Cutting the 54th anniversary cake are (from left) Wang, Wong and Chan flanked by SMG’s long-service award recipients at the lobby of Menara Star in Petaling Jaya. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI, AZHAR MAHFOF and AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Star Media Group salutes 62 long-serving employees for their service, dedication
A total of 62 employees from Star Media Group (SMG) were honoured for their long service during the company’s 54th anniversary celebration.
The event held at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, saw 28 employees who had served for 15 years and 34 who had worked with the company for 25 years receiving Tissot watches and gold coins, respectively.
Certificates of appreciation were also given.
Editorial artist Mohd Khairul Muhammad, who joined the company in 2010, said he appreciated the SMG’s positive work culture.
“Before this, I had worked for five other companies.
“However, it was SMG that gave me the sense of stability.
“Working here also allowed me to progress career wise,” said Mohd Khairul.
(Front row, standing from fifth left) SMG senior manager (production) Sandanasamy Subramaniam, Suria FM general manager Roslinda Abdul Majid (DJ Lin), Ng, Wang, SMG senior general manager (print) Goh Kok Soo, SMG Group people senior general manager Terence Raj, Star Media Radio Group Broadcast Engineering & Technology general manager Anuar Khan Abu Bakar and SMG employees at the company’s anniversary celebration and safety campaign launch at Star Media Hub, Bukit Jelutong in Shah Alam.
He also credited his head of department for being willing to listen to their ideas as another plus point.
Twenty-five year long service award recipient Edward Rajendra, who is a chief reporter with StarMetro, said being with the company enabled him to pursue his passion for writing.
He started his journey as a reporter with his school magazine.
“I am appreciative of this award, which reflects the trust the organisation has placed on me,” said Edward.
In his speech, SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng expressed gratitude to colleagues who had served the organisation.
“Your decades of service are not only years on paper.
“They are a reflection of the countless stories written,” he said.
Suria FM ‘Morning-Morning Suria’ radio presenters DJ Fad Bocey and DJ Ajak entertain SMG staff with their singing and banter at the anniversary celebration.
Wong added that the long-service awards are a testament to the strong family spirit within the Group which has contributed to the company’s growth over more than five decades.
“Fifty-four years ago, The Star began its journey as a small voice of independent journalism in Penang.
“Today, it has grown into a national institution, a trusted media group with a presence across print, digital, radio, events, and community initiatives.
“As we can see through the decades, we have reported history as it unfolded, championed truth in the face of challenges and become a reliable companion to millions of Malaysians.
“Our readers have looked to us, not just for the news, but for clarity, balance and credibility.
“That trust, built over half a century is the foundation on which this organisation stands today,” said Wong.
SMG staff queuing up for the lunch buffet at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya.
He said in an age where information flows faster than ever before, and misinformation just as quickly, the role of a trusted media is not just important, it is indispensable.
“Star Media Group has remained true to its mission to inform, inspire and innovate with integrity for Malaysians.
“We are proud to be seen as a national compass, guiding conversations, holding institutions accountable and shining a light on both the triumphs and trials of the nation.
“But none of this would have been possible without the people of Star Media Group.
“Our journalists, sales and marketing teams, designers, digital innovators, broadcast creators and support staff, you are the heartbeat of this organisation.
“Today, as much as we celebrate the legacy of Star Media Group, we celebrate you, our people, for quality journalism,” said Wong.
He also highlighted the company’s dedication to education through initiatives such as The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme.
988 FM’s DJ Chloe and DJ Jaydern keeping audience entertained.
Beyond media and education, Star Foundation and community initiatives like Star Golden Hearts Award and StarLive sessions have helped spark meaningful conversations beyond traditional news coverage.
Wong also mentioned recent accolades that underline the group’s excellence including two gold awards at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards (HKM) 2024, and a gold award for its fact-checking section, True or Not, at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards (DMA) 2025.
SMG also won silver for “Best Digital Publisher of the Year” at the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) D-Awards 2025, and two top awards at the Agrobank Media Awards 2025.
Wong and SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt presented the awards to employees.
Also present were SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
Announcers from Suria FM and 988 FM, two of the group’s radio stations, kept the crowd entertained.
Their lively banter had everyone present singing and clapping along.
After the awards presentation, a cake cutting ceremony was held, followed by a buffet lunch.
A similar celebration was also held at the company’s printing plant, Star Media Hub in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam.
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, a safety campaign was launched on the same day at the plant.
