PUTRAJAYA – After six years, the Anugerah Seri Angkasa 2022 (ASA 2022) is back to celebrate creative arts industry activists to revive the sector affected by COVID-19.

In line with the theme of ‘Kemuncak Kemerlangan’ (Peak of Excellence), the two-day event which began yesterday was held in a grand manner with a red carpet awaiting the arrival of creative artistes at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here.

The theme is in line with its 50th anniversary and coincides with the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM)’s wish to make the award a catalyst in the production of quality work in the broadcasting industry, especially at the national level.

ASA 2022 was attended by Minister of Communications and Multimedia Tan Sri Annuar Musa on the first night while the climax of today’s celebration is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

ASA which was formerly known as ‘Anugerah RTM’, was initiated by the Ministry of Information in 1972, with the aim of recognising radio and television programmes and practitioners of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).

This prestigious award grew with time over 33 editions which saw an increase in categories and nominations.

For this year, ASA 2022 received 1,354 nominations with 1,035 nominations being for the Television Category, 276 for the Radio Category and 43 for the New Media Category, which was introduced for the first time in accordance with the digital era.

Among the media stations participating in ASA 2022 nomination are Alhijrah Media Corporation, the Islamic Development Department Broadcasting Division, the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and other television stations.

A total of 55 jury members and two auditors consisting of industry players with extensive experience in the industry will evaluate all nominations fairly and transparently.

For the first time, ASA 2022 winners would also receive cash prizes for each winning category as well as trophies.

The 2022 ASA personality and the Special Jury Award figure will each be given cash prizes.

The two main category winners of Best Drama and Best Documentary will also receive Digital Content Funds (DKD) of RM200,000 and RM150,000 respectively.

It aims to help and encourage creative industry practitioners to produce, market and distribute creative content to the local and international markets, especially in the post-Covid-19 phase. – BERNAMA