Decade of dedication: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (sixth from left) receiving a certificate of appreciation from SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng in recognition of being the Star Golden Hearts Award chief judge between 2015 and 2024. Also pictured are (from left) SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, McDonald’s Malaysia corporate communications director Shamsidar Yahya, McDonald’s Malaysia senior vice-president and chief impact officer Melati Abdul Hai, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, Star Golden Hearts Award 2025 chief judge Tan Sri Dr Gooi Hoe Soon, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, social work and child protection consultant Vijayakumari Pillai and ESGright Sdn Bhd principal consultant Prathab V. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Heartwarming and inspiring – that was how McDonald’s Malaysia described the winners of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) 2025, whose initiatives span social work, support for vulnerable communities and wildlife conservation.
McDonald’s Malaysia corporate communications director Shamsidar Yahya said each winner demonstrated clarity of purpose and a deep understanding of the communities they serve.
“They went above and beyond, while remaining resilient and relentless in helping their communities,” she said when met after the awards ceremony at Menara Star yesterday.
She added that the winners’ efforts have produced measurable and meaningful results.
“You can clearly see the impact within their communities, with significant outcomes achieved,” she said.
On McDonald’s Malaysia’s role as a strategic partner for SGHA 2025, Shamsidar said both share aligned values – caring for communities, creating opportunities and making a positive difference every day.
“We are also proud to present the inaugural McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award, recognising individuals whose passion and commitment reflect our belief in giving back and uplifting the community with purpose,” she said.
“More Malaysians should be inspired by today’s winners. Our country needs more heroes like you.”
The ceremony also honoured Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who received a certificate of appreciation for his decade of service as SGHA chief judge from 2015 to 2024.
The certificate was presented by Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng.
“Over the years, Tan Sri Lee has not only given us his time and leadership, but also his heart, wisdom and unwavering belief in the goodness of Malaysians,” Wong said.
“His guidance has kept the award true to its purpose and helped it grow into a national platform that recognises kindness, uplifts community work and inspires many more to care.”
Lee expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his hopes for the future of the awards.
“Thank you for the honour and the opportunity to serve as chief judge for the past 10 wonderful years.
“May the spirit of the Star Golden Hearts Award continue to flourish, and may we keep recognising more unsung heroes across our beloved country,” he said.
The ceremony’s atmosphere was further enlivened by a special musical performance from Zimi’J, a neurodivergent rock band featuring musicians with autism, mentored by SGHA 2022 winner Edwin Nathaniel.
The band performed energetic renditions of Gemuruh, Standing in the Eyes of the World and Stand By Me, with the crowd joining in.
Several booths showcasing SGHA winners’ initiatives were also set up at Menara Star, including those by OrphanCare Foundation, REKAYU, Adrine Lee’s Lifelink Homecare and Johnson Lam’s KakiRepair.
