The Voice Being Localized for Singapore & Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Astro, StarHub and mm2 Entertainment are adapting the hit talent format The Voice with a single version that will air in both Singapore and Malaysia.

This marks the first time the successful format is produced and broadcast for two territories in one treatment. Astro, which operates in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, will make the program available on Astro AEC via the OTT platform Astro Go, Astro Pay TV and subscription-free TV service NJOI. Singapore’s StarHub will broadcast the show on its self-packaged FreeView channel Hub E City, which is free to all StarHub TV customers.

The Voice (Sin/Mal), adapted from the hit Talpa Global format, is scheduled to roll out from the second quarter of 2017.

“There’s a strong cultural and historical link between Singapore and Malaysia, and there has been a constant stream of creative collaborations between the two territories, including movies, over the years,” said Ng Say Yong, the chief content officer of mm2 Asia. “We see this co-production as an extension of that positive relationship and a joint effort to uncover new talent and groom them for the North Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. And with the active involvement of StarHub and Astro as co-producers, the Singapore and Malaysia version of The Voice will be able to reach out to mass audiences across the two territories.”

“The Voice has captured hearts all over the world and we are excited to partner mm2 and Astro to bring this global phenomenon to our shores,” said Lee Soo Hui, the head of the content business unit at StarHub. “As a broadcaster, we also look forward to taking our customers on our search for the next voice of Singapore and Malaysia. There is plenty of raw talent just waiting for the opportunity to shine and The Voice (Sin/Mal) will give them a proven platform across not just one, but two countries.”

“We’re thrilled that The Voice will be produced as one version for Malaysia and Singapore, proving the format’s global appeal,” said Maarten Meijs, the managing director of Talpa Global. “Together with mm2, StarHub and Astro, we’re confident the positive nature of The Voice will be a great hit among the Malaysian and Singaporean audience.”