Stars Come Out For MTV Asia Awards

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — The Pussycat Dolls and British pop sensation Leona Lewis added a bit of glamour and sex appeal to MTV's Asia Awards show on Saturday, which showcased the best in global and regional music.

The Grammy-nominated Dolls, who shot to fame in 2005 with their worldwide hit "Don't Cha", strutted their stuff at Malaysia's hilltop Genting Highlands casino resort, packed with 3,000 fans and industry A-listers.They were just one act in a star-studded line-up that included Lewis, OneRepublic, Panic at the Disco, South Korean boy band Super Junior, The Click Five and US dance crew Jabbawockeez.

Singing their latest hit "When I Grow Up", the Pussycat Dolls elicited screams from the hundreds of young fans in the mosh pit with their suggestive dance moves, but the girl group said they were not trying to be provocative.

"We are better prepared this time to perform in Malaysia and we have deep respect for the culture. It is about the music, not about sexy. We are going to respect the people of this country and the culture," said Jessica Sutta.

The group came under fire last year from Muslim authorities here for their raunchy performances and sexy attire, which earned concert promoters a 10,000 ringgit (2,700-dollar) fine.

Lewis, a former winner of the British reality show "X Factor", sang her international hit "Bleeding Love", before scooping the prize for Breakthrough Artist, beating out OneRepublic, pop singer Mika and US rockers Daughtry.

"I just have to thank everyone for helping me come so far. I've had such an amazing time in Asia," Lewis said.

Event host Jared Leto, a US actor who also fronts the band 30 Seconds to Mars, surprised the crowd by hinting that Lewis could be signing at the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics later this month.

"I can't say anything about it yet, but there is a possibility that I will be singing there," she told a press conference after the show.

OneRepublic took home the Best Hook-up award for their collaboration with mega-producer Timbaland on "Apologize", which they performed for the shrieking crowd.

In the Asian categories, Super Junior won the honours for favourite Korean artist, while the "Knockout Award" for the artist with the most influence among Asian youth went to The Click Five.

Thailand's favourite artist was TorSaksit, while Leo Ku won for top Hong Kong artist, besting Canto-pop idol Andy Lau.

US rockers Linkin Park were named Asia's favourite international artist, while Chicosci was named the best Philippines artist. Nicholas Teo won for Malaysia and Yovie & Nuno were tops in Indonesia.

Singapore's top act was the petite Stefanie Sun, a five-time winner of the same award and Taiwan's top pick was Show Lo.

Spiky-haired songstress Li Yuchun was China's favourite artist.

Hong Kong actress-singer Karen Mok was given a special "Inspiration" award for her work as a social activist.

Hong Kong Artists 2008 Beijing Olympics Jackie Chan,Eason Chan and Miriam Yeung

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched its "Hong Kong Saddles Up For Olympics" promotion in Asia, officially rolling out its pan-regional publicity campaign for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Three renowned regional cable channels, namely the AXN, National Geographic Channel and ESPN STAR Sports have joined hands with the HKTB to produce special promotional videos featuring nine celebrities and international sports personalities. The videos, together with a TVC starring HKTB’s tourism ambassador Mr Jackie Chan, is now being aired on the three regional cable channels to reinforce publicity for Hong Kong as an Olympic co-host city, and to highlight Hong Kong’s distinctive living culture and diverse tourism appeal.
At the launch ceremony, HKTB Chairman The Hon James Tien was joined by a host of celebrities appearing in the videos, including Canto-pop singers Eason Chan and Miriam Yeung, Olympics windsurfing gold medallist Lee Lai-shan, Asia and Hong Kong’s leading triathlete Lee Chi-wo, and Hong Kong golf open tournament contender James Stewart. Over a hundred guests joined the event and witnessed how the stars promote Hong Kong’s charm to overseas audience both on stage and in the promotional TVC and vignettes.
"The HKTB started its Olympic promotions in the long-haul markets late last year. Given that summer is traditionally the peak travel season for the short-haul markets, the HKTB will capitalise on Hong Kong’s edge as an Olympic co-host city and step up promotions in the Asian markets," Mr Tien said. "By leveraging the influence of the celebrities and international sports personalities, we hope to widely publicise Hong Kong’s strengths as an Olympic co-host city, so as to elevate Hong Kong’s destination image."
Apart from the celebrities present at the premiere, celebrities Karen Mok and Donnie Yen, former English team captain of Hong Kong Sevens Phil Greening and Hong Kong’s top international jockey Douglas Whyte also participated in the filming of the videos. All featured celebrities shared their joy of Hong Kong being a co-host city of the Beijing Olympics, followed by their vivid introduction of Hong Kong’s local cuisine, shopping and tourist attractions. Some of them even demonstrated their favourite sports.
AXN, ESPN STAR Sports and National Geographic Channel will feature promotional vignettes starring those nine celebrities and the TVC starring Jackie Chan for a month.