Pesta Perdana 2025: A celebration of Malay entertainment icons and 25 remarkable years of Suria

Singapore, 25 May 2025 – Lights, music, and celebration filled The Theatre at Mediacorp on 24 May as Pesta Perdana returned for its 18th edition, shining the spotlight on creative excellence within Singapore’s Malay entertainment industry. Themed “A Moment for a Lifetime”, this year’s ceremony carried added significance as it marked the silver jubilee of Suria, Mediacorp’s Malay channel.

The celebrations began in spectacular fashion with Pesta Perdana Glam 2025, the red-carpet prelude hosted by Mediacorp RIA 897’s Azura Goh and Fadli Kamsani, together with on-screen favourites Fikah Zainal and Zhin Sadali. Celebrities arrived in glamourous ensembles, engaging in lively banter and reliving throwback moments that celebrated Suria’s legacy and iconic content over the past 25 years.

The awards ceremony, helmed by popular hosts Era Farida, Farhana M Noor, Fauzie Laily, and Najip Ali, took audiences on a vibrant journey throughout the presentation of 25 awards across performance, programme and personality categories.

One of the biggest winners of the night was Operandi Gerhana, a gripping period crime series produced by Infinite Studios. Inspired by true events in 1950s Singapore, the story follows two constables as they investigate the kidnapping of their superior officer amidst gangland unrest. Featuring a diverse cast from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia, the series clinched the coveted “Best Drama Series” award. Operandi Gerhana also marked Infinite Studios’ first commissioned Malay drama for Mediacorp, stemming from a pitch at the inaugural Creatives Assembly in 2021. Adding to its success, the show’s stars Carmen Soo and Jamie Aditya picked up the “Best Actress – Drama Series” and “Best Supporting Actor – Drama Series” awards respectively – both earning their first win, first nomination, and first performance in a Malay-language series for Mediacorp.

Applauding the craft of performance, Norman Ishak took home both “Best Actor – Drama Series” for Cerita Dia Macam Ni and “Best Supporting Actor – Telemovie / Anthology” for Bingit Season 5, affirming his versatility and depth as an actor. Norman also clinched the “Most Popular Male Personality” award, as voted by audiences. On the female front, Wahyu Rahman was named “Most Popular Female Personality,” with both talents recognised for their strong connection with viewers and lasting impact on the local entertainment landscape.

In recognition of outstanding digital storytelling that resonates with today’s evolving audiences, Unboxing Seni, produced by Mediacorp Eaglevision, clinched the “Best Digital Short-Form Content” award—marking Mediacorp Eaglevision’s first win in this category. Hosted by Zaki Hussain, the series takes viewers on a journey through Malay art forms, highlighting their heritage and cultural richness.

On the audio front, “Best Theme Song” went to Setitis Harapan from the telemovie Mencari Hajar. Composed by Mayuni Omar, with lyrics by Lea Samudera and vocals by Hazrul Nizam, the soulful track marks Mayuni’s fourth win in this category—reaffirming his enduring influence on musical storytelling in our local dramas. Meanwhile, the “Best Audio Programme” award was presented to Real Talk Bersama Nity Baizura on Mediacorp RIA 897, produced and hosted by Nity Baizura, marking her second win in this category. Over at Mediacorp WARNA 942, Mariam Mas’od took home her first “Best Radio DJ” award for her work on Espresso WARNA, earning the accolade on her very first nomination.

The evening also honoured legendary contributions to the industry with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”, presented to Mr Husin Saaban. A pioneer in Malay comedy, Husin began his journey in the 1960s and has left a profound impact across television, theatre, and children’s entertainment. The award was presented by Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, alongside Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, in a moving moment of recognition. Please see Annex A for the full list of winners.

Beyond celebrating talent, the awards show enthralled audiences with lively musical and dance performances. The night featured a bold reinterpretation of Malam Gemilang by Projek Lagu winner Yanto Sani, joined by familiar faces from Anugerah, SG Mania and Juara Mic Junior. Singapore Idol alumni Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza, and Sezairi also delivered standout performances of their signature hits, before teaming up for a powerful finale. Adding a regional touch, acclaimed Malaysian artistes Anuar Zain and Nadeera Zaini delivered heartfelt performances that highlighted shared cultural ties.

Angeline Poh, Chief Customer & Corporate Development Officer, Mediacorp, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at this edition of Pesta Perdana. Celebrating Suria’s 25th anniversary alongside these remarkable talents is not only a tribute to individual achievements, but also to the vibrant growth of Singapore’s Malay entertainment scene. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with these creative minds, as they continue to inspire and captivate audiences here and beyond!”

Relive the magic of Pesta Perdana Glam and the awards ceremony via mewatch and Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube.

For more information, visit mediacorp.sg/pestaperdana.

Media contact

Priyah Sitran Pandian

Communications Associate

Priyah.Sitranpandian@mediacorp.com.sg

About Mediacorp

Mediacorp is Singapore’s national media network and largest content creator, engaging 99 percent of the population weekly across four languages on its digital, TV, radio, and social media platforms. The company prides itself on creating compelling and trusted content that connects communities and inspires people.

Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp reaches a global audience through its award-winning news service, CNA, and globally distributed content that has won numerous industry accolades, including from the New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia), and the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

As the nation’s media network, Mediacorp champions the diverse pool of local talent and the growth of the creative and media industry, through co-creation, partnerships and providing learning opportunities to groom the next generation of creators and media professionals.

For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.  

Annex A: Full list of Winners

Personality categories

Best Actor - Drama Series (Pelakon Lelaki Terbaik - Drama Bersiri)
Norman Ishak	Cerita Dia Macam Ni	By Apparatus

Best Actress - Drama Series (Pelakon Wanita Terbaik - Drama Bersiri)
Carmen Soo	Operandi Gerhana	Infinite Studios

Best Supporting Actor - Drama Series (Pelakon Pembantu Lelaki Terbaik - Drama Bersiri)
Jamie Aditya	Operandi Gerhana	Infinite Studios

Best Supporting Actress - Drama Series (Pelakon Pembantu Wanita Terbaik - Drama Bersiri)
Atyy Malek	Mencari Marina	Poetry In Motion

Best Actor - Telemovie / Anthology (Pelakon Lelaki Terbaik - Telefilem / Antologi)
Al-Matin	Belaian	Elements Pictures

Best Actress - Telemovie / Anthology (Pelakon Wanita Terbaik - Telefilem / Antologi)
Nurul Nabila	Bisikan Syahdu	Poetry In Motion

Best Supporting Actor - Telemovie / Anthology (Pelakon Pembantu Lelaki Terbaik - Telefilem / Antologi)
Norman Ishak	Bingit S5	Mediacorp Eaglevision

Best Supporting Actress - Telemovie / Anthology (Pelakon Pembantu Wanita Terbaik - Telefilem / Antologi)
Sharon Ismail	Mencari Hajar	Shortmen Production

Best Actor / Actress in a Comedy Role - Telemovie / Anthology (Pelakon Terbaik dalam Watak Komedi)
Najib Soiman	Cerita Dia Macam Ni	By Apparatus

Most Promising Artiste (Artis Harapan Terbaik)
Zhin Sadali	Bingit S5	Mediacorp Eaglevision

Best Host - Entertainment (Pengacara Terbaik - Hiburan)
Hafidz Rahman	Berani Nyanyi? S2	Oonik

Best Host - Info-ed (Pengacara Terbaik - Informasi)
Huda Ali	Cantik Detektif S5	The Moving Visuals Co.

Best Young Star (Bintang Cilik Terbaik)
Mishall Kiara	StigMa Lea	Shortmen Production

Best Radio DJ (DJ Radio Terbaik)
Mariam Mas’od	Espresso Warna	Mediacorp WARNA 942

Lifetime Achievement Award (Perdana Emas)

Mr Husin Saaban

Husin Saaban is a pioneering figure in Malay comedy whose career began in the 1960s, inspired by the legendary P. Ramlee. Since the 1980s, he has made a lasting impact on Singapore’s entertainment scene through television, theatre, live performances, and children’s media. Best known for his breakout in Sikit Lebih Kurang (1996), Husin has written, directed, and starred in acclaimed productions while also forming iconic comedy groups and mentoring the next generation of talents. His work, including contributions to award-winning shows like Jo Kilat, reflects a legacy built on heart, humour, and a deep connection to the community.

Programme categories

Best Drama Series (Drama Terbaik)
Operandi Gerhana	Infinite Studios

Best Telemovie / Anthology (Telefilem / Antologi Terbaik)
Bisikan Syahdu	Poetry in Motion

Best Entertainment Programme (Rancangan Hiburan Terbaik)
Berani Nyanyi? S2	Oonik

Best Info-Ed Programme (Rancangan Informasi Terbaik)
Kembara Kasih S5	Filmat36 (S) Pte Ltd

Best Children’s Programme (Rancangan Kanak-Kanak Terbaik)
Makan Skuad	Oak3 Films

Best Digital Short-form Content (Rancangan Digital Terbaik)
Unboxing Seni	Mediacorp Eaglevision

Best Audio Programme (Rancangan Audio Terbaik)
Real Talk Bersama Nity Baizura	Mediacorp RIA 897

Best Theme Song (Lagu Tema Terbaik)
Setitis Harapan	Composer: Mayuni Omar Lyricist: Lea Samudera Singer: Hazrul Nizam	Shortmen Production

Popularity categories

Most Popular Male Personality (Personaliti Lelaki Paling Popular)

Norman Ishak

Most Popular Female Personality (Personaliti Wanita Paling)

Wahyu Rahman

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