PETALING JAYA: Every life transformed has a story behind it, and often, at the heart of that story is someone who chose to help without expecting anything in return.
They are the volunteers, grassroots leaders and community organisations who quietly make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
For the 12th consecutive year, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns to honour these extraordinary individuals and organisations whose compassion and selfless service continue to uplift communities and change lives across the country.
Built on the foundational belief that Malaysia’s unsung heroes are the vital threads binding our communities together, SGHA 2026 introduces a refreshed set of strategic pillars to better reflect the diverse ways Malaysians serve one another.
The expanded framework aims to ensure that more changemakers and impactful social initiatives receive the national recognition they deserve.
Strategic pillars for 2026
To capture the broad spectrum of impactful social work taking place nationwide, nominations will be assessed across four core areas:
• Social welfare – Supporting basic needs, improving health and well-being, and advancing inclusion and accessibility.
• Community empowerment and education – Nurturing young minds, equipping communities with practical skills, and developing future leaders.
• Disaster and crisis relief – Recognising emergency responders, recovery efforts, and initiatives that strengthen crisis preparedness and resilience.
• Environment and wildlife – Celebrating those who protect natural ecosystems and champion responsible waste and resource management.
An esteemed panel of judges from across the social impact sector will select 10 outstanding recipients.
The winners will share a total prize pool of RM100,000.
Beyond financial support, winners will receive extensive media exposure across Star Media Group’s platforms and gain access to the exclusive SGHA Winners Network, allowing them to connect with fellow changemakers and expand their long-term impact.
A legacy of recognising changemakers
Since its inception, SGHA has recognised 110 individuals and organisations whose dedication has touched countless lives throughout Malaysia.
More than RM700,000 in prize money has been awarded over the years, reflecting the award’s commitment to celebrating those who serve others with compassion and purpose.
Last year alone, SGHA received 568 nominations, ultimately recognising five individuals and five organisations for the profound difference they continue to make.
Various causes were recognised at last year’s SGHA, from child welfare and education, food security, community development, wildlife conservation, disaster relief, social welfare, and sustainability.
The celebrated winners were Lightup Borneo, REKAYU, Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, OrphanCare Foundation, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust, K. Balasupramaniam, Johnson Lam, Mohamed Nazri Prem Nasir, Chew Song Kong and Adrine Lee Mooi Keow.
As a media organisation committed to telling the stories of Malaysians, Star Media Group is proud to champion everyday heroes whose efforts have uplifted lives and strengthened communities.
How to nominate your everyday hero
Nominations for SGHA 2026 are now open until Aug 23.
Members of the public are invited to nominate individuals and organisations that have consistently dedicated their time, energy and ideas to improving the lives of others.
SGHA looks beyond good intentions. It seeks to recognise those whose work is innovative, sustainable and has delivered meaningful results over time.
Your unsung hero could be a teacher shaping lives beyond the classroom, a volunteer bringing hope to families in need, an environmental advocate protecting Malaysia’s natural heritage, or a community organisation helping people build brighter futures.
If you know someone whose kindness, leadership and dedication have touched countless lives, now is the time to shine a spotlight on their efforts.
Submission and eligibility details
To qualify, individuals and organisations must have actively served their communities for at least 18 months.
For nominations and more information, visit SGHA at www.sgha.com.my.
