KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG) bagged top prizes in the Works Ministry Media Appreciation Night and the 2025 CIDB Construction Media Awards, clinching six awards across four of the seven categories contested.
In the Static Infographic Award category, SMG Executive Editor (Content Design) Tung Eng Hwa, Razak Ahmad, Muhammad Hafeez Aminuddin, Foo Chern Hwan, and Muhammad Shyafiq Dzulkifli won the first prize.
SMG also won the merit prize in the Video Infographic Award category for a team effort by Tung, Razak and Shyafiq, along with Nor Shalina Abdul Samad, Mohd Syahril Mohd Jamil and Shaiful Rizwan Mohd Azhar.
In the Photography Award category, SMG photographers swept all three top honours.
Mohd Faihan Mohd Ghani clinched first place, followed by Ahmad Izzrafiq Alias in second, while Mohammad Azman Abdul Ghani secured third.
mStar journalists Wais Qorni Azizan and Muhammad Mustakim Ramli also brought home the second prize in the Print Media and News Portal Award for the Special News Report category.
First-prize winners received RM5,000 in cash, while second and third prize recipients took home RM3,000 and RM2,000, respectively, along with trophies and certificates.
Tung dedicated the awards to the SMG content team, saying the wins validated their approach to visual storytelling.
"Sweeping both infographic categories is a big achievement for our team. It shows that quality visual journalism resonates with audiences and that our investment in this form of storytelling is making an impact."
Razak, who is senior news editor, said the awards reflected SMG's focus on ensuring the most effective approach to news delivery.
"At SMG, we understand the importance of a multimedia approach in storytelling for a modern audience. Photos and infographics - whether static or animated - are essential tools in making complex information accessible and engaging, helping readers grasp important issues quickly and effectively."
Now in its eighth edition, the award ceremony was held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Dec 17).
The award recognises the contributions of media professionals in highlighting developments and achievements in the construction sector.
Categories featured included the Online Video and Television Broadcasting Media Award for Special Report and Documentary, Print Media and News Portal Award for Feature Article, and the Radio Broadcasting Media Award.
Jointly organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and the Malaysian Press Institute, the event was launched by Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Also present at the event were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, CIDB Malaysia president Datuk Yusuf Abd Wahab and chief executive officer Zainora Zainal, MPI ceo Ainol Amriz Ismail, as well editors and journalists from various media agencies.
