KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned singer and entrepreneur Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza received the title of Biduan Negara at the 2024 National Arts Awards (ASN 2024), organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, this evening.
The award was presented by Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofia.
As part of the Biduan Negara title, Siti received RM30,000 in cash, songket fabric, a certificate, a trophy, and the status of Resident Artist.
Earlier, Siti, whose full name is Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, also launched a new song titled Sejarah.
She said the song is dedicated specifically to her fans.
"SN Legacy Sdn Bhd & Universal Music Sdn Bhd have produced the latest offering, Sejarah.
"It is specially dedicated to all fans of Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and music lovers everywhere," she said in an Instagram post.
ASN 2024 is the government's highest honour for artists, recognising their contributions to the nation's arts industry and elevating local figures to world-class status.
To date, ASN has been held in eight editions, starting in 1993, followed by 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, and the last in 2009.
Past recipients of awards include Tan Sri Dr Jins Shamsudin (Acting & Filmmaking), Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Nawab (Music), and Abdul Rahman Abu Bakar (Bangsawan Theatre).
Introduced in 1993, ASN recognises the remarkable achievements of artists across various disciplines such as music, dance, acting, crafts, and visual arts.