KUALA LUMPUR: Al Jazeera’s “101 East”, the current affairs programme which recently exposed baby-selling syndicates in Malaysia, has picked up two awards at the Asian TV Awards in Singapore, with presenter Steve Chao winning the best presenter award while cameraman Matt Allard won for best cinematography.

101 East, produced from the Qatar-based news network’s regional headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, also picked up a commendation in the Social Awareness category for its report on underaged brides, “Too Young to Wed”.

The Asian TV Awards also crowned Al Jazeera as the Cable & Satellite Channel Of The Year and Network Of The Year.

“We are delighted and honoured to win the Cable & Satellite Channel Of The Year as well as Network Of The Year at what is the most significant and celebrated event in the Asian TV industry,” said Al Jazeera English acting managing director Giles Trendle.

“We are thrilled to get such recognition for the important work we do.”

The Asian Television Awards recognises excellence in programming, production and performance among Asian television networds in 40 categories.

Winners are determined by an expert panel of over 60 judges from across the region.

101 East’s recent report on a network of illegal baby selling syndicates in Malaysia led authorities to several arrests.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar however denied Malaysia is a hub for such activities.