Asia
OCA Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with Tencent
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Chinese internet and technology giant Tencent to promote the development of electronic sports in Asia with Asian Electronic Sports Federation through the Asian Electronic Esports Development Conference.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding took place during the Asian Electronic Sports Development Conference on Thursday, January 20 held jointly by the OCA and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), which is the governing body for esports in the continent.
The conference and MOU signing ceremony, themed “Blooming in Asia”, was conducted online and attended by the OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, AESF President Kenneth Fok, Tencent Senior Vice President Steven Ma and other officials from AESF and Tencent.
Esports will be appearing in the OCA’s 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 10-25, 2022 for the first time as an official medal sport after being a demonstration sport at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018.
The OCA Director General said: “The Olympic Council of Asia is delighted to build up a strategic cooperation with Tencent. We are sure that Tencent’s technology and innovation will help the OCA and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation create more exciting possibilities for the digital electronic sports industry in Asia.”
The parties discussed the development of esports and of traditional sports in Asia as well as the OCA-AESF “Road to Asian Games” continent-wide project already in place for Hangzhou 2022.
Tencent’s Steven Ma thanked the OCA for its trust and said Tencent would continue to support the OCA in promoting the long-term development of esports and traditional sports in general, and in preparing for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. He promised that Tencent would work with Asian countries to jointly create an esports culture with Asian characteristics and promote the prosperity and development of the esports industry in Asia and around the world.
AESF President Kenneth Fok said: “The significance and progress of the Road to Asian Games will determine national team selection for Asian countries across various esports titles and mark an important step for the inclusion of esports in national level multisport competitions.”
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Asia
KONAMI GROUP’s Konami Gaming Inc. First to Submit Manufacturer License Application in Japan’s Emerging IR Market
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION’s long-established gaming & systems group company Konami Gaming Inc. announced it has become the first manufacturer to submit license applications with the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC), government regulatory agency set forth by The Cabinet of Japan. Additionally, Konami is the first manufacturer to file across all applicable license categories. These filings represent milestone events for the nation’s regulatory framework, as Japan’s emerging integrated resort (IR) market progresses in responsible development. As a leading manufacturer of casino games and technology in 400+ regulated markets worldwide, Konami is taking proactive measures in support of the Japan IR market, highly relevant to the organisation’s rich heritage as a Japanese company.
“Konami’s early filing demonstrates our commitment and readiness to engage constructively with Japan’s regulatory framework from the outset. We have approached this process with a focus on transparency, preparation, and alignment with the stringent standards established by the JCRC,” said Lori Olk, senior vice president & chief compliance officer at Konami Gaming Inc.
Construction is currently underway for the first integrated resort in Japan—an expansive development planned for 2030 opening by one of the world’s largest casino and entertainment operators. Against this backdrop, Konami’s early submission positions the company to participate during the formative stages of this emerging regulated market. Committed to the long-term health of Japan’s IR market, Konami has invested significant resources in localisation, documentation and operational planning to ensure alignment with the nation’s legal, regulatory and cultural expectations. The supplier has leveraged its longstanding compliance infrastructure, governance processes and global licensing experience to fulfill detailed requirements of the Japanese regulatory framework.
“This milestone in Konami’s application process with the JCRC represents a significant, coordinated effort across multiple business units and jurisdictions, supported by decades of experience operating in highly regulated gaming markets worldwide. As Japan continues to expand its IR framework, Konami remains focused on supporting regulatory objectives and partnering with stakeholders to deliver compliant, high-quality gaming solutions tailored to the needs of the Japanese market,” said Tom Jingoli, president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming.
The post KONAMI GROUP’s Konami Gaming Inc. First to Submit Manufacturer License Application in Japan’s Emerging IR Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
The UAE Lottery joins SAGIP outreach with Philippine Consulate and Infinite Communities
The UAE Lottery, operated by The Game LLC (a Momentum Group company), participated in the SAGIP community outreach initiative on 28 June, 2026 at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, alongside the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates and Infinite Communities.
SAGIP—“Rescue” in Filipino—was positioned by organisers as an immediate support programme for Filipino community members navigating difficult circumstances. The session combined career coaching, counselling and wellness assessments, alongside distribution of essential grocery packs.
The programme also drew voluntary support from local Filipino businesses, HR practitioners, medical and healthcare professionals, psychologists and community volunteers, according to the organisers.
Consul Aleah Marie Gica said: “The Filipino community in the UAE has always demonstrated resilience and unity during difficult times. Community outreach programs such as SAGIP reflect the strength of collaboration between institutions and community organisations working together to support those most in need.”
Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite Communities, said: “Through our Good Neighbour initiative and our collaboration with The UAE Lottery and the Philippine Consulate, we hope to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward with dignity and confidence.”
Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director of CSR at Momentum – The UAE Lottery, added: “At a time when many members of the Filipino community are facing various challenges, we aim to provide not only immediate relief through grocery pack distribution, but also pathways toward resilience and renewed opportunities. Through our HR specialists who volunteered their time and expertise, the career coaching sessions were designed to help beneficiaries navigate uncertainty, regain confidence, and reconnect with employment opportunities through practical advice and guidance.”
The post The UAE Lottery joins SAGIP outreach with Philippine Consulate and Infinite Communities appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
appointments
OS Studios names Ishaan Arya country manager to lead India expansion
OS Studios has appointed Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India, tasking him with leading the agency’s expansion across newly established hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai. The appointment was announced on 25 June, 2026 in Bengaluru.
OS Studios, a Project Worldwide agency, said it recently entered the Indian market and will deploy its ‘Fan Z’ approach for brands looking to engage with gaming, esports and live events audiences in South Asia. The company said the expansion will leverage the infrastructure and production capabilities of sister agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) India.
“The future of gaming will be shaped by the communities that care about it most, and few markets embody that more than India,” said John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios. “To build something meaningful, you have to be part of the culture, not looking in from the outside. Ishaan understands that better than anyone. He’s exactly the kind of leader we want building the future of OS Studios in India.”
In the role, Arya will oversee operations, drive strategic brand partnerships, and scale local capabilities, according to the company. “Brands are investing heavily in Indian gaming, but true fan experience is too often an afterthought,” said Rasheed Sait, Chief Growth Officer for India and South Asia at Project Worldwide. “Alongside GPJ India’s experiential footprint, OS Studios will set a new standard for fan engagement in the region.”
Arya previously co-founded The Esports Club and most recently served as Vice President of Partnerships at Nodwin Gaming, where he led Comic Con India. “A massive gap remains between brand intent and authentic community engagement in India,” said Arya. “I’m thrilled to leverage Project Worldwide and GPJ India’s operational strength to build culture-defining experiences for brands and fans alike.”
The post OS Studios names Ishaan Arya country manager to lead India expansion appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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