KUALA LUMPUR: The media plays an invaluable role in shaping the nation, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).
In recognising its contribution to nation-building, the Housing and Local Government Minister said the media has the ability to construct public opinion and enhance awareness on current issues.
“In this context, the media also promotes unity and patriotism while contributing to economic and social development,” he said in his speech at the ministry’s media excellence awards yesterday.
Nga said the awards recognise the media’s role and contributions in delivering information that aids nation-building.
At the event, Star Media Group (SMG) bagged two top awards across eight categories.
Roll of honour: The SMG team with chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng (centre) after the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s media excellence awards ceremony. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Under the Online Video Award category, The Star’s executive producer Ian Lau Yan Fun, senior news producer Charanjeet Kaur, senior chief video editor Elaine Cheng, senior video editor Carl Lew Cheng Tek and senior chief videographer Juliana Fauzi took first prize.
They emerged as the top winner for their video KL Fire and Rescue Department all set to tackle floods with 21 divers on standby.
In the Photojournalism category, The Star’s Mohammad Azman Abdul Ghani was third for his piece titled Smokey End.
Other winners include the Sinar Harian team which won in the Social Media Content category.
First prize winners receive a RM3,000 cash prize while second and third place winners take home RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively, along with trophies and certificates of appreciation.
The Minister’s Special Award was won by Bernama, Radio Televisyen Malaysia and Sin Chew Daily, with each taking home RM20,000, as well as trophies and a certificate.
A total of 231 nominations were received involving 48 media agencies.
