Gold medal winners at Putra Brand Awards

GUINNESS Anchor Berhad (GAB) was the big winner at the Putra Brand Awards 2012 on Tuesday night.

GAB won four times via Heineken and Tiger (gold award), Anchor (silver) and Guinness (bronze) at the awards ceremony at the One World Hotel ballroom in Petaling Jaya.

This, the third edition of the awards, was a glitzy affair, designed to honour local brands and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have helped to shape Malaysia’s economic fortunes and extensions beyond the country’s borders.

The event, which saw awards presented for 20 categories, was organised under the auspices of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As). Among the award categories were apparel and accessories, foodstuff, health, household products and personal care.

Those who came for the awards ceremony were dressed to the nines in slinky gowns and stylish suits.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin graced the event on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and read out the latter’s speech to the audience.

In his speech, Najib said he hoped the awards would encourage more Malaysian companies to invest in building their brands, expanding their reach and engaging with their customers in new and exciting ways.

4As president Tony Savarimuthu said the Putra Brand Awards were the “people’s choice awards”.

“This is the fundamental element that gives credence to the Putra Brand Awards, which measures and recognises Malaysian brands and SMEs across 20 categories with the top choices determined through a comprehensive nationwide consumer panel,” he said.

While being served a sumptuous Chinese dinner, the audience was entertained throughout the night by a smooth, jazz band and were enthralled by the sultry voice of jazz pop singer Atilia.

The Star was one of the sponsors of the event and won the silver award under the “Media and Entertainment” category.

While Astro clinched the “Brand of the Year” award, Bonia, Firefly, Ogawa, Old Town White Coffee, Pensonic and Vincci each won the “Most Promising Brand of the Year” award.

Electrical chain store Sen-Q was named as the “SME of the Year.”