The Datuk title suits her, and I have learned so much from Ziana and Anuar, says Syamel

Syamel says the recent recognition given to his aunt, Datuk Ziana Zain, has encouraged him and his wife, singer Ernie Zakri, to keep working hard in the entertainment industry.

“

I started out as just a fan and now, thank God, my marriage to Ernie has also created a family connection.

He said Ziana’s artistic journey and work ethic, along with those of singer Anuar Zain, had taught him much during his own career. Syamel began as a fan of the singers’ family, but his marriage to Ernie brought him closer to their professional experiences and struggles.

“I started out as just a fan and now, thank God, my marriage to Ernie has also created a family connection,” he said. He described himself as fortunate to observe Ziana and Anuar closely, learn from their difficulties and “borrow” knowledge from them.

“

We learn so much and I feel very fortunate because we can learn from them. We see their hardships and their struggle to become who they are today. We take and borrow knowledge from them.

Syamel said Ziana fully deserved the title because of her hard work, professional conduct and the way she built and maintained her standing in the industry. He also praised both singers for maintaining high discipline while remaining generous with younger performers.

“

What they received is, to me, truly suitable and deserved. Given her hard work and the way she has worked and established the name Ziana Zain, she truly deserves that recognition.

According to Syamel, Ziana and Anuar have repeatedly advised artists to keep their hearts good, avoid envy, remain open-minded and approach songs with sincerity. He said their example inspired him and Ernie, although achieving a title is not their main goal. What matters more, he said, is the effort and hard work that enabled Ziana to remain one of the industry’s established names.

“

They always remind us that whatever happens, our hearts must be good.