Chinese streaming giant iQiyi has signed a content partnership deal with Malaysia’s Primeworks Studios as part of its expansion into Southeast Asia.
The deal covers six Primeworks drama series, which have been produced for broadcast on Media Prima’s TV3, including the second season of hit series 7 Hari Mencintaiku. Following the first episode’s premiere on iQiyi on July 24, subsequent episodes will be made available exclusively to viewers for free just one hour after broadcast on TV3.
iQiyi will also stream the first season of 7 Hari Mencintaiku, along with other TV3 titles such as Leftenan Zana, Kampung People, Setelah Ku Dimiliki and new series Pengantin Satu Malam, which is scheduled to air on TV3 in August and will be made available on iQiyi for free just one hour after broadcast.
“Deals like this, with partners like iQiyi, are important for us to keep up with changing viewership trends. It allows us to not only move with the times but also reach out to potential new audiences,” said Primeworks Studios CEO Ahmad Izham Omar.
“It is our goal to deliver the most relevant and compelling Asian content to our users and having a high-quality catalogue of local content is a significant part of our strategy. Therefore, we are excited to announce this content partnership with Media Prima as it marks a major milestone for iQiyi in delivering relevant and compelling local Malaysian content to our users,” said iQiyi country manager for Malaysia, Dinesh Ratnam.
Ratnam, who was previously a country manager for iflix, is one of three country heads appointed by iQiyi as it expands into Southeast Asia. The other two are Sherwin Dela Cruz in the Philippines, also formerly with iflix, and Stephen Zhang in Indonesia. Zhang was previously Indonesia country manager for livestreaming platform Joyy Inc.
Primeworks titles available on iQiyi (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei only)
7 HARI MENCINTAIKU SEASON 1 (28 episodes x 60 mins)
The intricate story of Khuzairi’s unreciprocated love for Mia and the seven days it takesfor Mia to realise her true feelings for Khuzairi. Cast: Siti Saleha, Shukri Yahaya, Wan Sharmila, Syazwan Zulkifli
7 HARI MENCINTAIKU SEASON 2 (33 episodes x 60 mins)
Mia and Khuzairi now live a picture-perfect life. Along with their children, they are the envy of those around them. But their rosy life suddenly turns to turmoil when Khuzairi’s mother introduces Nurul, her choice for Khuzairi’s second wife. Cast: Siti Saleha, Shukri Yahaya, Wan Sharmila, Syazwan Zulkifli
LEFTENAN ZANA (16 episodes x 60 mins)
Zana is passionate about joining the military. Her father, Major Rahmat, on the other hand, doesn’t feel that Zana will be able to face the mental and physical challenges that it takes. Despite his inhibition, Zana secretly applies to be admitted to the Malaysian Armed Forces. Cast: Janna Nick, Sheila Rusly, Redza Rosli, Tunku Hanis
KAMPUNG PEOPLE (13 episodes x 60 mins)
A family goes undercover in the outskirts of a village as the father, Razif, is put under custody protection before he testifies against his mafia boss. Cast: Elly Mazlein, Rashidi Ishak, Reina Diana, Namron, Hun Haqeem
PENGANTIN SATU MALAM (28 episodes x 60 mins)
Desperate for money, Zulaikha makes a pact with her woman-hating boss to spend just one night with him in exchange for the money. Cast: Amelia Henderson, Nazim Othman
SETELAH KU DIMILIKI (28 episodes x 60 mins)
Tragedy strikes a couple leading them to be separated and forced to walk their own paths through life. Little do they realise that those paths lead back to one another. Cast: Zul Ariffin, Intan Najuwa and Tiz Zaqyah