Martell Rising Personalities Award 2009

Looking forward to the Media Launch this Thursday at Studio 99. Apprehensive and excited at the same time cause it's not easy competing with other young and very talented candidates. But, nevertheless, this is going to be a fun and exciting chapter in my life and I'll just have to make the most of it and enjoy it while it last! :) Hopefully there will be more to come ;) Read below for the details of this year's award.
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Above: Sze Yoong from Sze Accessories standing on the far right.

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The annual Martell Rising Personalities Awards is back once again to recognize up-and-coming individuals who rise above the competition and have great potential to reach greater heights. Returning for its third year, the Martell Rising Personalities Awards 2009 features 10 rising stars from various fields – only one of which will be entitled the Martell Rising Personality Award.

The 10 personalities were selected based on their career achievements, potential for greater success, and a certain level of recognition within their own field and beyond. This year’s personalities, who have all embraced opportunities to rise above life’s challenges and more importantly, their own expectations, include:

1. Cecilia Yong, Dancer
2. Chelsia Ng, Singer & Actress
3. Chin Yew, Artist
4. Chow Hon Lam, Illustrator & T-Shirt Designer
5. Douglas Lim, Comedian & Actor
6. Nick Chia, DJ
7. Nychole Leong, DJ
8. Tan Sze Yoong, Jewelry Designer
9. Teresa Thian, Fashion Designer
10. Will Quah, TV Host

William Lee, Martell Brand Manager for Pernod Ricard Malaysia, which markets Martell among other wine and spirit brands, commented: “Martell has long prided itself on the self-made success of its adventurous founder Jean Martell and applauds those who do the same. Hence, the Martell Rising Personalities Awards is recognizing these 10 aspiring young individuals who have risen above the competition to achieve a certain measure of success in life, while embodying the spirit and values of the Martell VSOP brand.”

The winner of the Award, which will be announced in December 2009, will be determined via public voting and a panel of judges comprising of well-known Malaysians who have already made their distinct mark in their respective fields, including:

- Dato’ Lewre Lew, Founder & Design Director of Lewré International, the Malaysian footwear brand that has been making inroads into the international fashion scene.

- Gillian Hung, President of the Malaysian Official Designers' Association, who has become a major influential force in the Malaysian fashion industry.

- Chris Chong, award-winning filmmaker whose debut feature film Karaoke was only the second Malaysia feature film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

The public voting is open from 8th October 2009 until 5th November 2009 at the Martell Rise Above website www.riseabove.com.my. One lucky voter will walk away with a party worth RM10,000 to be enjoyed with friends.

The winning personality, in addition to the award recognition, will receive a cash prize of RM20,000, an all expense paid trip to Cognac, France to visit the Martell facilities, and 10 bottles of Martell VSOP.

For more information on the Martell Rising Personalities Awards 2009, please visit www.riseabove.com.my.