Malaysian songtress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza has been included in Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list for her advocacy work during the pandemic, along with other international stars in the region
Describing the 100 personalities as ‘Asia-Pacific’s most influential celebrities on social media’, the list aims to celebrate 100 singers, bands, and film and TV stars who have used their social media platforms to endorse brands, advocate meaningful causes, and help raise awareness on COVID-19 related efforts, among other things.
The list puts special focus on celebrities who have used their platforms to interact with fans during this unprecedented time to inspire optimism.
In putting this list together, a part of the methodology used was to measure the impact of celebrities’ social media posts, as well as determining their recognition on a local, regional, and global level.
Writing on Tokti’s — as she is fondly known by fans — entry on the unranked list, Forbes Asia applauded the singer for posting food reviews of restaurants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
“Earlier this year, the singer posted food reviews of restaurants affected by COVID-19, hoping to boost their business among her eight million Instagram followers,” Forbes wrote.
“In July, she released her 18th solo album ManifestaSITI 2020 and continues to run her successful halal-certified beauty brand SimplySiti, launched in 2009.”
In an interview with Berita Harian back in May, Siti revealed that she promoted local businesses for free so that they could get through this trying time.
“Most of my reviews are meant to help business owners to sustain their livelihood,” she said.
“I’m very grateful that after uploading my reviews, these food vendors experienced a surge in orders. We have to help each other in these difficult times.”
After knowing she has been included in the list, Siti took to Instagram to thank Forbes Asia.
The other Malaysian who is on the list is actress Neelofa
Besides highlighting Neelofa as Malaysia’s most-followed celebrity on Instagram and a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumnus, Forbes Asia also noted that “the actress got a mostly positive response from her eight million followers when she said she would start wearing a niqab”.
Siti and Neelofa sit on the list with other international celebrities, such as BLACKPINK, BTS, Jay Chou, Rich Brian, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Angelababy, Jackson Wang, Lee Min-Ho, and more.
A few Hollywood stars from Australia are also on the list, namely Rebel Wilson, Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, and Katherine Langford.
Two Singaporeans — singers Stefanie Sun and JJ Lin — are on the list as well.
Image via Forbes
View the full Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list here.