Part I

As an IP management company, "change to adapt" has become an important motto for Medialink Group Limited, especially when a business needs to swim across the changing currents. Enhancing the company’s relevance and having operated in Asia for 30 years with a strong network to bet on, one of Medialink’s wagers has been investing in the growth of their channel arm.

“We launched Ani-One channel on OTT platforms in Asia in 2017 and YouTube in 2022. From one channel on OTT platforms in Asia and one Ani-One Asia channel on YouTube, we now have 22 channels on OTT platforms across Asia—Ani-One Asia and four sub-channels in Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines,” explained Lovinia Chiu, Chairman, Executive Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Medialink.

“We also have Ani-Mi channel on YouTube for Chinese anime. The sub-channels provide localised content for the local markets, reaching more local fans. The strong acceptance of Ani-Mi, as well as Chinese anime by the Asian market also reveals a robust appetite for anime,” Lovinia continued. 

Lovinia Chiu

Chairman, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer 

Medialink Group Limited

Among the anime series that are active during the six months ended 30 September 2023, the new and most popular titles are “Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2”, “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War”, “Oshi No Ko”, “Dr Stone Season 3 Part 1”, “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Season 2”, “Mashle: Magic and Muscles”, and “The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today”.

“These titles are not self-produced,” Lovinia clarified, “but we have distribution rights and merchandising rights in Asia.” 

Looking ahead, the company plans to continue this momentum by launching more localised channels, including enhancing their relevance in different regions across Indonesia and India. These channels will feature near-simulcast programming with Japanese TV broadcasts, ensuring timely access to popular content. Additionally, Medialink is exploring opportunities for locally produced shows to engage their audiences further.

“Our channel expansions reflect Medialink’s commitment to being a culturally adaptive and responsive entertainment provider, bridging the gap between global content and local preferences,” explained Lovinia.

From a streamer, Medialink has continued the extension of their profile further to include being that of a financier.

“We also invested in movies like “My Heavenly City” and the Chinese-produced animation, “Kiki & Nuna 2”, among other animation series and movies that we have the master licence rights to distribute in Asia,” Lovinia concluded.

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Look out for Part II: Combating Growing Challenges, as Medialink remains a successful case study.