SINGAPORE/HONG KONG - 28 May 2008: MTV Networks Asia's flagship show - MTV Asia Awards (MAA) 2008 is all set to take over the Malaysian music scene! The highly anticipated pan-regional music event is back for the 6^th year running, bringing music excitement to all music fans in over 9 markets in Asia. For the first time, the Awards show that celebrates and pays tribute to regional and international music talent will be held at the Arena of Stars in Genting- City of Entertainment, Malaysia on 2 August 2008 and will be hosted by Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars. The MTV Asia Awards 2008 will be broadcasted to over 291 million homes across the region, and promoted on MTV Asia's web-site.  Portions of the programming will be carried on MTV channels worldwide, reaching more than a billion viewers across 162 countries.

This year's host Jared Leto is an accomplished singer and actor. In 1998, Jared Leto formed the band 30 Seconds to Mars in which he is the lead vocal and guitarist. Their second album A Beautiful Lie was certified platinum by RIAA in 2006. Since then, the band has picked up the MTV2 Award at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards for music video, The Kill, as well as bringing home the Best Rock Video and Video of the Year at the 2007 MTV Australia Video Music Awards. Leto also garnered critical acclaims for his role in Requiem For A Dream, after which he went on to work with David Fincher on Fight Club and Panic Room.

"It's an honor to be a part of what I'm sure will be an exciting and unforgettable night in a magical and beautiful country," says Leto.  "MTV has been an important home for 30 Seconds to Mars throughout our worldwide journey.  I am very proud to join everyone in such a unique and gorgeous location like Malaysia.  It is going to be a crazy and wonderful night."

Amit Jain, Executive Vice President, Managing Director of MTV Networks Southeast Asia, China and India, said, "The MTV Asia Awards 2008 will set a new benchmark on the Asian music scene and is revving up unparalleled excitement for music fans across Asia.  We are thrilled to present MAA for 2008 to Malaysia - for the first time. MTV viewers can expect a better and bolder event with a great lineup of some of the biggest names internationally and regionally.  With increased participation of the youth across Asia in MAA, on-air, online or mobile, our partners will benefit tremendously from their association with MAA. For the youth, MAA signifies once again a platform on which their voices and their music preference can be heard.

Over the years, the annual MTV Asia Awards show has grown in size and notoriety, strengthening MTV's position as a forerunner in the music industry. Its success has also brought about strong brand association for sponsoring partners. This year, joining the ranks of our valued regional partners are edc by Esprit, Tourism Malaysia and Genting- City of Entertainment, local sponsor is Xpax in Malaysia.

President Esprit Brand, Thomas Grote said, "We are truly excited to be a part of the MTV Asia Awards 2008. The collaboration between edc by Esprit and MTV Networks International marks edc's first major activity as a stand-alone brand, kicked off by the sponsorship of the European Music Awards 2007 in Munich. Asia is an extremely important key market for edc. Based on our experience from the EMAs, we are convinced that the collaboration between edc and MTV will increase brand awareness in Asia remarkably."

Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General, Tourism Malaysia said, "Tourism Malaysia is happy to be given this opportunity to participate in the MTV Asia Awards 2008. In fact, in recent years, Malaysia has been a top-choice venue for many international events. It reflects our commitment to promote Malaysia not just as a leading holiday destination but as a preferred venue for events of this stature."

"Genting-City Of Entertainment is definitely looking forward to play host to the prestigious MTV Asia Awards 2008 at world class amphitheatre, Arena of Stars. The arena has set the stage for a pantheon of A-list entertainers from around the world. The 6,000 capacity arena delivers only top-notch quality sound and lighting system and has always been the ideal choice for a variety of events. We are sure that our collaboration with MTV in Asia, which has garnered a large fan-base across Asia over the years, will assist to drive more tourist arrival from around the world to both Malaysia and Genting as we extend Visit Malaysia Year to 2008. We are very much looking forward to extend our hospitality and to offer a memorable stay to them while they are up at our Resort," said Dato' Anthony Yeo, Senior PR & Communications, Resorts World Bhd.

"M" IS BACK AND BETTER.

The glamorous music affair will be witnessed by thousands of screaming fans and millions of homes viewers across the region, reinvigorating their passion for music. MTV will be presenting a total of 16 awards (see appendix) during the show to honour and promote the icons of youth culture and music. There will be 9 regional favourite artist awards and 7 international awards which include exciting additions such as The Video Star Award, Breakthrough Artist, The Innovation Award, Best Hook-Up, Bring Da House Down Award and edc Style Award.

Be prepared to be knocked out by the spanking new refreshing format of the Awards. With live music at the centre stage, expect nothing but a whole night of exciting performances. The highlight is on pure music entertainment with five sets of live acts in the evening, each performing sets of two to three songs. In a nutshell, "M" is back and Better! 

To foster interaction with the audiences, MTV Asia Awards is now going on multi-platforms to allow fans to call the shots on the 10 voting categories come 14 June. A novel dimension to the Awards is the "So You Wanna Be A Presenter" contest where local viewers submit their coolest and quirkiest video to http://www.mtvasiaawards.com/ for the chance to present the nominees in the awards show. The winner will get an exclusive VIP treatment in the show and may even sit next to his/her idol!

The latest updates on the MTV Asia Awards 2008 can be found on the official website at http://www.mtvasiaawards.com/ and WAP site at wap.mtvasia.com/maa from 14 June onwards. Fans can visit the official website for more information on Awards related contests and events.

Official partner sponsors for the MTV Asia Awards 2008 are edc by Esprit, Tourism Malaysia and Genting- City of Entertainment. Local sponsor is Xpax in Malaysia.

More details about the Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Note to Editor

Digital pictures and biodata of artists are available at www.mtvasiaawards.com/press/
Username: maapress08
Password: press@08

• - End -
  
  About MTV Networks in Asia and the Pacific

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks in Asia and the Pacific comprises three distinctly branded channels in the region reaching more than 400 million households: MTV, the world's largest television network and the leading multimedia brand for youth; Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids; and VH1, the music video network that keeps adult viewers connected to the music they love. In Asia and the Pacific, MTV and Nickelodeon's businesses also include branded consumer products, program sales and digital media comprising of 19 websites, three broadband services and various mobile platforms. MTV Networks in Asia and the Pacific has a total of 25 channels which are seen via 24-hour and programming blocks.

About edc by Esprit

edc by Esprit was launched in 1998 as a young label by Esprit and became a stand-alone brand under the Esprit Group in 2007. Separate marketing, worldwide expansion of edc stores with an individual store concept as well as an own edc headquarters emphasize the independence of the brand.

In the 2006/2007 business year, Esprit Holdings Limited generated a worldwide group turnover of around EUR 2.8 billion (as of 30.6.2007). The net profits increased to around EUR 488 million with growth of 39 per cent in comparison to the previous year. The share of Esprit Holdings Limited is listed on the Hong Kong stock market and is included in both the Hang Seng Index and in the MCSI Index Hong Kong, as well as in the FTSE All World Index for Hong Kong. The Group operates more than 650 directly managed retail stores worldwide and distributes its products via more than 14,000 wholesale locations around the globe. The company has more than 950,000 square metres of sales area in more than 40 countries.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, or Tourism Malaysia, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia. Its mission is to market Malaysia as a destination of excellence and to make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation.

It strives to increase awareness of Malaysia's exciting attractions and activities - its unique potpourri of Asian cultures; centuries old rainforest that is home to exotic flora and fauna; wildlife sanctuaries; incredible caves and some of the best dive spots in the world.

Ultimately, its aim is to increase the number of foreign tourists to Malaysia, extend the average length of their stay and, in doing so, increasing Malaysia's tourism revenue. Tourism Malaysia also aspires to develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).

The activities undertaken by Tourism Malaysia are designed to stimulate Malaysian tourism and tourism-related industries. This helps promote new investments in the country while providing increased employment opportunities. The growth of Malaysian tourism will contribute positively to the country's economic development and quality of life.

Tourism Malaysia undertakes promotional activities internationally and domestically supported by 45 overseas offices in 33 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/.
Genting - City of Entertainment

Since the opening of the first hotel in 1971, Genting Highlands Resort has continued to grow from strength to strength. 1989 saw Resorts World Bhd being listed on the main board of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

Only an hour's drive from the Malaysian federal capital, Genting Highlands Resort features six hotels (Genting Hotel, Highlands Hotel, Resort Hotel, First World Hotel, Theme Park Hotel and Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort) with over 10,000 guest rooms, over 90 distinctive dining outlets, an alluring shopping paradise with over 80 stores, pulsating indoor and outdoor theme parks with more than 50 fun rides, international shows and concerts by renowned performers, gaming facilities, and Malaysia's largest column free convention center with 18 meeting rooms with a combined capacity of over 5,500 pax. The Resort also operates the Genting Skyway, which is the longest cable car in Southeast Asia, spanning 3.38km from the mid-hill at Gohtong Jaya to Highlands Hotel at the peak.

The completion of phase one of the RM1 billion First World Complex, comprising the First World Hotel, First World Plaza and Genting International Convention Centre, in mid 2001 has transformed the Resort into one of the largest world-class resort destinations in Asia-Pacific. In December 2005, First World Hotel completed its construction of Tower 2 and became the largest hotel in the world with 6,118 rooms.

In recognition for its contribution to tourism excellence in Malaysia, Genting - City of Entertainment and its parent company, Resorts World Bhd have been regular winners of international awards and accolades.

For more information, please contact:

Mok Ho Yan
MTV Networks Asia
P: 852-2313-8018 (direct)
Email: mokhy@mtv-asia.com

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