The National Singing Competition was launched and hosted by Dama with the hope of encouraging greater vocal and music interest among young aspiring Malaysian singers and musicians. The candidates were required to present different singing styles to be chosen from opera arias, lieder, classical songs, musical songs, folks songs and crossover songs, as well as popular oldies or evergreens. A total prize money of RM12,500 was allocated – RM6,000 for the 1st prize winner; RM3,000 for the 2nd prize; RM1,500 for the 3rd prize; and RM2,000 for the best piano accompanist. The judges for the competition were Lim Shieh-Yih, Lim Ai Hooi, Phoon Sook Peng and Loo Fung Chiat. The winners of this inaugural competition were: