Hong Kong – The results of a new CASBAA CEO Survey, released at the Convention 2010, reveal growing optimism within the Asia Pacific pay-TV industry, as well as the increasing impact of technological change. Conducted by research specialists Synovate, the survey of 100 CEOs shows that 84 percent plan to expand their businesses “within and beyond” their current markets. HDTV and IPTV services are expected to experience the most growth in the next 12 months – spurred on by mobile entertainment and online video. Despite its current prominence, 3DTV is not expected to have a significant effect on the industry in the near term. Nevertheless, the CEOs recognise they need to be better prepared for the onset of “new media”. Close to half recognised that they need to learn more about emerging platforms. But the optimism is not without caution, with respondents reporting they are particularly wary of the prospect of toughening government restrictions. “Several of our speakers reiterated the value of trusted news and entertainment brands, as well as seeing continued demand for compelling content that can reach viewers across a multitude of platforms,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. “We are seeing new channels and platforms launching across Asia, and the pay-TV industry has exciting convergence opportunities.” The Convention 2010 also marked the debut of new CASBAA Patron member MCOT with AORA TV of Indonesia. MCOT is one of Thailand’s national broadcasters including Modernine TV, MCOT radio stations and The Thai News Agency, Panorama Worldwide. AORA is an Indonesian direct broadcast satellite pay-TV company that is operated by PT Karya Megah Adijaya. 100 senior executives and decision makers across the Broadcast, Content , Technology and Telecoms industries were surveyed online in October 2010 on their outlook for the next 12 months. Asked about their optimism regarding the future of the industry, 68 percent felt that the industry is better than last year’s. 46 percent felt the need to expand in current markets, when asked about their business growth plans in 2011. While both Regulatory (71 percent) and Technology Upgrade (71 percent) are seen as “extremely/quite important” in 2011, a total of 52 percent of the CEOs have plans to increase usage of social media and online tools. Customer retention (85 percent) is the most important emphasis among those surveyed. This is followed by Subscriber growth (70 percent).