Putrajaya:The 2026 Seri Angkasa Award (ASA) has received a significant number of nominations, totaling 1,601 across television, radio, and new media categories.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 37th ASA, themed 'Segalanya Bermula di Sini', received 1,106 nominations for television, 421 for radio, and 74 for new media. This year's awards will cover 40 categories for television, 17 for radio, and three for new media, with two special accolades the Jury's Special Award and the Seri Angkasa Icon Award.

Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah highlighted the ASA's recognition of behind-the-scenes professionals such as producers, scriptwriters, directors, camera operators, editors, and technical crew. He emphasized that excellence in the creative industry relies on not just technology, but also on talent and creativity, along with the courage to experiment and a commitment to meaningful production.

In his speech at the ASA 2026 countdown event, Abdul Halim noted that the ASA is more than an awards platform; it is a stage to honor those who dare to create and experiment, acknowledging the power of art to touch the human heart. The event was attended by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Information Department Director-General Erwin Khairul Ahmad.

Abdul Halim also stressed the importance of Malaysia's creative industry producing high-quality and competitive local content for international markets. He urged for boldness in creating original Malaysian stories, highlighting the country's rich culture and diversity as assets for global storytelling.

The 2026 ASA grand finale is scheduled to take place at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on October 24. The awards receive support from corporate sponsors and organizations, including CIMB, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, DRB-HICOM Berhad, TikTok, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Bernama.