It was a night to remember as m:idea Youth Choice Awards (MYCA) returned for its fourth installment on Jan 25. Zouk was abuzz with bright lights and red carpet Celebrity Buzz that was reminiscent of a night at the Oscars, and fans and celebrities alike were treated to the celebration of young talent.

Organized by m:idea, the student-run media conglomerate from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film & Media Studies, MYCA is unlike most other award shows as it doesn’t just celebrate the success of our local musicians and celebrities. Rather, it’s an award show that recognizes the voice of the youth, having received a record high of 260,000 votes to determine the winners during the month-long voting period of the campaign.

The popular award show returned with 12 fun award categories, newly renamed this year. Among the list of categories were “My Fast Food Craving”, “My Coolest Online Personality” and “My Incredible Teen Icon” featuring a mix of prominent and up-and-coming names such as McDonald’s, Texas Chicken, YouTube duo Munah & Hirzi, vlogger & Ah Boys To Men star Noah Yap, as well as teenage sensation Kimberly Chia.

MYCA spoiled fans and celebrity supporters with an opportunity to mingle with their favorite celebrities and local acts. That night, the cast of hit local movie Ah Boys to Men, local band The Sam Willows and solo artist Vanessa Faith treated delighted fans to photographs and autographs.

The Hollywood-like atmosphere continued throughout the night as the awards were given out. “My Cutest Boy Next Door” and “My Hottest Girl Crush” were arguably the most popular categories of the night as loud cheers followed the announcement of the winners.

Although the winners Elvin Ng and Jesseca Liu were unable to come for the event due to their filming schedules, their fan clubs received the awards on behalf of their idols with admirable enthusiasm. Jesseca Liu even pre-recorded a video message specially dedicated to her fans, thanking them for their support, much to their delight.

MYCA also recognised Singapore’s great musical talents, with local quartet The Sam Willows sweeping up the “My Rock ‘n Roll Rumble” award and solo artist Vanessa Faith bagging “My Maestro Muse”. Both winners dedicated their awards to their fans, with The Sam Willows saying in their acceptance speech that “it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys”.

Another unforgettable moment came when it was time to announce the winner of “My Coolest Online Personality”. One might have thought that teenage heartthrob Justin Bieber was in the room as vlogger and Ah Boys to Men star Noah Yap’s name was called, for the resounding screams of the teenage fan girls were all too reminiscent of those for a certain Canadian pop star. He, too, graciously thanked his fans and supporters. His cast members from Ah Boys to Men also showed their support for their co-star and friend by coming on stage and posing for photographs.

Jerry Lim, a second-year Ngee Ann Polytechnic student, only had praises for MYCA, saying that it was a “great way for youth to voice their tastes and preferences in today’s society”.

Another second-year Ngee Ann Polytechnic student Alexis Lee added that MYCA was “a good opportunity for youths with similar interests to get together and socialize”.

Needless to say, MYCA has outdone itself once again as the definitive representation of young voices, proving the capability of today’s young people. UrbanWire cannot wait for next year’s m:idea Youth Choice Awards, put together by youths, for youths!

 

Full List of Winners:

My Hottest Girl Crush – Jesseca Liu

My Cutest Boy Next Door – Elvin Ng

My Rock ‘n Roll Rumble – The Sam Willows

My Coolest Online Personality – Noah Yap

My Maestro Muse – Vanessa Faith

My Incredible Teen Icon – Ming Bridges

 

My Fast Food Craving – Carl’s Jr

My Ultimate Fashion Fix – Uniqlo

My Frozen Sweet Treat – Island Creamery

My Perfect Party Place – St James Power Station

My Super Skin Savior – The Body Shop

My Favorite Tech Buddy – Samsung

m:idea Youth Choice Awards 2013 is proudly sponsored by:

Venue Sponsor:
Zouk Singapore

Main Sponsors:
Shaw Theatres IMAX: The World’s Most Immersive Movie Experience

Canon

MDIS

TMC Academy

Co-Sponsors:
Kaplan Higher Education Academy
James Cook University