A front-page feature on the socioeconomic transformation of two villages in Shah Alam earned Star Media Group chief reporter Jade Chan the top prize at Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Synergy and Media Awards 2026.
Chan won Best Published Article for her frontpage report “Villages galvanised by kinship”.
She received RM1,000 as well as an additional RM1,000 as the recipient of the Mayor’s Special Award.
Chan said the story began as a routine press release but she felt it had the potential to be developed into a feature.
“At StarMetro, reporting on local issues is our bread and butter and I’m grateful to MBSA for recognising the value of community journalism.”
During the gala dinner in Shah Alam, StarMetro was also recognised in two organisational categories.
It emerged as first runner-up for both the Highest Number of Published Articles and Highest Number of Digital Articles, winning RM1,000 for each award.
The Star photographer Izzrafiq Alias received RM700 after securing second place in the Best Photography category.
Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar said the awards recognised the long-standing partnership between the city council and media.
“Journalists play a vital role in communicating information from local authorities to the public.”
Also present was Shah Alam deputy mayor Madiyan Baweh.
