Star Media Group (SMG) chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng (in green) with deputy executive editor Sim Leoi Leoi; editor, online Michelle Tam, online editor Joseph Loh, deputy executive editor Christina Chin and executive editor, content design Tung Eng Hwa celebrating the Gold Award for best fact checking project at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards (2025). — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG) has been awarded the Gold Award for its exemplary fact-checking section, True or Not, at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards (DMA) 2025.
Organised by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the event has been a pivotal platform for transformation in the news media industry since 2009.
This year, it brought together global media leaders to share innovations in digital revenue, AI and newsroom technology.
Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng highlighted that the team's efforts have continued to enhance The Star’s reputation as a reputable news organisation.
"I’m so proud of our team. When we started this segment, we had no clue how to go about it and what topics to focus on daily, but as time went by, we realised readers really loved this segment and looked to us to tell them whether a certain info is true or not.
"We decided to do this as we had already been identified as one of the top-most trusted brands, and this is a service we want to share with our readers.
"We make sure we include both hard and soft items to make it fun as well! I’m so happy we are on the right track!" she said.
Deputy Executive Editor Sim Leoi Leoi commented that the award is a reflection of the teamwork and dedication involved in creating The Star Online’s fact-check content.
"We would like to thank all the editors and reporters who have contributed to the Star Online's Quickcheck and True or Not stories, and for their dedication to keep it going.
"The popularity and high page views of these stories show that the role of media is in fact even more important than ever in the era of fake news and fast-evolving, viral social media landscape.
"Now - as before - people want to know the truth, and that should always be the reason why we do what we do," she said.
