Sun Siyam Media, through its initiative to promote artistic talent, has organized a singing competition for children named 'Shining Star 2025' in collaboration with Time Academy of Performing Arts.
This competition was inaugurated on the occasion of Independence Day on July 26, at a special event held at SSTV’s studio. The event was launched by Sun Siyam Media’s CEO, Mohamed Asif, Chief Content Officer, Mohamed Zaheen, and Time Academy’s two founding members, Ali Amir and Shaz Saeed.
Open to children aged between 6 and 18, this competition is being held in connection with Republic Day in November.
SSTV and Time Academy said it has been years since there has been no singing competition for children and that there are parents and students who are very keen on such a competition. The fact that there are students who have singing skills and want to showcase their talent in a competitive environment is one of the reasons why such a competition was encouraged, they said. 
According to the Time Academy, apart from the age group categories of 9, 11, 16 and under-18, the competition will also include other categories.
In this competition where songs can be performed only in Dhivehi language, special prizes are set for original music compositions to encourage it. To ensure fairness among participants, those who come from Male' or outside the Male' area will be given a separate criteria in this competition. Video songs, duet songs and singing while playing a musical imstrument are all categories in the competition.
 
SSTV and Time Academy further stated that special guidelines will be introduced for alotting marks and making surprise announcements in this competition, among other activities that will be included to fully engage spectators and participants.
Sun Siyam Media’s CEO, Mohamed Asif (R) attends the launching of Shining Star 2025 on July 26, 2025. (Sun Photo)
 
To foster participation in the Shining Star 2025 singing competition, SMS registration is now open. To register via SMS, type SS[space]participating child’s name and age to 2747. Upon SMS registration, SSTV will contact participants for further information.
While a significant cost is incurred in organizing this competition, Time Academy and SSTV have stated that an administrative fee of 500 MVR will be charged per child.
SSTV added that further details about the competition will be provided by SSTV and Time Academy in the coming days. Sponsors interested in the competition are requested to contact Sun Siyam Media’s Sales and Marketing Department for further details.