Making a lasting impact: Wong receiving the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific’s Malaysia CSR Leadership Impact award from Aaron (in batik shirt) and Mohd Ali in Kuala Lumpur. They are flanked by Abdul Majid (left) and Yeoh. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Star Foundation has received the Malaysia Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leadership Impact Award at an event aimed at promoting communal harmony through entrepreneurship.
The award, under the Special Business Excellence CSR category, was in recognition of the Star Foundation’s commitment to social responsibility and corporate citizenship.
“We are honoured to receive the inaugural Malaysia CSR Leadership Impact Award from FGB Malaysia and KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific,” said SMG group chief executive officer Alex Yeow.
“Star Foundation aims to deliver meaningful and impactful social initiatives with lasting outcomes to diverse groups of beneficiaries,” said Yeow, of Star Media Group Bhd’s charitable arm, which was started in 2007.
“These key areas include community development, education, access to basic needs and infrastructure, environmental protection and health and well-being,” he said.
“Winning this award and being recognised as one of the leading foundations in CSR is a testament to our commitment towards our communities that goes beyond pure philanthropy.
“We always believe that with compassion, every Malaysian deserves a chance to improve their social-economic well- being.
“Which in turn will help the country achieve stability, prosperity, peace and unity,” he added.
The Special Awards programme was part of the “Promoting National Unity and Nation Building Through Business and Entrepreneurship” event held at the Corus Hotel, organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur and FGBMF Malaysia.
SMG group marketing and corporate communication general manager Daphne Wong received the award on behalf of Star Foundation from National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
Also present at the ceremony were KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Majid Khan, and KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.
Speaking at the event, Aaron said business partnerships play a critical role in uniting diverse communities and fostering integration.
“In today’s interconnected world, businesses are recognised not just by their balance sheets but also by their contributions to society, the environment and their governance practices.
“Our endeavours go beyond local impact.
“They should resonate with global aspirations of unity, peace, and inclusive progress.
“By aligning our CSR initiatives with the goals of promoting national unity and integrating them with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) objectives, we ensure our actions are both locally relevant and globally resonant,” he said.
ECKL chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, who is KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific deputy chairman, said the national seminar exemplified the power of collaboration between various stakeholders in the country, which proved their will to foster unity through entrepreneurship and business partnerships.
