Six qualify for 2016 Bintang Kecil final at Stadium Perpaduan on Dec 18

KUCHING: Six young contestants will vie for the title of 2016 Bintang Kecil at the grand finals at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here at 8.30pm on Dec 18.

They are Noor Fazreena Shahdan from Kuching, Azleezatui Najwa Lifp (Sabah), Dania Zafirah Sulaiman (Negeri Sembilan), Feli Stacy Paimin (Sabah), Nurul Maimanah Abdul Qahhar (Melaka) and Mohammad Danial Hafiz Mohammed Zaharum (Perak).

The champion is to receive RM15,000 while the first runner-up RM10,000, second runner-up RM7,000, consolation prize RM3,000 and Best Performance RM1,000.

All winners are also to receive a trophy and a certificate each.

Organised by RTM, this year’s Bintang Kecil is a significant milestone for the competition as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, said state deputy secretary Datu Ismawi Ismuni.

“This is a historical event for RTM not only for Sarawak but also Malaysia. As such, the launch of this 30th Bintang Kecil Coffee Table Book is apt to commemorate and reflect on three decades of the programme’s journey and achievements,” he said.

“There’s a need for RTM to document the programmes and achievements made in the past 30 years,” he added.

Among the notable achievements for Bintang Kecil programme is the recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records as ‘The Longest Production and Broadcast of Children Singing Competition in Radio’ in 2010.

Ismawi highlighted this at the launch of the 30th Bintang Kecil Coffee Table Book and a press conference for the grand finals of the national-level competition at Yayasan Sarawak, Jalan Sultan Tengah here yesterday.

RTM Sarawak Broadcasting director Salmah Ibrahim Melina, its Radio Section principal assistant director Faridah Sulong, its TV Section acting principal assistant director Emma Katika, Yayasan Sarawak director Azmi Bujang as well as young finalists and their parents were among those present.

Ismawi emphasised that the competition served as a platform for children to showcase and develop their talent, character, creativity and wellbeing.

“Through the competition, young children can nurture their talent as well as self-confidence to present themselves before a large audience,” he said.

“It is a key trait to becoming a successful individual. You can be knowledgeable and skillful but without confidence, it is less likely you will be successful,” he added.

He observed the need for children to socialise more, especially through healthy activities as children today lack social skills and physical interaction – their world leaning towards social media for communication.

“It is our responsible and our government’s mission to build and produce generations that are not only knowledgeable and skilful but have strong personality, morals and character,” he said.

He urged the public to watch and support the young contestants, especially from Sarawak, at the grand finals at Stadium Perpaduan this Dec 18.

“We are inviting all Malaysians and not just local people to join us to make this a merrier event.

We welcome our friends from Sabah and all over West Malaysia to come and celebrate this spectacular event,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the grand finals.

Among the distinguished guests are the chief minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Datuk Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, as well as State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar will be.

There are also interesting prizes for the lucky audience.

The grand finals of the 30th Bintang Kecil will be broadcast live on TV1 and TVi at 8.30pm and online radio through its website www.rtmsarawak.gov.my/SARAWAKfm, and live stream at myclip.rtm.com.my.