Siti Nurhaliza’s domination, haze concerns and Borneo spotlight: Here’s what to expect at AIM25 this Saturday

The Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) returns for its Silver Jubilee edition on September 26 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

By Arif Zikri

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 10:57 AM MYT

Last Modified: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 11:03 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, September 25 — The Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) is returning for its 25th edition this Saturday and it is already shaping up to be one for the history books.

The premier music awards ceremony — Malaysia’s equivalent to the Grammy Awards — remains one of the few platforms in the country that recognise and celebrate overall excellence among artists, songwriters, producers, musicians and creative professionals who have helped shape the nation’s music landscape.

Its Silver Jubilee edition this year will see AIM25 staged outside Peninsular Malaysia for the first time, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak. This move highlights the state’s growing capabilities to host large scale arts, cultural and entertainment events despite the current transboundary haze situation.

With all 135 finalists already revealed across 32 categories and 18 local stars set to grace the night on September 26, here is a breakdown of what to expect at AIM25:

Spotlight on Borneo and new categories

Aside from Sarawak being the host state this year, AIM25 will also introduce the Best Borneo Song category alongside a Best Festive Song category, reflecting Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

The Best Borneo Song category recognises outstanding musical works that celebrate the rich cultures, languages, traditions and unique identities of Sabah and Sarawak.

These values are clearly reflected in the category’s five finalists, which feature songs in various Borneo languages — such as Potilombuson by Elica Paujin in Dusun, Dayang Bintang by Mawat in Iban, and Lampa Lampa Pisang by Den Bisa in Bajau.

Meanwhile, the Best Festive Song category honours musical works that capture the joy, values and traditions of Malaysia’s multicultural celebrations.

However, the five finalists in the category are dominated by Hari Raya songs such as Jom Raya by Daiyan Trisha, Meriah Lain Macam by Hael Husaini and Nadeera, and Raya Nak Ke Mana? by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza.

Local celebrities at the AIM25 press conference held earlier this month in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture courtesy of AIM

Siti Nurhaliza’s domination and other nominations

National Songstress Siti Nurhaliza has emerged as the leading nominee for AIM25, securing a whopping 14 nominations across eight categories.

In the main categories, Siti has earned a Best Female Vocal nomination for Kesuma, while her album Gema Bumantara has scored nods for Best Album and Best Album Recording.

She also swept the Best Traditional Song shortlist with four nominations (Kesuma, Rencong, Hujung Bumi, Pesanan Buat Diri) and landed three tracks (Cenderamaya, Kumbang Bunga, and Jenjang Cinta) in the Best International Collaboration category.

Her technical and specialty nods include Best Musical Arrangement (Pesanan Buat Diri), Best Song Recording (Pesanan Buat Diri and Kesuma), and Best Festive Song (Raya Nak Ke Mana?).

Singer Aisha Retno is the closest contender with six nominations, followed by Hael Husaini and Mimifly, who have received five nominations each.

Aside from that, up-and-coming boy group Alpha is enjoying a memorable first AIM, with nominations in four categories, including Best New Artist (Mona Lisa), Best Vocal Group (P Ramlee Saloma), Best Pop Song (P Ramlee Saloma) and Best Song Recording (P Ramlee Saloma).

Haze concerns

Although AIM 25 will be held indoors, it is worth noting that Sarawak remains among the states hardest hit by the ongoing transboundary haze, which shows no signs of easing.

AIM 25 organising committee chairman Rosmin Hashim, who is also the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia chairman previously expressed hope that Sarawak’s API reading would improve ahead of the prestigious awards night.

“Regarding the haze, we pray the situation will improve by the time AIM 25 takes place.

“Beyond that, we will just have to wait and see how things unfold,” he said at the AIM 25 press conference in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month.

120 jury panel and AI bans

A total of 120 music industry professionals have been selected to serve on the jury panel for AIM 25, with renowned composer and musician Ajai appointed as the head judge.

AIM25 organising committee chairman Rosmin Hashim said songs fully generated by AI will not be accepted. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

The jury panel comprises industry professionals from diverse backgrounds — including composers, musicians, singers, producers, artists, and media practitioners — who will evaluate the entries and nominations.

Prominent names on the jury panel include Associate Professor Azam Dungun, Abraham Tee, Adi (6ixth Sense), AG Coco, Amylea Azizan, Alvin Teoh, Akim Ahmad, Ahmad Ghazi and Amir Jahari.

Also listed are Datuk Chuari Selamat, Datuk Syafinaz, DJ Fuzz, Dr Burn, Edrie Hashim, Ernie Zakri, Fauzi Marzuki, Fedtri Yahya, and Galvin Patrick Martin.

Other seasoned figures rounding out the panel include Genervie Kam, Hael Husaini, Hafiz Hamidun, Kamarul Izam, Loque, Mark Adam, Saari Amri, Sharon Paul, and Tomok.

Meanwhile, Rosmin previously stated that they had received around 600 entries for this year’s AIM; however, he pointed out that songs generated fully by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be entertained.

“We do not allow any nominations for AI-generated songs. However, we know many of our members use AI as a tool to enhance their recordings.

“If it is used merely as a tool to refine a recording, that isn’t an issue but if a song is fully AI-generated, it will strictly not be accepted as an entry.

“We actually have a tool to identify whether a song is AI-generated or not, and we run every submission we receive through that system,” he said.

Aside from that, AIM 25 has also received RM1.95 million in funding, comprising RM950,000 from the Ministry of Communications’ Digital Content Fund (DKD) through MyCreative Ventures.

In addition to that, it has also received another RM1 million through the Tourism Event Grant from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

Meanwhile, TVS serves as the official broadcaster and co-host for AIM 25, broadcasting the event live nationwide across television, digital platforms, and free streaming via TVS Inspire.