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MTV’s Frank Brown scoops Casbaa Chairman’s Award
MUMBAI: MTV Networks Asia outgoing president Frank Brown has been awarded the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia’s (Casbaa) Chairman’s Award 2005 for “the outstanding contribution to the Asia Pacific multi-channel cable, satellite and broadband pay-TV industries in the previous 12 months.”
Brown was given the award for “fostering the pay-TV business in the region, driving social responsibility initiatives, most recently for the Tsunami, developing youth TV and localising regional networks.”
Brown was a Casbaa Board Member for more than five years and president of the Association from 2000 to 2002.
The Casbaa Chairman’s Award 2005 was given at the conclusion of the Casbaa Pay-TV Advertising Awards held on the final day of the Casbaa Convention 2005 in Hong Kong.
Casbaa chairman Marcel Fenez said, “Frank Brown’s contribution to the Asian pay-TV industry has been outstanding as he has helped to nurture a fledgling business to one which by several different measures can be described as a tremendous success.”
The Casbaa Award also recognised Brown’s flair for the development and marketing of pay-TV content and distribution.
“Beyond that, Frank’s leadership of Casbaa as president of the Association between 2000 and 2002 helped enormously to create the credible industry voice that we are today,” added Fenez.
Brown said, “I am honoured to receive this award. But the honour is as much for MTV Networks Asia as it is for me. I am extremely privileged to have been part of a great team over the years.”
Brown moved to Singapore in 1994 to establish MTV Networks Asia Pacific, having joined MTV Networks in 1987. Brown recently announced he would be leaving MTV Networks Asia and relocating to Australia where he will be joining his family business.
The five other nominees for the 2005 Award were:
Astro (Malaysia) – “For convincing consumers to subscribe to its service in overwhelming numbers; for a successful IPO and gaining the concerted attention of the investment community; for building a successful pay-TV business in Malaysia under difficult circumstances; and most recently for actively being involved outside their territory in a positive way.”
Galaxy – SuperSun (Hong Kong) – “For successfully re-launching and re-branding its digital DTH offering in a highly competitive market.”
Karl Rossiter – “For leading the Casbaa Technical Committee standards initiative on digital set-top box outputs.”
PCCW – Now Broadband TV (Hong Kong) – “For innovative and pro-active marketing of a secure and advanced pay-TV platform with growing interactive capability culminating in stellar subscriber take up and its establishment as one of the leaders in IPTV globally.”
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.
