Big wins: Chan (left) and Chin (right), who is representing Rebecca Grace, celebrating their wins with Wang at the Agrobank Media Awards 2025. — CHAN TAK KONG/ The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Star bagged the two top awards for the Print Media and News Portal category at the Agrobank Media Awards 2025 last night.
Star Media Group (SMG) education journalist Rebecca Grace Rajaendram, 36, was named the winner of the Best News Article award while StarMetro chief reporter Jade Chan, 43, won the Best Features Article, with each receiving RM5,000 and a trophy at the awards ceremony.
Titled “Getting youth into farming”, Rebecca Grace’s article was featured in StarEdu, SMG’s education pullout on Dec 22 last year, highlighting the importance of leveraging Gen Z and their tech expertise to grow the agriculture sector.
Chan’s “Sowing seeds of self-reliance among youths with special needs” published on Jan 7 this year, featured two community gardens in Selangor that help differently-abled young adults to develop their green thumb, cultivating not just plants but also self-esteem, communication and social skills.
Held at a hotel here last night, the awards recognised the work of media personnel who report on the agricultural sector, which plays an important role in ensuring the country’s food supply.
Thanking the organisers, Rebecca Grace said she “did not expect to win a second time”.
“It is an honour to be part of such a dedicated community that seeks to shine a light on the important issues affecting our country,” she said, referring to her fellow journalists.
Last year, she took home the first prize in the Print Media and News Portal (Best Features Article) category.
Her colleague, Chan said she is grateful that the financial institution recognised community oriented projects and their positive impact.
“I hope the win highlights lesser known agricultural oriented projects that help marginalised communities,” she added.
Jointly organised by Agrobank and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), the event featured six award categories, including the Online Video and Television Broadcasting Media Award, the Radio Media Award and the Agrobank Technology and Digital Award.
In his speech, Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the financial institution valued its media partners who consistently support, report and serve as a bridge between the institution and the public.
“The media plays a crucial role in strengthening the positive narrative about modern agriculture, food security and various initiatives by the government to develop this sector,” he said.
The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the Agro Biz Awards 2025, a prestigious award that aims to recognise excellence and outstanding contributions by industry players in strengthening the nation’s food security agenda.
Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, MPI CEO Ainol Amriz Ismail, SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang and deputy executive editor Christina Chin, who received the award on behalf of Rebecca Grace.
