Electric.

Ngai said that his immediate priority in his new role is to support the senior management team led by founder and group CEO Fred Chong, on strategic planning to strengthen our market leadership position and diversify into emerging sectors such as Web3. "Concurrently I will also work closely with regional APAC leaders and business heads to accelerate four key growth pillars: digital creator networks, brand and talent solutions, social commerce and content studios," he added.

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