THE best talents in the Chinese entertainment scene here and in Asia will be honoured at the inaugural Singapore Entertainment Awards later this year.
Winners of the awards, which recognise a spectrum of entertainment ranging from music, movies, radio to concerts, will be announced in March.
The event is by Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) Chinese media outlets including Lianhe Wanbao, Radio 100.3, omy.sg and U-Weekly.
The awards will be an overall review of Asian entertainment movers and shakers who have made an impact on the Singapore entertainment scene in 2008. The qualifying period of artistes to be nominated is from Dec 1, 2007 to Nov 30, 2008.
Nominees are divided into the 'Most Popular' category, which is based on public voting, and the 'Best' category, which is decided by a panel of judges comprising SPH journalists with local and foreign industry experts.
Some of the nominees for "Most Popular Male Singer" include Eason Chan, JJ Lin and Jay Chou. Charlene Choi, Joi Chua and Tanya Chua are among those nominated for "Most Popular Female Singer". Gurmit Singh, Fann Wong and Mark Lee are among the actors nominated for "Most Popular Movie Star".
Public voting for the 12 "Most Popular" categories can be done through SMS, voting hotline 1900-912-0009, or online at http://sgeawards.omy.sg between Jan 12 to Feb 12, The public can also vote at the publicity roadshows in February.
There will be 10,000 tickets, valued at $88 each, to be given out free at media and partners' promotions.
About 200 "stage-front" tickets will go on sale at $88 each at roadshows or at the main lobby of SPH News Centre every Wednesday between 5pm and 7pm starting 18 February.
In conjunction with the awards, a mega entertainment party will be held at the Marina Bay Floating platform Grandstand on March 7.
The awards aim to support and promote the Chinese entertainment industry that popularises the use of the Chinese language, said SPH in a statement on Monday.
"The Singapore Entertainment Awards is first-of-its-kind that gives recognition to the full spectrum of Asian entertainment industry," said Mr Robin Hu, Senior Executive Vice President, Chinese Newspapers & Newspaper Services of SPH.
"While recognising the outstanding achievements of both local and overseas artistes, we are also helping to promote the use of the Chinese language."
