KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: It's official - the MTV Asia Awards 2008, touted as the region's biggest pan-regional awards show, is heading to Malaysia for the first time.

The MTV Asia Awards, now in its sixth edition, has previously been held in Singapore (thrice) and Bangkok (twice). This time around, it is Malaysia's turn to play host to the parade of international and regional music talents, scheduled to attend and perform at the show.

Sponsored by edc by Esprit, Tourism Malaysia and Genting - City of Entertainment, and Xpax, the MTV Asia Awards 2008, which will be broadcast to over 291 million homes across the region, will be held at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, on Aug 2.

Hosting the award ceremony in Malaysia will be Jared Leto, singer with US rock band 30 Seconds To Mars and who also happens to be a successful Hollywood actor with hit films like Panic Room, Fight Club, Requiem For A Dream and Lord Of War.

"We are thrilled to present the MTV Asia Awards 2008 in Malaysia," said MTV Networks South-East Asia, China and India executive vice president and managing director Amit Jain.

"Viewers can expect a better and bolder event with a great line-up of the biggest international and regional names."

Amit was speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to announce details of the awards show in Kuala Lumpur.

"With its thriving multi-cultural society, I think Malaysia is a perfect microcosm of Asia and we are hoping that the awards show would be the start of a long-term partnership," he added.

This year's show will see 16 awards being presented, with nine regional and seven international awards.

To foster interaction with audiences across the region, the MTV Asia Awards 2008 is going to be active on multiple platforms to allow fans to participate in the voting process.

A new dimension to the awards this year is the So You Wanna Be A Presenter contest, which gives local viewers the chance to be a presenter at the show. For the latest updates on the MTV Asia Awards 2008, visit www.mtvasiaawards.com.