skyWorld chief executive officer Lee Chee seng (fifth from left) and his team receiving their gold award in the Property category from Wang (sixth from left) and 4as chief executive officer andrew Lee (on Wang’s left). — Photos: yaP Chee hONG, IZZraFIQ aLIas and aZMaN GhaNI/The star
BRANDS shone in their full glory at the Putra Aria Brand Awards (PABA) 2024 on the night of Jan 16, 2025.
Now in its third year, the event celebrated the outstanding achievements of Malaysia’s marketing professionals at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Part of the Putra Brand Awards, PABA pays tribute to the branding efforts across various business segments.
It spans 24 categories, spanning industries like automotive, banking and property.
Winners were determined across gold, silver and bronze tiers based on consumer feedback gathered through an online survey conducted by global leader in market research specialists Ipsos in July last year.
Over 50,000 responses were analysed, with the final winners endorsed by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) board of governors in October.
Notably, PABA requires no submissions or entry fees, emphasising consumer recognition as the sole criterion for success.
The awards organising chairman and 4As senior adviser Datuk Johnny Mun highlighted the significance of consumer engagement.
University of Cyberjaya vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Dr David Whitford (holding trophy) and his team with their silver award for Education and Learning at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024, on Jan 16, 2025.
“The overwhelming number of responses demonstrates that consumers are actively paying attention to the brands they interact with,” he stated.
“This underscores the critical importance of brands understanding and adapting to evolving consumer preferences.”
He also stressed the unified effort required and the power of teamwork to forge legacies. “No brand can excel based on the labour of one,” he declared.
4As Malaysia acting president Ryusuke Oda emphasised the trust built between winning brands and their consumers.
“The awards reflect the genuine voice of the public, validating the significant presence these brands hold within the Malaysian market,” he said.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy chief executive (export acceleration) Abu Bakar Yusof lauded the awards as a celebration of Malaysia’s leading brands.
Matrade, he said, is committed to promoting homegrown products on the international stage.
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd brand and communications head Julius Evanson (front row, left) and his team took home a bronze for Banking, Investment and Insurance.
“With our expertise and experience in export promotions, Matrade is well-equipped to assist Malaysian businesses in penetrating key global markets, and expanding their reach worldwide.”
He encouraged all brands to approach it for guidance and support when embarking on expanding their global footprints by participating in Matrade’s promotional activities.Also present at the event was Star Media Group (SMG) chief business officer Lydia Wang.
The Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024 was organised by the 4As in collaboration with SMG as the official media partner.
Categories contested in the awards included apparel and accessories; automotive; automotive fuel lubricants and accessories; banking, investment and insurance; alcoholic beverages; non-alcoholic beverages; dairy beverages; cameras, IT and office equipment; communication devices, and communication networks.
The others are education and learning; foodstuff; health; household products; home improvement; media networks; entertainment; personal, household and outdoor appliances; personal care; property; retail; restaurants and fast food; transportation, travel and tourism as well as e-commerce.
skyWorld chief executive officer Lee Chee seng (fifth from left) and his team receiving their gold award in the Property category from Wang (sixth from left) and 4as chief executive officer andrew Lee (on Wang’s left). — Photos: yaP Chee hONG, IZZraFIQ aLIas and aZMaN GhaNI/The star
University of Cyberjaya vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Dr David Whitford (holding trophy) and his team with their silver award for Education and Learning at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024, on Jan 16, 2025.
Gamuda Land leisure and hospitality senior general manager Liong Ve Lyn posing with her gold award in the Entertainment category.
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd brand and communications head Julius Evanson (front row, left) and his team took home a bronze for Banking, Investment and Insurance.
Management and Science University senior vice-president for endowment and communications Datuk Rosli Yusof and his gold award for Education and Learning.
Lorenzo e-commerce marketing executive Brian Chua with his bronze award for Home Improvement Products and Stores.
University of Reading Malaysia provost and chief executive officer Professor May Tan-Mullins (second from left) and her team with their bronze award for Education and Learning, with 4As council member Milan Agnihotri (left).
Tropicana group chief executive officer datuk Mark rozario (fifth from left) and his team after receiving their gold award in the Property category.
Econsave operations manager Ummapathy B. Balasondorom (centre) with the silver award for Retail category, flanked by 4As council member Jasmin Omar Jayaseelan (left) and Ipsos Strategy3 Malaysia principal Ganesan Periakarruppan.
MST Golf retail senior manager Nicki Chung (third from right) and her team won bronze in the Entertainment category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024. With them is 4As council member LV Chong (right).
Takaful Malaysia public relations and media management head Mohd Firdaus (centre) receiving the silver award in the Banking, Investment and Insurance category. With him are Takaful Malaysia corporate brand and events head Syaza Faiqah (left) and Koh.
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd brand and communcations managers Fong Li Peng (left) and Stephanie Yong (right) with 4As council member Clarence Koh. Prudential won silver in the Banking, Investment and Insurance category.
Rozel marketing manager Steven Gan (right) receiving his bronze award in the Home Improvement Products and Stores category from 4As council member Yee Hui Tsin.
Paramount Corporation Bhd group chief executive officer Jeffrey Chew Sun Teong (left) receiving the silver award in the Property category from Wang (centre) and Andrew Lee.
TIME dotcom marketing group head Andrew Yeoh won gold in the Communications Network category with Wang and Lee during the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024.
Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin (seated, fourth from left) and director Datin Siti Hawa Mohd (on his right) and their winning team at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2024.
