All smiles: Staff from SMG and McDonald’s Malaysia and children from Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah taking a group photo at the celebration in Petaling Jaya. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Laughter, music and heart-warming moments filled the air at the Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah on Oct 9 as Star Media Group (SMG) and McDonald’s Malaysia joined hands to celebrate children with special needs under the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) 2025 CSR Programme.
The event, part of the companies’ shared effort to promote compassion and inclusivity, saw 120 children treated to a day of fun and joy.
They were entertained with group games, balloons, a magic show and dancing sessions, while McDonald’s Malaysia sponsored food for everyone at the home and donated RM5,000 as well.
Explaining the inspiration behind the collaboration, SMG’s senior general manager, client brand marketing Sharon Lee said the partnership with McDonald’s Malaysia reflects a natural extension of SMG’s long-standing commitment to uplift communities through the SGHA platform.
“This collaboration with McDonald’s Malaysia stems from a shared belief in giving back to the community and uplifting lives.
“Through the SGHA platform, we’ve always celebrated individuals and organisations who make a difference – and today, we’re taking that spirit a step further by being part of the change ourselves,” she said.
Lee said the initiative not only supports the children but also inspires the wider community to act with empathy and purpose.
For McDonald’s Malaysia, its senior vice-president and chief impact officer Melati Abdul Hai said the partnership with SMG reinforces its mission to give back and support children in need.
“This collaboration with SMG reflects McDonald’s Malaysia’s continuous commitment to championing kindness, compassion and community spirit – values that are deeply embedded in our corporate culture.
“Both McDonald’s Malaysia and SMG share the same belief that positive change starts at the community level, and by working together, we can create a greater and more sustainable social impact,” she said.
The company’s CSR efforts focus on empowering individuals, strengthening communities and aiding underserved families, Melati said.
She said that the Taman Megah home was chosen for its dedication to children with special needs.
Since 2017, October has been McDonald’s Malaysia’s month of giving back to children nationwide.
For Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah president and director Umadevi Rajamanikam, the visit was as meaningful for the staff as it was for the children.
“We have 120 children. We provide everything we can for them such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sensory room therapy and hydrotherapy.
“Special kids are different. They cannot always express their feelings in words, but they can show their love. We must give more than 100% of our love to them,” she added.
Now in its 11th edition, the SGHA continues to honour selfless Malaysians whose compassion and dedication have touched lives across the country.
This year’s nominations highlight causes from environmental and wildlife protection to social welfare, community empowerment and education.
With McDonald’s Malaysia as its new strategic partner, SGHA aims to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
The 2025 programme 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, the award has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose selfless efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities throughout Malaysia.
