From fandoms and online communities to live events and digital storytelling, entertainment culture is evolving faster than ever — reshaping how audiences gather, participate, and form identity around the media they love.

Bringing together leaders from journalism, cultural curation, publishing, and events, this panel explores the shifting relationship between media, entertainment, and communities across Asia. Speakers will discuss the rise of niche and grassroots fandoms, the growing influence of digital-native subcultures, and how brands, platforms, and institutions are adapting to increasingly participatory audiences and emerging business opportunities in the space.

The conversation will also examine the evolution of media and journalism platforms beyond traditional publishing — including the growing role of festivals, conferences, community activations, and live experiences as extensions of editorial storytelling and audience engagement. Along the way, the panel will unpack changing audience behaviors, new models for community-building and monetization, and the future of geek culture, fandom, and entertainment ecosystems in an increasingly connected digital world.