Kuala Lumpur – Astro showcases Projek: Anchor SPM, a new Astro Original series inspired by true events from the lives of students sitting for their SPM examinations, premiering on 15 March, 9 pm on Astro Citra (Ch 108 HD/ Ch 128), with new episodes every Monday. Directed by two renowned local filmmakers, Razaisyam Rashid (PUSAKA) dan Anwari Ashraf, (scriptwriter from local blockbuster hits Polis Evo 1 & 2, PUSAKA, PASKAL: The Movie and Wira), Projek: Anchor SPM presents a story set in 2003, filled with nostalgia built around friendship, adolescent love, family and school life, delivered through high-quality cinematography fit for a big-screen production.

Projek: Anchor SPM features a talented cast line-up including young actor Aedy Ashraf who plays ‘Aizat’, a good-looking, popular student; Daiyan Trisha as ‘Aaidaa’, an intelligent but insecure student; Shasha Abedul, as ‘Jaja’, the cheerful head of Aizat’s fan club; Nadhir Nasar (Champion of ‘Hero Remaja 2020’), the Head Student and active sportsperson; Chubb-E (Winner of Most Popular New Artist at the 33rd ‘Anugerah Bintang Popular BH [ABPBH]’) as ‘Botol’, a musically-inclined reliable friend. Additionally, this series stars popular local talent including Adlin Aman Ramlie, Hasnul Rahmat (Best Supporting Actor at the 30th Malaysian Film Festival), Tony Eusoff, and Susan Lankester.

Scripted by the Astro Shaw writer’s room over a four-month pre-production period, Projek: Anchor SPM offers viewers a variety of conflict and excitement over 8 episodes, bound to keep viewers coming back for more. Viewers can also enjoy the three songs part of the soundtrack: ‘Bintang’ sung by Chubb-E & Shasha Abedul, ‘Beban Dunia’ by Daiyan Trisha, and ‘Sentiasa’ by Firdaus Rahmat.

Razaisyam Rashid, Director, Projek: Anchor SPM, said that he was thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Astro again for this premium drama series.

“With the confidence entrusted to me, I have attempted to present a high-quality production with a unique technique and style. I am also proud for the opportunity to work with Anwari Ashraf again, in directing our first premium drama series together.

“While we faced our share of challenges during the shoot, especially with the limitations during the Recovery Movement Control Order, we are thankful it went smoothly. I hope everyone enjoys Projek: Anchor SPM,” he said.

“As a fan of the film ‘Young Adult’, I’ve always dreamed of introducing Malaysians to a local film in this rather unique genre. To do this, I tried to tie it in with a topic close to the hearts of Malaysians – examinations, which brought about Projek: Anchor SPM.

“I hope viewers enjoy this premium series and take the positive values as lessons,” Anwari Ashraf, Director & Show Runner, Projek: Anchor SPM, said.

Meanwhile, the Vice President, Head of Astro Shaw & Nusantara, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said, Astro continues to offer Malaysians high-quality content across storylines and genres. Astro Originals presents Malaysians with a new, premium drama series suitable even for big screens, Projek: Anchor SPM. This drama series brings forth matters close to many hearts and yet, remains largely unspoken, including psychological struggles as well as peer and family pressure, especially amongst adolescents.

“While taking viewers on a nostalgic journey back-to-school, we address these issues and hope to help dispel social stigmas surrounding them. We are also excited to work with renowned local film icons, Razaisyam Rashid and Anwati Ashraf as they present viewers with a fresh new take on local drama series,” she said.

Projek: Anchor SPM revolves around a group of Form 5 students at a prestigious boarding school, Tengku Isa Anuar School (STIA) in Cameron Highlands. Aizat, the captain of the rugby team; Hilmi, head student, and head perfect; as well as their friend, Botol, are always together in good and bad. Separately, Aaidaa, the top student at STIA enjoys being alone and works hard to help her stepsister, Jaja, a weak student prepare for a major exam, SPM. After sneaking out several times at night, Aizat gets caught by Headmaster Awang, the strict headmaster of STIA who gives Aizat an ultimatum of either achieving 8A’s in the impending SPM trials or being expelled from school. Desperate for a way out, he conspires with Aaidaa to come up with a mass cheating strategy that will help all their friends succeed in the SPM examinations.