PETALING JAYA: With more than 500 nominees for this year’s Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA), judges say the selection process has become both inspiring and challenging, as each nominee is an unsung hero in their own right.
Chief judge Tan Sri Dr Gooi Hoe Soon, who chaired the panel for the first time, described SGHA as an incredible platform to recognise Malaysians who give back to society without seeking the limelight.
“It has also been a learning process for me, as we have to identify how best to recognise those doing meaningful work without recognition,” he said when met on the sidelines of the judging session held at Menara Star yesterday.
Gooi added that SGHA also reflects the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“It was difficult to rate the nominees as each had their own unique way of giving back. They already have the vision to help others, and that itself is commendable,” he said.
Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng said the growing number of nominees every year shows that more Malaysians are beginning to understand SGHA’s purpose.
“There are many unsung heroes out there, and most remain unknown to the wider public,” she said, adding that each nominee has their own strengths, focusing on different causes.
“It’s getting tougher to judge because the nominees are all so diverse and impressive,” she said, adding that SGHA is The Star’s way of celebrating Malaysian heroes.
Tribute to selfless acts: (From left) Prathab, Ng, Vijayakumari, Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, Gooi, Shamsidar, Salena and Star Media Group chief operating officer Lydia Wang at the SGHA judging ceremony. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“The Star has always been a very compassionate media organisation. Beyond journalism, we’ve shown commitment to environmental, social and governance issues, as well as women’s empowerment and corporate social responsibility,” Ng said.
Her message to the nominees: “Don’t stop what you’re doing, because Malaysia needs you.”
McDonald’s Malaysia corporate communications director Shamsidar Yahya, also a first-time judge, said it was inspiring to see so many Malaysians going the extra mile for others.
“Being nominated already shows you’ve made a positive impact in your community. Winning or not isn’t the point.
“Please continue your work. These are our Malaysian heroes, and we need more of you,” she said.
On the debut of the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award this year, Shamsidar said it aims to encourage more Malaysians to contribute to meaningful causes, reflecting McDonald’s Malaysia’s core values of feeding and fostering the community.
Fellow judge Muhammad Hafizul Khair Mohd Yusuf described this year’s nominees as exceptionally inspiring, committed and impactful.
“I was deeply moved by the authenticity of each entry and the real stories behind them,” said Muhammad Hafizul, a social entrepreneurship unit manager at the National Entrepreneurship Institute, under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry.
He stressed that judging went beyond popularity, focusing instead on real, lasting impact.
“The criteria were designed to reflect Malaysia’s pressing issues such as social inclusion, education and environmental care, balancing urgency with long-term results,” he said.
Child protection consultant Vijayakumari Pillai noted an impressive shift this year from environmental-centric causes to more people-focused initiatives.
“Some of the efforts are very original and innovative. I am also inspired by the nominees, who are all doing great work,” said Vijayakumari, a former assistant director at the Social Welfare Department.
She urged for more initiatives toward supporting those in rural areas, rather than focusing solely on urban communities.
Good deeds aplenty: The SGHA judges say the selection process has become both inspiring and challenging, as each nominee is an unsung hero in their own right. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Another judge, Prathab V, said SGHA is among the few awards that honour Malaysia’s unsung heroes.
“It’s exciting to recognise companies, groups and individuals who contribute tremendously to society,” said Prathab, ESGright principal consultant and a second-time SGHA judge.
He reminded nominees who did not win not to perceive it as a setback but as motivation to continue serving.
“I think most don’t do this for awards, but to make a difference. Even a small drop in the ocean can leave an impact,” he said.
SURI Lifestyle founder Salena Ahmad, also a returning judge, said she enjoyed hearing the nominees’ stories.
“When they share statistics and real accounts of social issues, I’m both shocked and impressed by how they’re working to solve them,” she said.
As a social entrepreneur, Salena said enterprises should also seek recognition, not just funding, while adding that she has gained fresh perspectives from other judges.
“Every judge has different ways of evaluating nominees, and I see this as a learning opportunity.”
Now in its 11th edition, SGHA continues to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have touched lives in lasting ways.
This year’s nominations spanned causes from environmental and wildlife protection to social welfare, community empowerment and education.
With McDonald’s Malaysia as its new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the introduction of the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award, which recognises individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
