By Natasha Jee & Noor Syahhira Hady
KUCHING: Sarawak’s own TV station — TVS, was officially launched by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud Sunday night (Oct 11) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The grand launching ceremony themed ‘Watching TV at Home’ was in held in conjunction the celebration of with Taib’s 84th birthday. Taib was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib.
The event started off with a welcoming speech by Sarawak Media Group (SMG) chairman Datuk Norhyati Mohd Ismail.
This was then followed by a speech delivered by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The launch then saw Taib pressing a remote-control devise to reveal TVS’ brand new logo.
One of the highlights of the launch was a performance by a renowned Sarawakian singer, model and former beauty pageant winner, Dewi Liana Seriestha.
The event was further embellished with Sarawak’s pride as Yusrizan Usop (Bob Yusof) from Akademi Fantasia Season 2 took to the stage as a P Ramlee impersonator followed by the performance of an Iban singer and songwriter, Melissa Francis, and Nur Nazawani who is an up-and-coming talent.
This was followed immediately with the unveiling of a parade of the 43 new and eclectic faces of news anchors and TV hosts as the ambassadors of TVS.
Also present at the event were Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is minister-in charge of celebration; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, and other state dignitaries and invited guests.
TVS with its tagline ‘We Inspire Your World’ was first premiered on Astro channel 122 on Saturday (Oct 10).
SMG revealed in a statement that the idea to establish the TV station came from Taib supported by Abang Johari.
The channel features various shows focusing on Sarawakian content such as ‘Sarawak Nutrition’, ‘Rhythm of Borneo’, ‘Borneo From Above’, ‘Sarawak Panorama’, ‘Lan Bedagang’, ‘Iban Global’ and ‘Borak Teh C Peng’.
TVS is available on Astro (Channel 122), and can also be accessed on Astro Njoi (Channel 122) and Astro GO nationwide.
TVS personalities, hosts and faces.
