Mun: In today’s crowded market, trust is more valuable than ever. Consumers are becoming more selective and sticking with brands they know and trust
PETALING JAYA: This month, a number of the nation’s best marketers and brand managers will descend on the annual Putra Brand Awards and Putra Aria Brand Awards (Paba) to celebrate the field’s most outstanding brand-building efforts.
Taking place on the evenings of Jan 22 (Paba) and Jan 23, 2026 (Putra Brand Awards), the awards will once again take place in the historic Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
The highly anticipated awards will see the top brands across industries being crowned as consumers’ top choices, reflecting excellence in customer engagement, trust and satisfaction.
Results for the awards are decided by a survey open to the Malaysian public, with over 6,000 voters selecting their favourite brands based on familiarity, personal experience, intent to purchase, and likelihood of recommending to others.
Datuk Johnny Mun, the awards’ organising chairman and senior adviser of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), said that over the years, the Putra Brand Awards and Paba have highlighted the increasing importance of a strong brand identity.
“In today’s crowded market, trust is more valuable than ever. Consumers are becoming more selective and sticking with brands they know and trust,” he said.
“Continuous brand building keeps your brand relevant and resilient, no matter how much the landscape changes.”
He added that the Putra Brand Awards was created by the 4As to encourage marketers to focus on long-term brand equity, rather than just short-term performance metrics.
“Brand building is not about one campaign or one viral moment.
“It’s a long-term effort that shapes how consumers feel, trust and identify with a brand.
“With these awards, consumers reward brands that continuously deliver on their promises and values. When a brand wins, it means it’s trusted, not just popular,” Mun said.
Initiated in 2010 by the 4As, the Putra Brand Awards was created to honour brands that have successfully built consumer loyalty and demonstrated an ability to resonate with local values and needs.
The awards encompass 24 categories spread across a diverse range of sectors such as apparel, food, automotive, education, property, entertainment and personal care.
Each category recognises the most preferred brands in their respective industries, awarding them Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades.
Last year’s awards gala saw companies like Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd, Farm Fresh Milk Sdn Bhd, Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd
and Malayan Banking Bhd taking home platinum honours in their respective categories.
Gardenia and Farm Fresh were also recognised with special awards – the Putra Most Enterprising Brand of the Year and Putra Malaysian Marketer of the Year, respectively.
The Putra Brand Awards is endorsed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association, the Media Specialists Association and the Malaysian Digital Association.
The Star is the official news partner for the awards.
