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Asia to strengthen presence at MIPTV
PARIS: The Asian tigers are expected to put up a strong showing at this month’s MIPTV.
MIPTV, which claims to be the largest and longest running trade fair dedicated to the television industry, takes place from 24 – 28 March at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. 131 companies from Asia will use the 40th anniversary of the trade fair to to launch and promote their products.
The Asian television markets have been improving over the past couple of years judging by the steady increase in participation from the region at the Cannes television markets. Reed MIDEM which organises MIPTV claims to have already attracted key buyers, distributors and producers from Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Asian companies expected to put up a strong show include SBS, EBS, MBC, Arirang TV, Eight Peaks, A9 Media, and KIPA (Korean Independent Productions Association).
On 24 March at 1 pm, Arirang TV (The Korea International Broadcasting Foundation) will host a special lunch at the Carlton Hotel, to present Korea’s broadcasting and content initiatives. An official release informs that after commercial satellite broadcasting was introduced in South Korea, the territory became a key player in the global television industry. This year the umbrella organisation KOCCA (Korean Culture & Contents Agency) has increased the size of its stand in order to cater for approximately 40 animation companies and seven digital broadcast services.
There will be at least 43 buyers from China. In the new Marina Hall, CCTV’s China International TV Corporation is mounting its biggest MIPTV stand ever. Content on display will include new drama, animation and factual programming. The broadcaster will also be looking to acquire US/ European movies and documentaries. Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group will hold its global launch at a large beachside stand, with a press conference and reception on 24 March. Beijing Radio, Film and TV Group is sending a senior delegation with buying and selling powers for the capital’s nine channels. In light of the extensive international interest in Kung Fu, Guangzhou Beauty & Culture has doubled its exhibition space, and is considering bringing some famous masters of the martial art to Cannes in a bid to promote the brand further.
Ranked fourth in the list of top 10 exhibiting countries during the event, Japan will be represented by 37 companies. As NHK commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, the broadcaster will display a selection of special anniversary programmes. The line-up will feature the project Project Antarctic 2003, which marks the first ever live HDTV transmission from the Syowa Station in the Antarctic. This programme captures images of auroras from the Arctic and Antarctic circles for the first time ever, contrasted with shots taken of the landscape and effects of global warming.
NHK has also teamed up with broadcasters from India, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to co-produce Voyage to the Future. This broadcasting event which invites children from the countries to board a marine research vessel and carry out various oceanographic scientific experiments in order to broaden their understanding of the environment.
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.
