Contest winners to promote mobile phone company

The Samart I-mobile Phone Company selected six teenagers to represent the company, during the final round of its I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 contest held in Vientiane on Sunday.

Twelve teenagers, from Luang Prabang province and Vientiane , took part in the contest.

The company launched the challenge in the last few months, calling for talented young people to participate in a contest to find dynamic young presenters. From the 12 finalists, six were selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more info and photos !!

Mr Vithaya Pholthisane came first, Ms Mayla-ong was the runner-up, Mr Inthanouxay Akhalath came third, and Ms Phetdavanh Duangvilay came fourth.







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Two others, Ms Yadmany Sivixay and Mr Inthanongsak, also received congratulatory prizes.

Most of the contestants will visit the company's headquarters, I-mobile by Samart Company (Sayam), in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote Lao traditions, culture and tourist attractions.

“The first thing they will do is visit the headquarters of the I-mobile phone company in Thailand . They will talk to the media as well as join in concerts with popular Thai singers Thaithanium and Amita Marie Young (Tata Young) in Bangkok from May 25-26,” Sayam International company chairman, Mr Sayam Ramasoot, said yesterday.

“We will promote Lao culture, traditions and tourist sites by airing footage taped of the many activities the contestants took part in before they reached the final round,” Mr Sayam said.

The company will encourage the winners to be good role models for Lao teenagers during their year long tenure.

“We will help them to reach their goals during the year. If any of them wants to become a singer or an actor, we will support them and promote them in Laos and Thailand ,” he explained.

The contest started at 7pm on May 20 at the International Trade and Exhibition and Convention Centre with a video of the activities the 12 contestants had attended in the run-up to the contest.

During the final round, the 12 finalists sang in musical dramas, performed song and dance routines and answered questions from the Master of Ceremonies.

“We spent a lot of money on the stage setting for each contestant. Various techniques for lighting and sound were brought in from Thailand so that the atmosphere suited the character of each performer,” Samart I-mobile Managing Director, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.

After the performance, local rock band The Cells were invited on stage to play their hit numbers, also popular in Thailand, such as Wan (Sweet), Khon Mue Song (Second Hand), Dee Kua Bor Mee Phai (Better than Nothing) and Leuk Leuk (Deep into My Heart).

The company also invited Thai singer Dom Pakonrum to perform, and he was warmly welcomed by local fans.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

THE final round of the I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 has many surprises in store with performances from the 12 contestants on May 20 at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC).

The Samart I-mobile phone company in Vientiane launched the challenge in the last few months, calling for talented young people to participate in a contest to find dynamic young presenters. From the 12 finalists, two will be selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more

“The final will showcase all of the props, skills and experience brought by the Thai artists involved in organising the event, so I can say with certainty that it will be a great event,” the Managing Director of the company, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.

The company selected 12 finalists at the semi-final, held at the National Culture Hall last month, to promote Lao culture, traditions and tourism in Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces.

“The finalists participated in many activities with the Thai artists. Recently we recorded a video of the 12 contestants in various important places in Vientiane. We’ll also screen many of the activities at the final,” Ms Suphicha said.

Tickets are for sale at the event and also at I-mobile outlets for 20,000 kip. This is a change from the semi-final where tickets were not on sale to the general public.

“Our staff agreed to sell tickets because a lot of people called wanting to buy tickets to the semi-final. Because this Sunday is the last chance for the public to see the contest we decided to sell tickets,” the director said.

The contest will feature local hard rock band The Cells, who are also booming in popularity in Thailand. They will share the stage with Thai singer Dom Pakonrum.
The contest starts at 7pm on May 20, at Lao-ITECC.

By SOUKNILUNDON SOUTHIVONGNORATH
vientianetimes