ANUGERAH Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) has given Malaysians a platform to celebrate their favourite entertainers for nearly four decades.
Carrying the theme ‘Kitalah Bintang’ (We Are The Stars), the upcoming 38th edition also recognises the growing influence of social media personalities, content creators and sporting figures alongside established artistes.
In its launch at Ombak KLCC recently, ABPBH 38 has 21 categories, with five supplementary awards elevated to the main competition to reflect how digital creators increasingly shape public tastes.
Project director Shamshul Azree Samshir, who is also ʻBerita Harianʼ entertainment and projects senior editor, said the theme honoured people who helped the industry thrive, including the fans.
THE NOMINEES ARE…
The five upgraded categories are Popular Influencer, Popular Athlete, Popular Song, Popular On-Screen Couple for Drama and the Star Style Evolution Daia Award.
Popular Influencer contenders include Khairul Aming, Muay Thai fighter Johan Ghazali (Jojo), Kasih Iris Leona, Puteri Rania, Sam Lim, Pinn Yang, Adrian Mr POV, Ammar Ahyan, sibling duo Amin and Abid, and Qayyum Halid of Chesayang Kitchen.
Popular Athlete brings together footballer Arif Aiman Hanapi, track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi, badminton players Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and Jojo again.
Popular On-Screen Couple for Drama contenders are Amir Ahnaf and Siti Khadijah Halim (‘Cinta Dalam Sekam’); Azhan Rani and Noorkhiriah (‘Seribu Tahun’); Beto Kusyairy and Nabila Huda (‘Gayong’); and Shukri Yahaya and Hannah Delisha (‘Andai Itu Takdirnya 2’).
Popular Song features tracks such as ‘Adek Saye Abe Sore’ (Eda Ezrin and Den Manjo), ‘Sejambak Bunga’ (Ernie Zakri), ‘Sayang Orang Sama’ (Adira), ‘Jodoh Lebaran’ (Aisha Retno), ‘Telepati’ (Aziz Harun), ‘Gila Bayang’ (Ammar Haikal) and ‘P. Ramlee Saloma’ (ALPHA).
Nominees for the Star Style Evolution Daia Award include Alvin Chong, Allya Syamimi, Ashraf Anuar, Marissa Dania Hakim, Parisa Ardina, Sara Muzam, Scha Alyahya, Awal Ashaari and Sofea Shra.
Traditional categories continue to feature household names.
Beto Kusyairy, Remy Ishak, Shaheizy Sam and Syafiq Kyle are up for Popular Actor (Film), whereas Maya Karin, Nabila Huda, Scha Alyahya and Mimi Lana are vying for Popular Actress (Film).
Aina Abdul, Ernie Zakri, Mimifly and Shila Amzah are competing for Popular Female Singer.
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DESIGNING THE STARS
Beyond nominations, the launch featured the Mini Creators Fiesta, highlighted by a fashion workshop led by celebrated Malaysian designer duo Rizman Ruzaini.
For them, ABPBH represents a milestone, having provided an early platform when they were university students.
Rizman Nordin, 42, recalled how dressing singers, such as Datuk Ziana Zain and Dayang Nurfaizah, helped to put their label on the map.
“ABPBH was one of the platforms that allowed young designers like us to introduce our creations. Although we were still students, we seized the opportunity to showcase our designs and people began recognising us. You could say it was free marketing for us at the time,” he said, adding that despite challenges, their mission remains making Rizman Ruzaini an icon of Malaysian fashion.
Wan Mohd Ruzaini Wan Jamil, 42, said international events like the Oscars inspired them to bring that same spirit locally.
For the duo, dressing celebrities goes beyond red-carpet outfits; it is about translating a star’s personality into a visual statement built on trust.
“We are proud and grateful that after 20 years, we are still part of ABPBH. This was one of the places where we began. Naturally, we want to continue supporting it,” Ruzaini said, emphasising the importance of staying grounded while carrying Malaysian fashion internationally.
Ultimately, ABPBH 38’s ‘Kitalah Bintang’ theme honours both the stars and creative talent behind the scenes.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will also return to honour significant industry contribution.
Officiating at the launch of the awards were ABPBH 38 chairman and ʻBerita Harianʼ group editor Zulkifli Jalil, Daia head of marketing Liew Tien Yee, and TV3 and TV9 senior general manager of content and audience strategy Anida Mohd Tahrim.
Co-sponsored by Daia, with Hot FM and Kool FM as official radio partners, ABPBH 38 is supported by digital platforms including Apa Kes? #BHNakTanya, OHBULAN! and Xtra.
The Top 10 voting period runs from Nov 16 to Dec 6 via the official website.
Registered fans will receive 38 free voting points, with final results are decided by 70 per cent public votes and 30 per cent professional jury scores.
The grand finale takes place on Dec 12 at the Selangor International Trade Centre in Shah Alam, airing live on TV3 and Tonton at 9pm.