Indonesian corporate figure Susanto Lim (second left) hands over the award to Zee during the ‘Top Asia Corporate Ball 2018’ in Jakarta.
KUCHING: Sarawak-born Zee Avi received ‘International Young Artiste Award’ at this year’s ‘Top Asia Corporate Ball’, in Jakarta, Indonesia last weekend.
The singer-songwriter also performed at the event, hosted by ‘Top 10 of Indonesia’ and ‘Top 10 of Asia Initiative’. It gathered key business personalities and celebrities from Indonesia and other Asian countries.
“It’s an honour to receive an award that recognises my hard work and achievements, but this would not have been possible without the great people in my team, who have helped me along the way,” said Zee.
The Top Asia Corporate Ball 2018 presented various awards to outstanding Asian personalities from different fields and industries.
The ‘International Young Artiste Award’ was given to Zee in recognition of her ‘exceptional musical talents and achievements in the international music arena’.
Zee kicked off her music career more than a decade ago, and has since gained a number of accolades under her belt.
Apart from running successful international tours and having albums that hit the Billboard charts, Zee also received a Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK) medal from Sarawak government, and won a ‘Golden Horse Award’ for her song ‘Arena Cahaya’ (Arena of Light).
Nevertheless, Zee strives to remain grounded and grateful for her past, despite is having achieved international fame and accomplishments.
“I’d say my most memorable moment is actually where it all started. I remember being in my bedroom, feeling giddy about posting a new song on YouTube in 2007.
“At that time, I went by the moniker ‘Koko Kaina’ – there are still fans who call me that. I’m a nostalgic person by nature, so I do treasure those moments the most,” she said.
Zee also encouraged up-and-coming musical talents to be inspired and creative.
“Write your songs, but you have to be prepared to play more than one role. Many think that being in the entertainment industry is just about fame’; in reality, however, it’s a lot of hard work.
“You need to learn about the business side as well. The rewarding part of being an artiste is sharing your art with the world, and knowing that it can help someone feel less lonely, or (make them) happier,” she said, adding that her third album is expected to be lunched next year.