MTV has revealed its first wave of performers today with Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female group, Apink and hottest Japanese band, SEKAI NO OWARI to perform for the first time at MTV World Stage Malaysia, which is set to take place at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon on Saturday, 12 September 2015. Recorded live for global telecast, the one-night only outdoor event is one of the biggest Southeast Asia music nights of the year, which brings multi-genre talents onto a single stage. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This is our first performance on MTV World Stage. Thank you MTV for inviting us. We are excited about meeting our fans out there and seeing other artists too. We will always try to better ourselves and bring you good music!” – Apink [Check out Apink’s greeting]
“We are thrilled to take part in the MTV World Stage. Our sounds are unique and we look forward to meeting our fans in Malaysia and are excited to see the reaction from the rest of the audience. So come join us at MTV World Stage Malaysia… it’s going to be a spectacular show in Kuala Lumpur!” – SEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI means ‘end of the world’. Armed with an unusual name matching their unique sounds which leave a lasting impression both visually and musically, SEKAI NO OWARI is currently one of the most popular and skilled creative groups in Japan. Comprised of four members: sound producer, lead guitarist and band leader, Nakajin; lead vocal and concept maker, Fukase; stage producer and pianist, Saori; and DJ LOVE, the clown masked DJ in charge of sounds choice and comedic talk, SEKAI NO OWARI is ready to take their originality to music fans in Southeast Asia for the first time.
Apink is currently one of the most idolized K-pop girl groups formed by A Cube Entertainment in 2011. Known for their sweet and innocent image and street style that has captivated fans around the world, the award-winning group consists of Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bo Mi, Jeong Eun-ji, Son Na Eun, Kim Nam Joo, Oh Ha Young.
Apink made a comeback with the recent release of their second album in three years, “Pink MEMORY” and title track “Remember” on 16 July. Within a day, they topped all the major Korean music charts, including MelOn, the biggest music streaming site in Korea, positioning them well to be one of the hottest this summer.
MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 is presented by Sunway and supported by Tourism Malaysia. In Malaysia, it is ignited by Xpax, brought to you by Brickfields Asia College, Watsons Malaysia and supported by local broadcast partner, Astro. The show will premiere on MTV in Asia on Saturday, 26 September at 1.30pm (TH/WIB), 2.30pm (PH/SG) and 3.30pm (MY), Saturday, 10 October at 9pm (JP) and Sunday, 11 October at 12am (KR).
APINK
Apink started in 2011 with Son Na Eun, who was featured in Beast’s “Soom”, “Beautiful” and “Niga Jeil Joha” music videos in late 2010. Park Cho-rong, who appeared at the end of Beast’s “Shock” Japanese music video, joined next, as the group’s leader. This led to the addition of Oh Ha Young and Jeong Eun-ji, where the latter was introduced through a video of her singing a rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do”. The final two members, Yoon Bo Mi and Kim Nam Joo, were introduced through the group’s reality show, Apink News.
The group has since gone on to release five Korean extended plays and one studio album. In April 2011, Apink released their first extended play (EP), “Seven Springs of Apink”, and performed a song from it, “Mollayo”, on Mnet’s M! Countdown. In the same year, they also released their first digital single, “It Girl” and a second EP, “Snow Pink”. Their rise was quickly recognized when they were awarded the “Best New Female Artist” at the 13th Mnet Asian Music Award and the “Idol Music Rookie Award” at the 19th Republic of Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards in the same year.
Over the last four years, the group has fast-tracked their success. In 2012, they released their first album, “Une Annee” and two digital singles, “April 19” and “Bubibu”. Their third EP was released in 2013, “Secret Garden” in 2014, they released their fourth digital single, “Good Morning Baby” and two EPs, “Pink Blossom” and “Pink Luv”, where the latter was released in November 2014 and was #1 on Gaon’s weekly album chart. In the same year, Apink released their first Japanese-language single, “NoNoNo” in October 2014.
The group has also performed live and on TV shows, including some members appearing on TV drama series.
The girl group popularity is clearly acknowledged well in the industry. With more than 20 music awards and more than 25 music program awards under the belt, their accolades have included “Best Newcomer Artist” at the 26th Golden Disk Awards, “Newcomer Award” at the 21st Seoul Music Awards, “Hot Performance Award” at the 3rd Gaon Chart K-pop Awards and the “Top 10” at the SBS Music Awards last year.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Apink_2011
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Official.Apink2011
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/officialapink
Website: http://www.a-cube.co.kr/
SEKAI NO OWARI
The hottest Japanese band started at a live music venue called club EARTH, which they created and managed on their own. They all lived there together creating music and discussing the future of the group. They even tore down the old walls to put up soundproof walls around the venue. Today, their passion and deep connection to each other has led to their status as one of the premier music acts in Japan.
Evolving at an incredible speed, most recently, they worked with Dan the Automator, an American hip hop producer (producer of Gorillaz’s debut album), and released the soundtrack, “ANTI-HERO”, the theme song for the highly-anticipated Japanese live-action movie, “Attack on Titan” last week. The movie will be released around the world in August (Part 1) and September (Part 2). “Attack on Titan” originated from the manga series, which has sold over 40 million copies in Japan since 2009.
SEKAI NO OWARI released their newest album, “Tree” in January 2015, which peaked at #1 on the Japan (Oricon) albums chart, which was also certified 2x Platinum sales in Japan after a month of its release. On 18-19 July, they performed a sold-out two-day show, “Twilight City” to about 140,000 fans at the Nissan Stadium, Japan’s largest venue.
Their originality and unique ideas are portrayed through “Tokyo Fantasy”, a concept that is of a large-scale fantasy, making attending the band’s live performances feel like a theme park, transporting fans to a completely different reality. This concept has been lauded all around the Japanese music industry.
In 2014, they held a major live music event which featured the popular American act OWL CITY as a special guest. Concurrently, SEKAI NO OWARI was featured in OWL CITY’s worldwide release “TOKYO”. They have also worked with renowned Dutch DJ/ Producer Nicky Romero on the release of their English single, “Dragon Night”.
In 2013, they released “RPG,” which has reached more than 73 million views on YouTube. In the same year, they performed their first outdoor live event, “Fire and Forest Carnival” to 60,000 fans over a 3-day period. Over the past four years, they have been consistently recognized in the Japanese music industry.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPageSEKAINOOWARI
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fromsekaowa
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fukase_sekainoowari/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sekainoowari
Website: http://sekainoowari.jp/en
Malaysia’s #MostWanted Act for MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015
MTV is presenting an opportunity for up and coming Malaysian acts to showcase their talents as Malaysia’s #MostWanted Act at MTV World Stage Malaysia. Local artists or bands keen to participate can submit their interest via worldstage.mtvasia.com from 13 – 26 July. From 30 July – 14 August, fans can show their support by hashtagging their preferred local band or artist they want to see perform at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Based on fans’ votes and other performance criteria, Malaysia’s #MostWanted Act will perform as the opening act at the show.
MTV Breaks
MTV also announced the launch of a new Asia multi-platform campaign MTV Breaks ignited by Xpax, which gives talented millennials across Asia* the chance to kick-start a career in the creative industries by offering life-changing opportunities through a mentorship stint** on MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Launched globally at last year’s MTV EMA, it is the first time this highly successful property aimed at creating economic opportunity for talented millennials, is being launched with an Asia version in the region.
MTV Breaks by Xpax is offering big ‘breaks’ to three talented, young creatives who will get the opportunity for a stint as a photographer, content creator or motion graphics designer at this year’s event. The selected candidates will be mentored by experts within the industry and the MTV team. Selected candidates will have their work featured on various MTV platforms.
For more information on how to apply, visit worldstage.mtvasia.com. The deadline for entries is 13 August.
WIN MTV WORLD STAGE CONCERT PASSES
MTV World Stage passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests that will open on 28 July. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news updates on MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtvasia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mtvasia
Instagram: mtvasia
Hashtag: #worldstagemy
Apink
SEKAI NO OWARI
The first announcement for MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1HJzPUW.
Footnotes:
*MTV Breaks ignited by Xpax mentorship stint is open to applicants from Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and Taiwan.
*Travel and Expenses for selected candidates will be covered by MTV Asia.
***Free entry are for all who have won passes either through MTV’s game contests, or through sponsors’ marketing activities around MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015.
MTV REVEALS FIRST WAVE OF PERFORMERS WITH APINK AND SEKAI NO OWARI TO PERFORM FOR THE FIRST TIME AT “MTV WORLD STAGE MALAYSIA”
Tweet it: BREAKING! @mtvasia reveals 1st wave of artists @Apink_2011 & @fromsekaowa to perform at #worldstagemy 2015 on 12 Sep! More acts coming.
MTV and youth employment
In the broadest global study conducted with the millennial generation, “The Next Normal: An Unprecedented Look at Millennials Worldwide”, it was revealed unemployment outweighs world hunger as the top global issue that young people want to see solved.
Hence, much more than a one-off event, MTV Breaks is the new umbrella brand for all content and initiatives from MTV intended to address the issue of youth employment, including a variety of apprenticeships and paid internships that it offers in key markets around the world.
About MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015
The free-entry*** show is recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, which bring multi-genre talents with global relevance, to an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries. The global series showcases the most exclusive gigs, world renowned music festivals and unique concert locations from around the world, providing music lovers the ‘front row seat’ to experience the biggest artists on the globe without leaving the comfort of their sofas. The Malaysia show is MTV’s first originally-produced MTV World Stage event globally, which started in 2009.
Over the last six years, MTV World Stage Malaysia has welcomed international award-winning international artists onto its stage including Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Robin Thicke, Far East Movement, B.o.B., Tokio Hotel, Kasabian, The All-American Rejects and Pixie Lott. The show has also featured popular K-pop acts such as EXO, Boys Republic, Jay Park, Beast, Wonder Girls, while showcasing local Malaysia acts like Yuna, Joe Flizzow, Mizz Nina, Pop Shuvit and Estranged.
About MTV
MTV is the world’s biggest youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of nearly 785 million households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all platforms. For more information about MTV in Asia, visit www.mtvasia.com.
About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel and more. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN Asia news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMNAsia_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.
Sunway Resort City
Sunway Resort City is the flagship masterpiece development of Malaysia’s Sunway Group. Sprawling 800 acres, it comprises some seven million square feet of world class facilities with multi award-winning hospitality, retail, leisure, healthcare, education and residential components. Located a mere 20-minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Resort City, certified by Malaysia’s Green Building Index as the country’s first fully integrated green township, is home to a population of 200,000 with an annual visitation of 42 million. An epitome of innovation, Sunway Resort City continues to stand as the nation’s sole integrated resort city where thriving communities live, learn, work, play and grow in a healthy, safe and well-connected environment. Today, Sunway Resort City is one of Southeast Asia’s most preferred tourist destinations.
Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon is truly one of a kind. Step inside and you will discover a magical kingdom of pure fun and excitement. Experience the wonders of more than 80 rides and attractions spread across Water Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park, Wildlife Park and Scream Park. True to its ‘Asia’s Best Attraction’ fame, the multi-park is also home to the World’s First Waterplexx 5D and also the World’s Largest Water Ride – Vuvuzela, its latest attraction to date. Open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm, other worthy attractions include the World’s Largest Man-Made Sandy Surf Beach, Malaysia’s First Interactive Zoo, Asia’s Longest Flying Fox Trail, Lynton V Harris’ Scream Park – a live interactive ‘scare’ attraction and one of the Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridges in Malaysia.
About Xpax
Xpax is Celcom Axiata Berhad’s main prepaid brand, represents more than half of Celcom’s 10.2 million prepaid subscribers. Xpax is a brand that personifies youth lifestyle and provides the best in internet for its customers. With the latest launch of Magic SIM, customers can enjoy FREE Basic Internet, FREE High Speed Internet and FREE Calls & SMS and much more. Magic SIM gives FREE internet more than anyone else. You’ll never let it go. For more info log on to www.xpax.com.my
Tourism Malaysia
MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD OR TOURISM MALAYSIA is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia at all levels. Since its inception, Tourism Malaysia has grown by leaps and bounds and it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. In 2014, Malaysia registered 27.4 million tourist arrivals and RM72 billion in receipts, making tourism its second largest foreign exchange earner.
The collaborative efforts between Government agencies, which include the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and the private sector, such as local and international airlines, help position Malaysia as a leading tourist destination. The targets set under the Tourism NKEA (National Key Economic Areas) will be achieved through the implementation of twelve Entry Point Projects (EPPs) clustered under five themes: Affordable Luxury; Nature Adventure; Family Fun; Events, Entertainment, Spa and Sports; and Business Tourism. As outlined in the Tourism NKEA, Malaysia is targeting to achieve 36 million tourist arrivals with RM168 billion in receipts by 2020.
About Brickfields Asia College
Brickfields Asia College (BAC) is well known as the “Fastest and Smartest Way” to over 100 UK Law and Business Degrees. With partnerships and affiliations with over 20 leading UK universities, BAC offers students access to a wide range of law and business degrees which can be completed either locally or abroad.
From a single campus in Brickfields with fewer than 50 students, BAC has grown into a network of campuses in KL and Petaling Jaya offering a broad selection of courses within three faculties; Pre-University, Brickfields Law School and Brickfields Business School. With a student population in excess of 4500, BAC is now Malaysia’s largest private legal education provider. For more information about BAC, visit www.bac.edu.my or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Watsons Malaysia
Watsons, Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, joins MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 for this first time. In conjunction with the 5th anniversary of Watsons VIP Member Card in Malaysia, there’s no better way to celebrate looking good, feeling great with Watsons VIP members than to reward them with this exciting event together with MTV Asia. This is only part of many rewards the card members can look forward to during the exciting 5th anniversary campaign of Watsons VIP Member Card in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more! Check out watsonsmalaysia facebook or watsons.com.my for more rewards.