LONG-TIME subscribers of The Star newspaper were special guests at the annual Star Employee Enrichment Day (SEED).
Organised by Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), the two-day event offered engaging activities, wellness programmes and myriad of other initiatives, with loyal readers invited in conjunction with SMG’s 55th anniversary.
Among the subscribers present were Rashid Esoofi, 88, and wife Rafida Rashid, 79.
The couple from Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, have been reading The Star for over 20 years and subscribed to the physical paper for the last 15 years.
Rashid said the invitation was a nice gesture to appreciate their support.
“I like the feel of reading a physical newspaper.
“I also subscribe to the e-paper because it is convenient when I am on the go or abroad,” he said, adding that the event also offered an opportunity for them to meet fellow subscribers.
Rafida said they also enjoyed attending talks organised by SMG, especially those on health matters.
SEED 2026 saw over 50 booths set up across three floors, as well as on the grounds of Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
For health and wellness, offers included free or discounted services such as mammogram, liver scan, influenza vaccination, blood test and hearing check, allowing employees to undergo basic health screenings conveniently at their workplace.
There were also booths by government agencies such as the National Registration Department, National Blood Centre, Road Transport Department, Employees Provident Fund, National Education Savings Scheme, Social Security Organisation, Lembaga Tabung Haji, Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd, Amanah Raya Bhd and Lembaga Zakat Selangor.
A variety of food and lifestyle vendors were also present.
SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt hoped the event would make it easier for staff to sort out matters with government agencies and undergo health checks.
“This is our 13th year and we hope to continue for many more years to come.”
SMG Group People senior manager Mahendraraj Mariappan said the event was organised to provide employees a convenient one-stop venue to access wellness initiatives and government services while enjoying exclusive promotions from participating vendors in a fun and engaging environment.
He said the government agency service counters continued to be among the event’s most popular attractions, apart from the goodie bag collection booth.
“The blood donation drive was also one of the biggest draws this year, with many employees stopping by to donate.”
Since SEED 2026 coincided with the company’s 55th anniversary, 55 employees who won a wind-tunnel game took home a set of limited-edition commemorative merchandise – lanyard, tumbler, tech organiser and reusable shopping bag.
Two winners were SMG marketing executives Nur Irwani Iskandar Sani and Tung Angel.
Nur Irwani said she had never won anything before and was surprised with her win, while Tung said some of her colleagues had been asking where they could get the lanyard and if she would be selling hers.
SMG chief designer Mohd Adznam Sabri was among 76 employees who donated blood during the event.
He said the on-site blood donation drive made it easy for staff to contribute to a meaningful cause without having to travel to a donation centre.
“It’s a simple way to help others and having it at the office made the process very convenient.
“This is my 13th time and I hope more of my colleagues will donate in future because every donation can make a difference.”
During the event, staff and subscribers also took part in interactive game sessions and were entertained by staff performances and Suria Wheelers, the on-the-ground cruising crew for Suria FM.
