MEDIA LAUNCH BRIEFING OF CHANNEL 801/802 OF ASTRO ARENA

I was invited to the media conference for Astro Arena (a dedicated channel to Malaysian Sports). There is no terrestrial television which dedicates one particular channel to our local sporting events. Kudos to Astro Arena for being the first (even though on cable but still an excellent platform to promote Malaysian sports). Astro Arena is on channel 801 and for this weekend 802 as well as to complement the amount of thrilling events in our local sports.

4 main events happening this weekend are:

[1] CIMB Malaysian Open 2011 on 23 July at 2.30pm (Channel 801). Let's cheer for our very own Datuk Nicol David and Azlan Iskandar!

[2] One of the most anticipated match which will determine our Harimau Malaysia's journey towards the FIFA World Cup 2014. Harimau Malaysia versus Singapore will be aired "live" on 23 July in Arena Bola Sabtu on Channel  801 at 7pm. Don't miss this!

[3] For the first time, the 2011 ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur will be aired "live" on Channel 802 on 23 July between 2-6pm. Astro Arena will also be airing the semi final and final of the same event on 24 July at 2pm on Channel 801.

[4] Cub Prix, Round 6 will be aired "live" from Alor Setar, Kedah on 23 July at 2.30pm pm Channel 811 Astro Supersport.

At the same media conference, Astro Arena announced they will launching 4 new programmes for this month and August 2011:

[1] Arena Sukan. This programme will be helmed by non other than the veteran Datuk Rahim Razali. He will speaking to sports personalities and legends. The first guest hinted by Mr Venu Ramadass, Channel Manager for Astro Arena will be Sultan Azlan Shah who has such passion and enthusiasm for hockey. This programme will be on every Friday at 11.30pm commencing on 29 July.

[2] Sehari Bersama.This magazine show will be hosted by Edleen Ismail. This programme focuses on the life of an athlete (this includes their lifestyle and everything in between their training and competition). So if you want to know more of your favorite athlete, tune in!

[3] Forum. This 15 minute daily programme features special guests in the Arena studios. This program is hosted by Sharon Wee (ex-national squash player). This program will be divided into 2 segments. One segment focuses on viewers feedback on local sporting issues whilst the second segment is an avenue for event organizers to promote their sporting tournaments.

[4] To reminisce the glory days of football with popular players like Santokh Singh, Soh Chin Aun, R Arumugam and the late Mokthtar Dahari, this programme is catered for you. Aptly titled Retro Bola Sepak, this programme will transport viewers back to the good old days of the game with classic matches.

From left: Sharon Wee (ex-national squash player), Siamet Sazly Yakub (Magazine Producer) and Venu Ramadass (Channel Manager)

Venu Ramadass and Sharon Wee at a photocall session

Venu Ramadass and Sharon Wee discussing the details of Astro Arena's Forum