Friends of East Malaysia welcomed two familiar one-of-a-kind platforms for the development of future key opinion leaders at Firefly Bar and Grill Kota Kinabalu, Sabah recently. On 4 July, the third edition of the Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2013 kicked off officially with a press conference announcing a bigger and better singing competition, offering up to RM30,000 worth of prizes and a whooping RM10,000 for the grand prize winner.

Aspiring singers must first register at www.carlsbergdiamondidol.com.my to make it through the auditions for the respective Area Finals in Sabah and Sarawak. The top two winners at the respective Area Finals will automatically advance to the Grand Finale to be held at The B.E.D. Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu on 27 September. Prior to the Grand Finale, 12 lucky grand finalists will be groomed and polished at the Diamond Idol Camp where a series of workshops from motivational sessions, dance and vocal classes would take place over three days.

Last year, Kuching songstress Esther Thian realised her ultimate dream of winning a reputable singing competition. Today, she is current standing as the top 5 singers at the Astro Star Quest 2013, proving that the singing competition does more than exhibit the inner talents of the impassioned singers but also provide an excellent boost for their future endeavours.

Concurrently launched at the CDI Press Conference was also the launch of Carlsberg Malaysia’s flagship Chinese community project in East Malaysia known as the “I Love Chinese Education East Malaysia Charity Concert” for 2013. This unique charity concert provides an excellent opportunity for Chinese schools in Sabah and Sarawak to raise funds, while having fun with talented local artistes.

Within a time span of four years, the brewer’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative has successfully raised up to RM3.7million for the benefit of the selected schools. Loads of exciting stage performances awaits fellow East Malaysians during its six day tour with artistes, Lim Tiong Piow and sister duo Summer Grace. Adding on the artiste line-up for 2013 is singer/songwriter VChuan who will also be judging the CDI 2013 Grand Finale.

For more information on Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2013, visit the website or follow Facebook/CarlsbergDiamondIdol.

Meanwhile, learn more about the CSR project, “I Love Chinese Education East Malaysia Charity Concert” and its successful tours at www.carlsbergmalaysia.com.my.