Astro join hands with SPARK, MVI to launch Asia's first HD documentary channel

The channel, SPARK ASIA, which will go live in the first half of 2015, will offer a wide variety of exclusive Asian and global HD content. Additionally, it will also empower local producers and filmmakers by offering an alternative platform to showcase their documentaries and also drive training initiatives.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Astro Malaysia, Datuk Rohana Rozhan said, as one of Southeast Asia's leading content and consumer companies, Astro is always exploring new ways to meet the audiences' changing preferences.

"With the growing interest in Asian content, there is a huge opportunity in Asian factual content that resonates not only with Asian audiences but around the world.

"In line with our strength in the creation of IPs and content brands, we believe that the aggregation of Asian-centric stories and factual content in an Asian branded documentary channel is timely and has tremendous potential. This joint venture with like-minded partners enables Astro to take a stake in content that will resonate in Asia and around the world," she said in a statement on Tuesday.

Director of MVI, Galen Yeo meanwhile said, as the world’s most populous continent, Asia has long deserved a channel to harness its thriving diversity of culture, history, people and stories.

“We are pleased to work together with SPARK GmbH and Astro on this landmark venture to promote Asian documentary filmmaking, and provide producers a unique platform that will support and promote their work to audiences all across Asia. Spark Asia welcomes opportunities to collaborate and work together with storytellers from around Asia and the world," he said.

Leveraging on the strengths of its joint venture partners, SPARK ASIA will have both linear TV and digital content that will resonate among audiences across Asia.

SPARK ASIA will promote knowledge; celebrate Asian values and traditions and bring Asia to the world in an exciting way.