All smiles: Chan (holding the award), Wang (Chan’s right) and SMG employees posing for a group photo after winning gold in the Media and Networks category at the Putra Brand Awards 2025. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG) struck gold again in the Media and Networks category at the 2025 Putra Brand Awards.
This marks a significant “triple crown” for the group, having secured the award for three consecutive years.
SMG group chief operating officer Lydia Wang accepted the award on behalf of the media powerhouse during the ceremony yesterday.
SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the win is a direct reflection of the bond between the people’s paper and its readers.
“We are incredibly honoured that the public has chosen The Star once again. This third consecutive gold award shows that Malaysians still value authentic, credible journalism. It is a reminder of the immense responsibility we carry as the ‘people’s paper’.
“Even as we modernise how news is delivered, our focus remains on providing the honest, reliable reporting that Malaysians expect from us. We are truly grateful for this continued trust and will work hard to earn it again every day,” he added.
Other prominent brands that won the awards are PETRONAS, Unifi, Watsons, Marrybrown and McDonald’s.
Over 1,200 participants attended the Putra Brand Awards’ glitzy gala night with 160 brands awarded at the event.
Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) president Tan Kien Eng called the Putra Brand Awards a “celebration of earned trust” by the rakyat who interact with, rely upon and invite these brands into their daily lives.
“In today’s rapidly changing world of evolving technologies, shifting expectations and constant connectivity, trust has become a brand’s most valuable currency.
“And trust, as we know, is fragile. Trust cannot be bought. It must be built over time, through authenticity, purpose and consistency.
“The Putra Brands Awards honour brands that have done exactly that. Brands that remain relevant without losing their values. Brands that embrace innovation while staying deeply human,” he said.
Tan said the 4As, a non-profit organisation, encourages its members to go beyond creativity and effectiveness and to shape narratives, influence culture and reflect society’s aspirations.
“At the 4As, we believe great creativity must also be responsible work that inspires, uplifts, and is inclusive and purposeful,” Tan added.
4As Malaysia senior adviser and Putra Brand Awards organising chairman Datuk Johnny Mun said the Putra Brand Awards is about empowering consumers to pick the best brands closest to them.
“Brand-building is a long, painstaking process of nurturing, brand love and care. Thus, winning consumers’ hearts is a journey and as with any journey, the ups and downs are part of the trek that makes eventual success meaningful and sweet.
“This is why the introduction of the Putra Brand Awards has always been to recognise, celebrate and award brands and brand builders for their efforts in their discipline,” he said in his speech.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said strong brands are critical drivers of business growth and national competitiveness.
“Every brand recognised tonight reflects teamwork, resilience and clarity of purpose,” Abu Bakar said.
He added that the awards honour the collective effort – people, culture and values – that makes brands relevant and enduring.
“Genuine brand value is built through consistency, credibility and trust. This is exactly what the Putra Brand Awards represent,” he said.
Abu Bakar emphasised that Matrade is strengthening its role in supporting Malaysian brands and exporters.
“Malaysia has again achieved a historic milestone in trade performance, reaching a record level of total trade worth RM3.06 trillion, with exports valued at RM1.61 trillion and imports at RM1.45 trillion.
“Total trade surpassed the RM3 trillion mark for the first time. The country sustained a trade surplus of RM151.8bil, marking the 28th consecutive year of a positive trade balance since 1998,” he shared.
He added that Matrade is implementing a strategic roadmap comprising 203 targeted and high-impact development and trade promotion programmes, designed to empower over 12,000 Malaysian companies to succeed internationally.
Entering its 16th edition, the Putra Brand Awards 2025 saw 160 Malaysian preferred brands take centre stage at the Majestic Hotel last night.
Reflecting the diversity of Malaysian consumer life, a total of 168 Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented across 24 categories, with an addition of four special awards, ranging from automotive; entertainment and leisure; e-commerce; and property.
The winners were determined through a comprehensive consumer study by global research leader Ipsos, which analysed over 51,000 responses nationwide, before the winners were chosen and endorsed by the 4As board of governors.
The event was organised by the 4As in collaboration with SMG as the official media partner.
It is endorsed by Matrade as the Brand Champion Partner and supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association, Media Specialists Association, Malaysian Digital Association and Outdoor Advertising Association of Malaysia.
