September 26, 2005

The MTV Asia Awards 2006 Returns To Rock Bangkok

By News Desk

After an unforgettable MTV Asia Aid event in Thailand earlier this year, the iconic MTV Asia Awards returns to rock Bangkok in 2006!

Celebrating the Awards for the fifth consecutive year, the event that celebrates and pays tribute to musical talent across the Asia Pacific region will be held at the IMPACT Arena once more. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25 February 2006, the pan-Asia awards ceremony will be witnessed by thousands of screaming fans and millions of home viewers across the region. Touted to be the most glamorous and memorable annual music event, MTV Asia will be presenting a total of 19 awards (see appendix) during the show to recognise and promote the icons of youth culture and music.

David Flack, Executive Vice President, Creative, Content and Network Marketing, MTV Networks Asia, said, "We are delighted to bring the excitement and glamour of the MTV Asia Awards to Thailand next year. The event has evolved through the years to encourage wider participation among young people across Asia, allowing them to experience the event like no other. This also means greater creativity and flexibility for our sponsors to reach them in an unparalleled manner. So stay tuned, because the event next year will definitely spring a number of surprises."

Since the launch of the MTV Asia Awards in 2002 in Singapore, the event has gained a loyal following among young people aged 15 to 34 years old. Previously hosted by Ronan Keating and Mandy Moore (2002), Shaggy and Coco Lee (2003) and Vanness Wu and Michelle Branch (2004), the phenomenal show brings together a unique blend of East and West, featuring the largest gathering of international and local talent ever seen in the region.

In 2005, the MTV Asia Awards was repositioned into a global benefit, in support of the recovery efforts taking place in Asia, following the aftermath of the tsunami. The event, known as MTV Asia Aid, took place at IMPACT Arena in Bangkok on 3 February 2005. MTV Networks Asia partnered with UNICEF and made them the major recipient of funds collected from the event. Hosted by R&B diva, Alicia Keys, the event saw more than 11,000 fans gathering to show their support for the cause.

The latest updates on the MTV Asia Awards can be found on the official website at www.mtvasiaawards.com from December 1, 2005 onwards. Fans can visit the MTV Asia web sites for more information on Awards related contests and events. The Awards show will be broadcast to over 180 million homes across the region, with portions of the programming airing on MTV's global network of 43 music programming services reaching more than 400 million households and a billion viewers worldwide.

Performers and Awards presenters will be announced in the coming weeks and months.