Dasmond Koh on Zong Zijie’s Nomination At Awards Organised By NoonTalk Media: “We Uphold a Fair and Transparent Process”

Are netizens having a serious case of sour grapes again?

The nomination list for the inaugural Golden Singa Awards was unveiled yesterday (Nov 11), and while excitement ran high, one name quickly sparked online chatter — Zong Zijie, 29, who is signed to NoonTalk Media.

The local actor was nominated for Best Rising Star, but some netizens were skeptical, questioning the fairness of the process since the awards are organised by NoonTalk Media and chaired by its head honcho Dasmond Koh, 53.

Dasmond, however, was quick to address the public’s doubts.

“Everyone will have their own unique way of looking at certain matters," he told Chinese media 8world vibes. 

"As the chairman of the organising committee, the only thing I can say is that we have always upheld a fair and transparent voting process.”

Dasmond also weighed in on Zijie’s nomination for his role in the 2024 local film The Chosen One, where the actor played an exorcist who suppresses his ability to see ghosts.

“It could be because there have been fewer productions in recent years, so there are fewer new faces in the industry. In that sense, the competition might not be as intense as before," he said. "But that’s not to say the abilities of all the nominees should be dismissed."

Others nominees in the Best Rising Star category are Hong Kong actor Dylan So (Papa), Chinese actresses Li Luoan (Mumu) and Zhu Jiejing (The Eternal Wave) as well as Chinese actor Pengyuan Shi (Successor).

As for accusations of bias, Dasmond remains unfazed.

“I’m not going to bother too much about that," said Dasmond, adding that he trusts the jury’s professionalism and will respect whoever ultimately wins.

The Golden Singa Awards has assembled an all-star judging panel led by Hong Kong action legend Donnie Yen, who serves as president.

Other jurors include Hong Kong director Joe Cheung (Permanent Honorary President of the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild), Chinese film director Li Shaohong (former president of the China Film Directors’ Guild), Anita Yuen, and Jay Chou's lyricist Vincent Fang. 

Dasmond confirmed that all nine jurors will fly to Singapore to finalise the winners in person.