Rolling for a lucky strike


A group photo of SMG bowlers and their families at Star Strikes Bowling Event 2025 at Wangsa Bowl, 1Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star

ABOUT 100 Star Media Group (SMG) employees gathered for a taste of bowling fun at Wangsa Bowl in 1Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Aimed at building rapport, engagement and unity among co-workers, the Star Strikes Bowling Tournament saw employees from various departments signing up to give it their best shot.

The participants were divided into teams of four, with the total numbering 24 groups.

The event’s organisers − SMG’s graduate trainees, better known as Star Trackers − successfully pulled off the company’s bowling tourney where participants had a jolly good time.

(From left) Kamarul with his Star Photo Bomb teammates The Star’s photographers Izzrafiq Alias, Samuel Ong and Faihan Ghani who bagged the championship prize.(From left) Kamarul with his Star Photo Bomb teammates The Star’s photographers Izzrafiq Alias, Samuel Ong and Faihan Ghani who bagged the championship prize.

“We chose bowling because it’s an inclusive activity catering to people of varying skill levels, making it accessible and enjoyable for all,” said Samantha So, 24, who spearheaded the planning along with fellow Star Trackers.

“It is a team-oriented game that encourages collaboration and friendly competition,” she said, adding that the registration drive took place between November and December last year.

SMG Group People senior general manager Terence Raj, 51, said he was happy with the good response.

“It was a great turnout. We practically took over the whole bowling place.

“Such events are a good way of getting people to have fun outside the workplace.

“I hope to see more of such sporting activities in the future,” he added.

SMG senior executive, Inderjit Kaur, 51, shared her excitement upon learning of the event.

“When the bowling event was announced, my team was the first to register. The last company-wide sport-related event was a badminton competition in 2023,” she said.

She also suggested exploring outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.

“I had so much fun,” said financial analyst Anis Sazlin, 25.

“It was a great opportunity to meet and mingle with colleagues from other departments.

“Our team trained twice before the event. We were very determined to perform our best, even though it was just an engagement activity,” she added.

Meanwhile, SMG employee and bowling enthusiast Kamarul Ariffin, 55, said he was proud that his team, Star Photo Bomb, won the championship bagging RM400 worth of sports gift vouchers.

“These tournaments are enjoyable. I hope SMG organises more of such events,” said Kamarul who joined the company in 1999 and is The Star’s assistant chief photographer.

Second prize went to team Analytics while team Bowldilocks won the third prize. They, too, won vouchers.

The fun tournament ended with a lucky draw.

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