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Star China Media appoints Iris Xia as deputy GM
MUMBAI: Star China Media has appointed Iris Xia as deputy general manager of the organisation.
Xia has replaced Vivian Yin, who left the company in June this year.
“I am very pleased to announce that Iris Xia will take over as the GM of Star’s global division. Xia has been a long-time, dedicated production and programming team member. Our company has enjoyed being at the top of the ratings with The Voice of China and several other international Formats. Last year we ventured outside China with our own original Format and I am confident Iris will bring Star to the next level both within, and outside of, China,” said Star China Media CEO Tian Ming.
“It is with great excitement that I accept this new position at Star China. I am honored that our CEO, Ming, has placed his trust in me to handle this very important role and I look forward to delivering his vision to the world. We have a great team of creative producers and dedicated staff at Star, along with fantastic programming to promote. I look forward to expanding on the already-established successes we have earned,” added Xia.
Additionally, The Format People, under the direction of CEO Michel Rodrigue, has renewed its retainer contract to continue consulting and negotiating on all aspects of the international television business. Rodrigue will work closely with Xia in carrying out the global program initiatives.
Xia has been with Star TV Group and Star China Media for over 11 years, in charge of media content global sourcing, programming, channel operations and original program development, including five years producing TV entertainment programs and live music concerts.
Prior to Star China, Xia worked as a producer and director for Shanghai Media Group.
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.
