Judika, Linda Chung & More: The Knights Award Season 5 Has Big Names & Big Partnerships

Think award ceremonies are just about dressing up, walking a red carpet, and taking home a trophy? The Knights Award Season 5 is here to show that there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes.

Proudly presented by The Knights Atelier, The Knights Award Season 5 Press Conference officially kicked off on 29 July at Takun Retreat Club, with industry leaders, public figures, partners, and members of the media coming together to celebrate the launch.

After four seasons of more than 180 inspiring stories, The Knights Award Season 5 returns, bringing people from different countries and industries together!

Here are some of the highlights from the launch:

1. Season 5 has some big names on the list

The press conference gave us a sneak peek at some of the personalities who will be receiving The Knights Award this season. Among the recipients announced so far are:

• Judika: Internationally acclaimed Indonesian singer, actor and television personality
• Linda Chung: Renowned Hong Kong actress and singer
• Firdhaus: Rising Malaysian singer and songwriter
• David Chiang: Distinguished Hong Kong actor, director and producer
• Usha Seamkhum: Acclaimed Thai actress, internationally recognised for her role as Amah in “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies“

But this isn’t the complete list just yet. More recipients will be revealed at the Ennoblement Ceremony in October, so there’s still plenty to look forward to.

2. Meet the people behind The Knights Award

Of course, an award of this scale needs more than just a stage and a trophy. Behind The Knights Award is its Council of Lords, bringing together prominent names from business, entertainment, academia, entrepreneurship and more.

For Season 5, the Council of Lords includes:

• Dr Zyro Wong: President of the Council
• YBM Adjunct Prof. Dato’ Sri Raja Rezza Shah Tengku Sri Kelana D’Raja: Founder and Chairman of the Islamic Fashion Festival
• Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj: Director of iKhasas Group
• Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat: President of the Malaysia-China Silk Road Business Chamber
• Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon: Founding President of Multimedia University
• JJ Delgado: Leader behind the biggest international sales day in Amazon’s history
• Puan Sri Datuk Dr Shariffa Sabrina: President of the Women’s Sport Fitness Foundation Malaysia
• Dato’ Aaron Aziz: International artiste and producer
• Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam: Independent Non-Executive Director of Tune Talk Sdn Bhd and former Deputy Chief Police Officer of Selangor
• Dr Kishva Ambigapathy: Chairman of the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub
• Dato’ Haji Ismail Nordin: Chairman of Financial Consulting Cooperative Limited
• Datuk Dr A.T. Kumararajah: Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia
• Esther Hor: Partner of Naqiz & Partners
• Dato’ Jonathan Lim: Managing Director of Systech Berhad
• Dr Jon Low: Founder of Smileway Dental Clinic
• Bon Zainal: Founder of the Malaysia Bumiputra Designer Association

With such a mix of backgrounds and expertise, it’s clear that The Knights Award looks beyond a single industry when it comes to celebrating people who are making a difference.

3. The award is about more than just one night

While being recognised on stage is certainly a big part of The Knights Award, the platform is also focused on what happens beyond the ceremony. At its core, The Knights Award is built around three ideas:

• Establish: Building an elite network of leaders who can contribute to the success of the business community and positive economic growth.
• Empower: Helping businesses and individuals achieve brand excellence and market leadership.
• Enable: Encouraging cross-border and cross-industry collaborations for greater exposure and shared success.

Far more than a one-night recognition, The Knights Award is committed to long-term impact through extensive post-event initiatives. Winners are empowered with strategic marketing campaigns, artiste engagements, high-level networking opportunities, customised solutions, consultancy, and more — elevating their status and influence on the global stage.

While the awards are meant to mark the winners’ remarkable milestones, the bigger goal is to create meaningful connections that can continue long after the ceremony is over.

4. A partnership connecting 56 Commonwealth countries 

One of the key moments during the press conference was the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The Knights Award and the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub, continuing their partnership for Season 5.

The Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub connects 56 Commonwealth countries, and this continued partnership will open up more opportunities for youth innovation, cross-border collaboration, international engagement, global connectivity, and more for both parties.

Dr Zyro Wong, President of The Knights Award, said: “Our partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub connects young leaders across 56 Commonwealth nations and supports our vision of positioning Malaysia as a global hub for entrepreneurship, culture and sustainable growth.”

5. A few important partnerships were also signed

A few important partnerships were also formalised during the event, marking another step forward for Season 5.

• The Knights Award signed an MoU with Regal Global, officially appointing the Malaysia-based property investment and hospitality solutions company as its Official Residence Partner.
• The Webxite was officially appointed as the Official IT Solutions Partner. The Kuala Lumpur-based digital marketing and technology firm will support The Knights Award in strengthening its digital infrastructure.

They now join an impressive line-up of partners and supporters backing Season 5, including:

• Takun Retreat Club: Official Venue Partner
• Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC: Main Event Venue
• The Staple Group: Official Catering Partner
• ASTRO & New Media Center of Hainan Broadcasting Station: Official Media Partner
• JUSS: Branding Partner
• Millennium Motors: Official Automotive Partner
• WKV Holdings: Technology Partner
• Regal Global: Residence Partner
• Party Eventilicious: Official Event Decorator Partner
• Branding Association Malaysia & Malaysia-China Silk Road Business Chamber: Supporting Organisations
• Naqiz & Partners: Legal Advisor
• Influasia: Official PR Partner
• Aspect Production: Production Partner
• The Webxite: Official IT Solutions Partner
• NP ASIA: Official Hydration Partner
• TK Stable: Equestrian Partner
• JDX Tea: Premium Gift Partner
• 3CM: Engraving Partner

So, when’s the big ceremony?

Mark your calendars for October 2026, because that’s when The Knights Award Season 5 will reach its biggest moment.

The Ennoblement Ceremony will take place at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, PETRONAS Twin Towers, KLCC, bringing together Malaysian and international business leaders, celebrities, and other influential figures.

The ceremony will also serve as an opportunity to showcase Malaysian excellence, capabilities, and national identity to an international audience.

And if you know someone who deserves to be recognised, there’s still time to put their name forward because nominations for The Knights Award Season 5 are officially open. Click here to submit your nomination now.

For more information, visit the Knights Award’s website, Instagram, and Facebook!