YouTube Makes Its Official Debut in Malaysia

Youtube Malaysia was officially launched just a few hours ago.

There was the usual speeches, started off with Sajith Sivanandan, Country Manager, Google Malaysia and followed by Adam Smith, Director of Product Management of YouTube, Asia Pacific.

I was rather distracted by Adam, though I wish it was because of his mind-blowing speech rather than his resemblance to Hugh Grant.

I mean, really, doesn’t he look like Hugh Grant??

But I digress.

The new local version of world’s most popular online video site aims to help Malaysians discover their favorite videos and spread Malaysian content even further across the globe.
Frankly, I don’t see how having a local site makes any difference since the global one has anyhow, spread our local videos far & wide (remember Rosmah’s video?). On a more positive note, Yuna is a good example of local content being discovered and has had a positive impact on all of us.

And in recognition of this, a deal was signed with Music Authors’ Copyright Protection so that Malaysian songwriters and composers benefit financially from having their videos on YouTube.

YouTube would also be working closely with Malaysian media companies like Astro Malaysia and KRU Studios to provide free satellite TV service.

My ears perked up at that. Unfortunately, not much was elaborated on it. From what I can garner from the press release, Njoi, Astro’s free satellite TV service  has a partnership with YouTube and offers a unique service that will make learning, information, entertainment, key sporting events available to all Malaysians for free. The addition of selected Njoi content on YouTube is one of many ways they are making it easy for all Malaysians to enjoy quality content.

For the launch week, YouTube has also secured masthead advertisement on the YouTube Malaysia home page from Dutch Lady, Malaysia Airlines, Maxis, Standard Chartered.
So yes, more ad revenue.

Below: The Revolution of the Television. I loved this!

Mizz Nina at the launch.

Well, I’m setting my youtube default page to www.youtube.com.my. Let’s see what’s in store for us!