One for the album: Chan (centre) with Melati (sixth right) at the SGHA 2025 launch ceremony together with representatives from both companies as well as past SGHA winners at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
SGHA 2025 kicks off to recognise kindness of everyday M’sians
PETALING JAYA: In an age where headlines are dominated by noise and speed, it is often the quiet acts of kindness that are unseen and uncelebrated, that truly hold communities together.
Now in its 11th year, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
This year also marks a new chapter for the award with McDonald’s Malaysia coming on board as a strategic partner.
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In conjunction with the partnership, a new category, the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award, has been introduced to recognise heartfelt acts that change lives, often without fanfare.
Nominations opened yesterday and will run for eight weeks until Aug 10.
Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the collaboration reflects shared values and a united mission between the two organisations.
“Together, Star Media Group and McDonald’s Malaysia are committed to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society by celebrating unsung heroes who make a real difference through compassion and action.
“We believe in the power of storytelling to shine a light on their impact, and now, with McDonald’s Malaysia’s support, we can amplify these voices and reach even more Malaysians,” said he during the launch at Menara Star here yesterday.
On this year’s theme, “Recognising the Unsung, Inspiring the Next,” Chan likened the movement to a torch relay.
“We raise the torch to illuminate the path ahead, so others may follow, and one day, carry it forward themselves,” he said.
“The message is simple – real change begins with a caring heart.”
McDonald’s Malaysia senior vice president and chief impact officer Melati Abdul Hai echoed the sentiment, expressing a deep resonance with SGHA’s mission.
“The unsung heroes that SGHA celebrates – the teachers who go the extra mile, the youth mentors, the food bank volunteers, the wildlife protectors, the flood rescue teams – are the very people who reflect the best of Malaysia.
“They don’t seek recognition. They don’t ask for rewards. They act out of empathy, conviction, and a sense of duty to one another.
“And in today’s fast-paced, often polarised world, that quiet courage matters more than ever,” she said.
“At McDonald’s Malaysia, we remain committed to being more than a business. We aim to be a positive force in the lives of Malaysians, not just today, but for generations to come.”
As part of the launch, past SGHA winners, Food Aid Foundation general manager Afraz Said and International Council For Education Of People With Visual-Impairment regional president Silatul Rahim Dahman, shared their experiences and journeys after receiving the award.
Guests also participated in a walkabout and interacted with various booths set up by previous winners, including Reef Check Malaysia, The Asli Co, WWF-Malaysia, Helping Hands Penan, MYReaders and Food Aid Foundation.
The event was officiated by Chan and Melati, and joined by the panel of judges.
The newly appointed chief judge is Tan Sri Wee Hoe Soon @ Gooi Hoe Soon, a distinguished corporate leader with a deep commitment to advancing social good and community development through sustainable leadership.
Also present were SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
The SGHA will see 10 outstanding recipients selected by an esteemed panel of judges representing diverse expertise in the field of social impact.
Winners will share a total cash prize of RM90,000, receive extensive media coverage across Star Media Group’s platforms, and gain exclusive access to the SGHA Winners Network.
SGHA recognises the extraordinary contributions of Malaysians across five key pillars: community empowerment; education; environment and wildlife; social welfare; and disaster and crisis relief.
Since its inception in 2015, the award has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives, and strengthened communities nationwide.
The public is invited to nominate individuals or organisations whose work aligns with SGHA’s five pillars.
Self-nominations are also welcomed.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit https://www.sgha.com.my/
