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HK-based Intra-Asia Entertainment to enter China’s digital TV sector
MUMBAI: The Hong Kong based media firm Intra-Asia Entertainment Corporation has announced that its subsidiary Intra-Asia Entertainment will pursue equity investments and operating roles in the digital television industry in China.
Since its inception in May 2005, the Hong Kong firm has invested $ 10 million to establish a joint venture company (JVC) with Hubei Provincial (Chu Sky) Broadcasting and Television Network.
The joint venture states that it is committed to the digital transformation of the cable television broadcasting in Hubei Province, which has a population of approximately 63 million and currently has a cable television subscriber base of over 5.7 million. Industry experts project that the number of cable television subscribers in the province will exceed 18 million by the year 2015.
Intra-Asia Entertainment will be responsible for all of the businesses previously operated by Hubei Provincial, including the transmission of digital cable television programmes, the consolidation of programming, and development of the JVC.
Intra-Asia Entertainment will gradually expand into mobile terrestrial and satellite digital television as a complement to its digital cable television activities. Right now the management is in the process of researching relevant industries and has entered into negotiations with a television broadcasting network operating Shandong Province and other provinces.
Intra-Asia Entertainment Corporation CEO Joseph Visconti said, “Digitalisation is an inevitable trend in global television broadcasting. Our subsidiary is developing cooperative relationships with provincial departments of broadcasting and television in several regions throughout China. In 2003, as a first step in the digital transformation of the television broadcasting industry, The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) tentatively established a new cable television infrastructure comprised of digital, transmission, service and supervisory platforms.
The Chinese government will require all Chinese television programming to be broadcast digitally by the year 2015, and our subsidiary has exclusive rights for digital television operations, and as a supplier of set-top terminal boxes, in a number of provinces.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
