Online event start-up valued at US$2.1 billion

Hopin is a start-up that offers online events software. The company just raised US$125 million. With all the money being thrown at online events, surely one of these platforms will work properly.

Japan’s attempt at building casinos faltering

The government in Japan has been talking about building integrated resorts (with large convention and exhibition space) for years, but one-by-one leading international casino operators have pulled out. Now it seems Genting is losing confidence in the project.

Macau stalls on opening border with Hong Kong

Hong Kong has recorded single digit COVID-19 cases for weeks. Most of the cases have been “imported” (i.e. infections detected in residents returning from overseas). Hong Kong has also already established a travel bubble with Singapore, but Macau’s leader says Hong Kong’s “situation poses risk to Macau.”

China-U.S. relations threaten tech giants

This storyline has been simmering for months and it will continue for months or even years depending on the state of relations between the world’s two largest economies. The Washington Post has a good summary of the current situation.