Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presenting the Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Sponsored Research Awards 2025's "Media of the Year" award to SMG Bhd chief of content Datin Paduka Esther Ng during the CRM Trial Connect 2025 opening ceremony at Connexion Conference in Bangsar South. Also in the photo Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (2nd from left), Health Ministry Sec. Gen. Dato Sri Suriani Dato Ahmad (1st from left), Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian (2nd from right), and CRM ceo Dr Akhmal Yusof (right).
KUALA LUMPUR: The Star Media Group has won the Clinical Research Malaysia Sponsored Research Awards 2025 for raising public awareness on clinical trials through its articles in 2024.
Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng graciously accepted the Awards’ Media of the Year presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The award ceremony on Thursday (May 8) recognises individuals and companies advancing clinical research in Malaysia.
Earlier, Anwar said that increased collaboration in clinical research with local sectors, institutions and Asian partners is crucial for Malaysia's development.
He said that there is a need for greater cooperation amid global chaos caused by United States President Donald Trump's planned tariffs.
Anwar then added that fostering clinical research collaborations with Asean neighbours could make Malaysia a hub for healthcare breakthroughs in the region.
He said that this would keep healthcare solution costs affordable and generate more clinical expertise jobs in the country.
"It's not just about the numbers. It's about people, talent, and knowledge, as every clinical trial conducted will produce ripple effects on many areas, from medical, logistics, and data management.
"This will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in a global marketplace and offer our professionals a platform to collaborate with the best minds in the world.
"That will also ensure that innovation doesn’t just benefit the few but uplifts the many," Anwar said at the Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect 2025 opening ceremony on Thursday (May 8).
He added that only by working across borders and sectors can we realise Asia's full potential in forming a sustainable and competitive regional ecosystem for clinical research.
Anwar highlighted how clinical research in Malaysia has become a key pillar of the healthcare and socio-economic landscape.
He revealed that since 2012, the clinical research ecosystem has contributed over RM1.5bil to the Gross National Income and created over 3,000 highly skilled jobs.
