StarHub expands MIG Pictures partnership to bolster entertainment segment

More collaborations in the works.

In a release, StarHub revealed that it is embarking on closer collaborative ties with leading Malaysian production house MIG Pictures.

"In addition to the plethora of Malay blockbusters that hit the Singapore screens from yesterday, the enhanced partnership will see both StarHub and MIG working together to groom young talents for the regional entertainment industry. This morning, Khor Junyang – a singing talent uncovered by StarHub, has been signed on by MIG as its artiste," said StarHub.

StarHub and MIG’s partnership began in April 2012, in the offering of Malay movies that were not released in local theatres on StarHub TV. The pay-per-view On Demand channel, called Blockbuster Hangat (StarHub TV Channel 117), offers the latest titles just two weeks after their cinema releases in Malaysia.

StarHub added that it is planning to add evem more Malay entertainment options.

"To allow customers a wider variety of Malay entertainment options, StarHub TV has launched a dedicated Malay movie On Demand channel - Dunia Sinema On Demand (Channel 120) yesterday. This subscription-based channel will give customers access to 15 Malay blockbuster titles - many of which are produced by MIG, every month. It will be the first ethnic On Demand channel to be introduced on TV Anywhere, StarHub’s internet TV service, at a later date," said StarHub.

There are also plans to groom Chinese talents uncovered by StarHub.

"Having cemented its leadership position in the Malay film industry, MIG has recently branched out into producing Chinese content too. Harnessing on its strong partnership with StarHub, MIG has signed Junyang, a finalist from Sunsilk Academy Fantasia - a StarHub-produced reality singing competition, as its artiste," StarHub said.

Junyang will sing the theme song of MIG’s first Chinese movie, Glorifying Love, a romantic comedy that stars popular Malaysian actress Emily Chan. MIG is also considering casting the rest of the finalists from Sunsilk Academy Fantasia for potential roles in upcoming films.

Junyang first became popular in Singapore when he participated in Sunsilk Academy Fantasia,last year, charming his way into the audiences’ hearts with his Kpop good looks and easy-going nature. In the 10-weeks long competition, Junyang earned seventh placing with help from loyal fans in Singapore who voted weekly for him. Sunsilk Academy Fantasia was StarHub’s first major foray into content production, and also the world’s first Mandarin version of Academy Fantasia, a popular reality format already popular in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

MIG Pictures, a leading Malaysian production house started in 2000, has produced more than 50 Malay films to date. Adnan Sempit, an MIG film in 2010, made it to Malaysia’s box-office hit of all time, bringing in a whopping 7.8 million ringgit. 

Ms Sandie Lee, StarHub’s Vice President of Content Services, said, “This partnership with MIG Pictures marks an important milestone for us as it underscores our commitment to continually provide the best content for all segments of our customers. We are delighted to once again partner MIG, one of the top production houses in Malaysia, to provide best-in-class entertainment for our viewers.”

“StarHub is the leading pay TV provider with a strong market presence in Singapore. We are confident that with its reach of more than 500,000 households, this partnership will bring about the best of Malay movies for the Singapore audience delivered over a superior network,” said Mr David Teo, Chief Executive Officer of MIG Pictures, “We are grateful that StarHub’s efforts to nurture young talents in Singapore has helped us uncover Junyang whom we consider a rare gem. We look forward to continue our partnership with StarHub, in both bringing the best content to Singapore, and in giving young talents opportunities to shine.”