ATA would remain relevant in Asia

January 12, 2019

Abdul Karim and his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar join other distinguished guests in a photo-call on the ATA 2019 red carpet. Ministry’s permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee is at third right.

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believed Asian Television Awards (ATA) would remain relevant in the region as it provided a common avenue for talented producers from Asia.

As such, he said it was vital for Sarawak to support the awards because it could showcase the diverse selection of coveted programmes ‘from Asia and beyond’.

“The awards are also good testimonies on the promising future of Asian programming standards and potential, while encouraging television producers from Asia to excel further in order to enter the global stage,” said Karim, as reported by TheBorneoPost, when giving his welcoming speech during the 23rd ATA gala dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night. 

Visit Sarawak Campaign

According to him, there was a growing interest in original stories based in Asia and also those made by Asian producers, in reflection of the increasing number of audience who were seeking something fresh and exciting.

“If I may say this – even Malaysian film directors such as James Wan is now a popular figure in Hollywood because of the recent movie ‘Aquaman’, which was directed by him.

“Hence, there is a huge potential for Asian television producers to become well-known on the international scene and I believe that the ATA can further motivate them to become more competitive, creative and innovative,” he added.

Abdul Karim also said it was timely for Sarawak to host this year’s ATA given that it had just launched its ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign (VSC) 2019’ which is the initiative undertaken by the Sarawak government, his ministry as well as Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) with the primary objective of pushing local tourism industry to greater heights.

More than 50 top Asian celebrities attended the gala dinner. 

Among them were Cheng Rexen, Maneerat Kum-Uan, Hu Gua, Ah Xiang and Louis Scott.

The night also featured an impressive line-up of top Asian performing acts such as SF9, Alvin Chong, Gary Valenciano, Kiana Valenciano and Winnie K.

The event marked the city’s maiden hosting of the ATA, which is said to be gathering over 2,000 international visitors at the prestigious award show today.

The ATA 2019, to be telecast live tonight and expected to be viewed by 500 million people across the globe, will present awards across 14 categories including ‘Best Documentary Programme’, ‘Best New Programme’, ‘Best Talk Show’, ‘Best Children’s Programme’, ‘Best Sports Programme’, ‘Best Cinematography’ and ‘Best Original Screenplay’.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the ceremony.

Launched in 1996, ATA is the most significant and celebrated event for the television industry in Asia, recognising excellence in programming, production and performance coming from this region. -@ybkarimsays