The pan-regional MTV Asia Awards were held for the first time in Malaysia this year, after having took place in Singapore and Bangkok in the past, with a total 18 international and regional awards in different categories.

Well-known names like Jared Leto (actor of Panic Room and Alexander, and frontman of 30 Seconds to Mars), Hong Kong superstar Karen Mok, the UK's Panic at the Disco, One Republic and Click Five were present at the venue, the Arena of Star in chilly Genting Highland in a mountainous region bordering the Selangor and Pahang states.

Another notable showcase that night was Leona Lewis, who rendered her hits "Better in Time" and "Bleeding Love" with enough emotion to give several members of the media goose pimples, even though they were watching her on TV screens from afar.

Another notable performance was made by the US' Pussycat Dolls. When they hit the stage, the crowd's mood reached fever pitch.

While the female group's outfits and dance moves were raunchy yet respectable, they entertained the crowds with their hits "Buttons" and "When I Grow Up". They had the strongest stage presence of all the performers that night, including the respected Panic at the Disco for the closing act.

Among the winners, Karen Mok won the Inspirational Award; Jared Leto was Best Video Star; Lee Yu Chun was Favorite Artist of Mainland China; Leo Ku was Favorite Artist of Hong Kong; and TOR + Saksit were the Favorite Artists of Thailand.

Indonesian band Yovie & Nuno won in the Favorite Artist of Indonesia category. Nominees were Andra & The Backbone, Mulan Jameela, and Nidji.

Nicholas Teo, who emerged Favorite Artist of Malaysia, successfully broke local superstar Siti Nurhaliza's record of winning the title for the last five years in a row.

In spite of many setbacks, especially concerning the organizer's poor treatment of local press, the show was outstanding. Mok and Leto were impeccable as the main hosts. Mok even displayed her multi-lingual skills speaking in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Surprisingly, no local acts were given the opportunity to perform. The bare exception was Malaysian sensation Pop Shuvit. Still, the group had to share the stage in a performance with members from Saint Loco (Indonesia), Slapshock (Philippines), Silksounds (Thailand) and Thaitanium (Thailand).

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