Chaw, Chua Tops At Melody Awards

The 2008 Golden Melody Awards, often dubbed the Chinese-language Grammys, were given out July 5 in Taipei, with Malaysian singer Gary Chaw and Tanya Chua of Singapore receiving the top honors of the evening.

Chaw won the "Best Mandarin Male Singer" award for his album Super Sunshine, beating out favorites Eason Chan and Khalil Fong, both of Hong Kong, as well as Taiwanese rock singer Shin.

Chua won her second "Best Mandarin Female Singer" trophy for her album Goodbye and Hello. She also won the "best producer" award for the same album. It was the first time she had ever produced, and she seemed more surprised at the latter award.

Taiwanese Jay Chou, probably the biggest pop star in the Chinese-speaking world at the moment, didn’t walk away empty-handed. He won the "best composer" award for his single "Blue and White Porcelain," which was named best song of the year. Chou released two albums in the past year.