"NFT"is a unique type of asset in the art as well as technology world. In 2021, a digital art collection of 101 cartoon apes was sold for USD24.4 million, setting a record high at Sotheby's online auction. This case first briefly introduces the auction industry and Sotheby's, including both its online and offline contemporary art sales. Students will gain an appreciation of how NFT can disrupt and challenge traditional markets. It also exhibits the projects Sotheby's undertook to bridge the gap between the burgeoning market of NFTs and the physical collectible market. Then it describes how an NFT was sold, as well as the costs and risks involved. Finally, it brings about the "what's next" question for auction houses like Sotheby's, marketers, art collectors and all stakeholders at the intersection of art and technology.

When Timothy Yu and Katherine Cheung, Snapask's CEO and Chief Marketing Officer, respectively, decided to enter the Indonesian market, they knew that this wouldn't be a snap. Snapask was an education technology company that applied machine learning and mobile cloud services to make education more effective, personalized, and accessible to everyone. After an uncertain kickoff in Hong Kong SAR, a very successful entry in China Taiwan, and relevant experience in the Southeast Asian region, Timothy and Katherine had learned that an in-depth knowledge of their stakeholders and the target educational context were key for their success. During the two-month pilot program in Indonesia, Katherine found out that their existing subscription model did not fit the market. Instead of monthly or yearly subscriptions, the Indonesian students expected to pay by prepaid cards. How could Snapask market and price its product in this different context? In Indonesia, Katherine had to adjust the strategy and formulate a proposal for Timothy accordingly.

This case explores how a creative agency in Southeast Asia created the region's first virtual influencer. The client, a prominent global sports and lifestyle brand, wanted someone to run a campaign to promote its new line of sneakers. Because Southeast Asia is an incredibly diverse region, the agency struggled to find an influencer who would appeal across all markets. Eventually, it decided to create its own influencer, using artificial intelligence and the latest 3D-rendering techniques. Through the case, students will study the factors that led the agency to make such a decision, and examine how virtual influencers compare with traditional flesh-and-blood ones, in terms of marketing appeal, cost, and other factors. They will also consider the question of how sustainable virtual influencers are as a marketing tool for future campaigns.

FinVolution Group, previously known as PPDAI (PaiPaiDai), was the first P2P (peer-to-peer) lending company in China. With more than a decade's experience in the online consumer financial industry, the group has developed its core capabilities and a business model that is working well in China. It has gained extensive knowledge and experience in credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data and artificial intelligence. Its online platform links underserved individual borrowers with financial institutions. By showing how FinVolution has developed its competitive advantages and built a successful online lending business model in China, this case provides an opportunity for students to discuss what factors have led to the success of a fintech company. It raises the question of whether a successful fintech business model developed in one country can be ported to another country. It also highlights the regulatory change challenges facing fintech companies, especially P2P lending companies.