Sizzling start for a spicy portal

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EVERYTHING at the official launch of The Daily Chilli, The Star’s latest online news portal, reinforced its “spicy” role of providing a different kind of news than the usual.

Listen up: Hii speaking to the guests during the event.

From the entertainment to the 300-strong guests comprising bigwigs from the corporate, media and entertainment industry, all were facets of the word hot.

“As the name indicates, the portal is all about what’s hot and current.

“The portal gives access to information in a package that’s different from what other portals provide,” Star Publications (M) Bhd deputy executive chairman Datuk Clement Hii said.

He added that the portal fulfilled visitors need to know and see more than what was usually reported.

The portal was launched to capture a younger audience with human interest stories and hot-off-the-press gossip that they prefer.

Since the portal went online about a month ago, stories like a polygamy club wooing Indonesians to the teary episode in Amber Chia’s life to local and foreign celebrity gossip have helped the portal gain 1.5 million pageviews.

The launch held at The Star’s multimedia hub Studio V at 1 Utama also featured some pole and belly dancing.

Great night: (From left) Singer-songwriter and television host Hannah Tan, Star Publications chief executive officer and group managing director Datin Linda Ngiam and actor Tony Eusoff were all smiles at the launch.

Performances were also given by One-In-A-Million season 2 first runner-up Shila and artiste Reshmonu.

Celebrity guests like Amber Chia, Miss Malaysia Universe 2004 Andrea Fonsenka, Jaclyn Victor, Tony Eusoff and others were also put in the hot seat onstage by RedFM deejays JD and Dilly who interviewed them about the portal.

As the guests left, they were handed a goodie bag that contained a few fresh red chillies and a bottle of chilli sauce, among others.

Relaxed: The Star’s group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (left) and Nestle communications director Khoo Kar Khoon sharing a light moment during the event.