SMG chief content officer receives prestigious media award

KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng has received the prestigious Media Luminary Award of the National Press Club (NPC) for her contributions in journalism.

She was among 17 recipients who received the award during the NPC’s Diamond Jubilee celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday night.

“I didn’t get here by myself, I did it with my team. For that, I would like to thank SMG for giving me the opportunity to lead.

“I also thank my seniors for letting me stand on their shoulders,” said Ng.

Aside from Ng, other female journalists who received the award were Bernama chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, media consultant Datuk Nuraina Samad and Media Prima Television Networks chief executive officer Nini Yusof.

The event, attended by 170 media practitioners and industry leaders, honoured journalists who have made a lasting impact on nation-building through their unwavering pursuit of truth and excellence in the field.

All smiles: (From left) Nur-ul Afida, Maimunah, Nuraina, Ng, Nini and NPC vice-president and New Straits Times group editor Farrah Naz Karim on stage at the celebration in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Communications deputy secretary-general Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin.

NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan expressed admiration for the contributions of the award recipients.

“The awards are a celebration of those who have blazed the trail for all of us.

“We are indeed humbled that you are all here. You are the giants that have chronicled our nation’s development.

“We stand on your shoulders, as it is the only way that we can see clearly into the challenging future ahead,” he said.

The event also honoured 11 veteran journalists for their lifetime commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

They include Zainoor Sulaiman and Datuk Seri Azman Ujang who received the Lifetime Dedication to Journalism Award.

Other recipients were PC Shivadas who received the NPC Diamond Award, while Datuk Hardev Kaur was honoured with the NPC President’s Award.