FREDDIE FERNANDEZ
Chairman, Asia Song Festival Malaysia '99 Chairman, MACP
Moderator, Asia Song Festival Malaysia '99 Symposium
Mr. Freddie Fernandez has been a leading personality in the music industry for the last 2 decades or so. He began composing in the early 1980's and composed and produced his debut album with his group 'The Revolvers'. His works as a composer and music industry leader is widely recognised by the public and industry alike. In 1982, he won First Prize in The Malaysian Song Festival. In 1985, he was elected President of the Musicians' Union, a position he held for 10 years, during which he did much to create new opportunities for musicians to work and develop.
After 3 albums, Freddie devoted his musical sense and business acumen to the advertising industry and in 1987 was acclaimed by Malaysian Business magazine as the King of Jingles in Malaysia. To date he has composed and produced over 2,000 jingles and music tracks for the Malaysian's advertising industry.
An economic graduate from the University of Malaya, Freddie has taken his entrepreneurial skills even further and his company Betarecs, not only produces jingles but also TV programmes as well.
On the industry front, Freddie now serves as Chairman of The Malaysian Performing Rights Society (MACP), the Music Industry Academy as well as The Advertising Music Producers' Guild.
"Selamat Datang" to all artistes, composers and officials of the 4th Asia Song Festival Malaysia '99. 1t is indeed a pleasure for us in Malaysia to see the realisation of this Festival and an honour for us to take our turn to be the proud hosts after Indonesia, Hong Kong and Philippines.
Composers and lyricists are the lifeblood of any music industry and it is fitting that Festivals such as these should be held to honour and give recognition to their works.
MACP is indeed grateful to the Minoru Endoh Music Foundation, ntv7 and all other sponsors for their Support towards ASF '99. In these difficult times it is indeed refreshing to be able to participate in such a positive coming together of people of divergent cultures to celebrate and enjoy the music of different Asian nations.
I wish everyone a most successful and enjoyable Festival, and hope all of you will take back with you fond memories of your stay in Malaysia.
