TOP Malaysian brands grabbed the spotlight at the Putra Aria Brand Awards (Paba) on Jan 22, with 182 awards in 24 categories given out at Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
The total 181 brands received multiple awards in gold, silver and bronze.
The event was organised by Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG), which was present as the official media partner.
4As president Tan Kien Eng said the occasion was meant to honour brands that were able to innovate without losing their connection to the people.
“Trust, as we know, is fragile; it cannot be bought and must be built over time through authenticity, purpose and consistency.
“We want to honour brands that have done exactly that, remaining relevant and innovative without losing their values or their humanity.
“To the brands recognised in this award, congratulations, you have earned the trust of Malaysians – the highest accolade of all,” he said in his speech.
Meanwhile, 4As Malaysia senior adviser and Putra Brand Awards organising chairman Datuk Johnny Mun said the Paba was designed to empower consumers to identify and choose the brands closest to them.
“Winning consumers’ hearts is a journey and as with any journey, the ups and downs are part of the trek that makes eventual success meaningful and sweet.
“This is why the introduction of Paba has always been to recognise, celebrate and award brands and brand builders for their efforts in their discipline,” he said in his speech.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy chief executive officer (export acceleration) S. Jai Shankar said the awards underscored the value of brands cultivating deep emotional connections with the public.
“A strong brand is a promise kept over generations. We believe that a brand which wins at home is a brand that is ready to win abroad.
“We urge brands to integrate branding into their export promotion strategies, so when you step into new markets abroad, your brand equity, reputation for quality and resilience will open doors before your product even hits the shelves,” he said in his speech.
Also present at the event was SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang.
(Fifth from left) OSK senior general manager Jong Guan Wei and team with their gold award in the Property category. With them are Mun (far left), Wang (third from right) and Tan (far right).
Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan with a bronze in the Transportation, Travel and Tourism category. On his left is 4As council member Dr Milan Agnihotri.
Econsave operation manager B. Ummapathy with the silver award in Retail category.
Burger King Malaysia brand manager Aisha Azman and her team mate commemorating the occasion with a selfie.
Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Alan Kwong Soon Fatt (fifth from right), and team, receiving a gold award from Jai Shankar (fourth from right) as Mun (third from right) and Tan (far left) look on.
Marrybrown Sdn Bhd international director Kairul Azman (seated, third from right), chief marketing officer Lynn Low (seated, second from left) and team are all set for a dazzling evening.
Tourism Malaysia director general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim holding the gold award for Transportation, Travel and Tourism category. With them is 4As council member Dr Milan Agnihotri (far right).
OCBC Bank Bhd head of brand and communications Ann Lim (centre in red) and her team clinched a bronze in Banking, Investment and Insurance category.
Baba Products (M) head of marketing Sdn Bhd Azrain Mohamad (middle with award) and his team clinched a silver in the Foodstuff category.
Mah Sing Group Bhd chief experience officer Bernard Yong (second from left) with a silver in the Property category, together with Mun (far left), Wang (second from right) and Tan (far right).
Zurich Malaysia’s Brand, Marketing and Communications head Erin Hwang (third from left) and team won a bronze in the Banking, Investment and Insurance category.
Lotus’s Malaysia director of customer and marketing Deon Lee (left) with 4As vice-president Kristian Lee.
Friso Gold marketing manager Jessica Siew (second from right) and team grabbed a bronze award in Beverage – Dairy category.
Guinness, Wheat Beer and Diageo Brands marketing manager Joyce Lim (second from left) and team with the bronze award for Beverage – Alcoholic.
University of Reading Malaysia head of marketing, recruitment and admissions Wong Foo Hing (centre) and team received a silver in the Education and Learning category. With them is 4As council member LV Chong (far right, in blue).
Guests to the event tossing yee sang for the prosperous upcoming Year of the Horse.
(Third from left) Jobstreet head of marketing Phoenix Ho and her team won a gold in the e-Commerce category.
Bank Islam group chief operating officer and group chief sustainability officer Mohamed Iran Moriff Mohd Shariff with a bronze in Banking, Investment and Insurance.
