Singapore – The Contender Asia is just the start of a focus on Asia for formats from Mark Burnett Productions. “I fully expect Contender Asia to be the first of many Asian projects that we undertake with confidence. We are very, very Asia focused,” said Mark Burnett, speaking via video at today’s unveiling of the new show. Imagine OmniMedia will produce 15-episode reality series The Contender Asia in Singapore, thanks to backing from Media Development Authority and DBS Bank. Show will air on the AXN network for the Asian markets in October. Based on the US version, dubbed The Boxing Contender for its third season currently in pre-production, the new series for Asia sees the 16 top contestants competing in the art of Muay Thai. The international line-up of contestants will arrive in Singapore in August to begin shooting for the 15-week series. The series takes on the format of elimination on a weekly basis till the best Contender emerges at the final fight.