COMING to a small screen near you - Singapore's first-ever Malay cable channel.
StarHub, the country's only pay-TV operator, will launch the channel within two months.

In a statement yesterday, StarHub said it has appointed Content Network Asia to manage the yet-to-be-named channel.

Formed two years ago, the Singapore-based Content Network Asia will take charge of programming and scheduling operations.

It has acquired content from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and Nepal for TV stations in Malaysia and Singapore.

Unlike Suria, the free-to-air Malay channel run by MediaCorp TV, the new Malay cable channel is not required to carry news and current affairs programmes.

This makes it 'the first and only dedicated Malay entertainment channel', says Ms Tham Loke Kheng, StarHub's content and marketing senior vice-president.

She adds that Content Network Asia was chosen because it 'has close ties with the community and knowledge of the local market'.

On its new assignment, Content Network Asia's channel director Puzi Mohamed says that the new Malay Channel will mark an important milestone in the history of Malay media in Singapore.

Viewers will have more choice in terms of quantity and quality.

Mr Puzi, who used to be the deputy to Suria's vice-president, says viewers can expect to catch dramas, soap opera and lifestyle programmes on the new channel.

These shows will come from Malaysia and Indonesia and other regions. He adds that there will also be some local productions.

Pricing and programming details will be announced later.