SMG wins silver in best digital publisher of the year at MDA D-Awards
Wang (second from right) and Wee (fifth from left) posing with SMG representatives at the MDA D-Awards 2025, which recognised the media company as a catalyst in Malaysia's ESG journey.
PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group (SMG) has been awarded silver for 'Best Digital Publisher of the Year' at the MDA D-Awards 2025, recognising the Group's role in using journalism to accelerate ESG awareness and action through StarESG, its dedicated editorial platform for environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Organised by the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA), the D-Awards has been a pivotal platform to recognise and honour talents, agencies, brands, publishers, and digital service providers that adopt and lead in the use of digital technologies.
This award recognition reflects SMG's role as a catalyst in Malaysia's ESG journey—translating complex sustainability issues into accessible, impactful narratives that shape public understanding and support more informed, responsible decisions.
SMG's chief operating officer Lydia Wang said journalism continues to play an important role in informing and supporting progress on key national priorities. 'We see journalism not just as a tool to inform, but a platform to enable progress. This award reinforces our commitment to use our reach and credibility to foster thoughtful dialogue, shape greater understanding, and support national ESG goals.
'As a long-standing media organisation, we see it as our responsibility and privilege to support national progress through credible, purposeful storytelling,' she said.
SMG Senior General Manager Elicia Wee said: 'We're deeply honoured by this recognition. There has been growing momentum around ESG, and we saw an opportunity to support that movement by offering credible, contextualised insights through StarESG.
'Our goal has always been to make sustainability conversations more accessible—not just through information, but through content that enables clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.'
Since its launch in April 2022, StarESG has grown into Malaysia's leading ESG editorial platform. The platform has published over 350 articles and 30 executive insights, featuring regulatory updates, localised case studies, and global trends.
Its learning arm, StarESG Academy, has trained more than 1,350 professionals, supporting the corporate sector in building ESG literacy and readiness.
In 2024, SMG hosted the inaugural ESG Positive Impact Awards, honouring Malaysian companies for their leadership in sustainability.
Widely regarded as a credible benchmark for ESG excellence, the awards reflect a rigorous evaluation process and strong industry recognition.
That same year, SMG also founded the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC)—a first-of-its-kind regional media alliance with Indonesia's KG Media and the Philippines' Inquirer
Group, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to promote Asean-wide ESG collaboration and accountability.
By embedding purpose into reporting and building an integrated ESG ecosystem, SMG is redefining the role of legacy media - not merely as an observer of change, but as a catalyst for impact.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Intuit launches e-invoicing solution via QuickBooks platform
KUALA LUMPUR: Global financial technology firm Intuit Inc has launched a new e-invoicing solution in Malaysia via its QuickBooks platform to help businesses comply with government regulations and enhance operational efficiency. Launched on June 12, the solution is designed to support businesses in meeting the government's e-invoicing requirements while reducing the complexity, cost and risks associated with manual processes. Intuit vice-president for Asia Pacific Lars Leber said the initiative aligns with the government's broader digital economy agenda, especially as Malaysia prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship. "Our e-invoicing solution not only helps Malaysian businesses meet compliance requirements, it also contributes to the broader goal of improving tax transparency and digital efficiency," he said in a statement today. He said automation would help businesses minimise errors, improve cash flow visibility, and shorten payment turnaround times. "We're helping businesses operate more efficiently while ensuring data accuracy for regulators. It's a win-win that strengthens the overall business ecosystem," he added. Leber said Intuit remained committed to supporting Malaysia's growth, with the e-invoicing tool marking the first of many planned innovations. "We're invested in driving the success of our customers in Malaysia, and e-invoicing is just the beginning. More innovation is on the way as we continue to strengthen our position as an AI leader, building a platform where everything is in one place to run and grow your business, from lead to cash, with a virtual team of AI-enabled agents and human experts." The solution enables users to generate and send invoices with just a few clicks, track payment statuses in real time, and connect directly with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). It also offers full transparency throughout the invoicing process and reduces the risk of business disruptions, revenue loss, or supply chain issues associated with non-compliance. With rising demand for digitalisation across Southeast Asia, Intuit said its tools are designed to help businesses keep pace with evolving regulations while remaining competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Cuckoo IPO oversubscribed by 1.42 times, final price set at RM1.08 per share
KUALA LUMPUR: Cuckoo International (MAL) Bhd's initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by 1.42 times ahead of its listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd. Cuckoo is expected to be listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on June 24, 2025. The household goods manufacturer said a total of 7,908 applications for 69.33 million issue shares were received from the Malaysian public, resulting in an overall oversubscription rate of approximately 1.42 times. Of the total, the Bumiputera portion was oversubscribed by 0.35 times, while the other Malaysian public portion saw a higher oversubscription rate of 2.49 times. Cuckoo said the 143.28 million shares offered via private placement to local and foreign institutional investors were fully placed out. In addition, it said 14.32 million shares allocated to eligible individuals, including Cuckoo group employees, were also fully subscribed. Cuckoo also said the final IPO price for its listing on the Main Market has been set at RM1.08 per share, lower than the initial reference price of RM1.29 per share. RHB Investment Bank Bhd is the sole principal adviser, joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner, managing underwriter and joint underwriter for this IPO. AmInvestment Bank Bhd is the joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner and joint underwriter for this IPO.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Over RM4mil in 1MDB-linked funds in Swiss bank account recovered by MACC
PETALING JAYA: Over RM4mil traced to a Swiss bank account and linked to the embezzlement of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds was successfully recovered recently by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The commission said in a statement on Friday (June 13) that the sum of USD954,299.58 found in a BSI bank account was returned to the Malaysian government. The MACC said the forfeiture was granted by High Court judge Muniandy Kannyappan on learning from the prosecution that no objections or claims were made by any party in relation to the funds during proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday. The commission said judge Muniandy allowed the funds, which were in a bank account registered in the name of Derivale Limited and named one Azlin bin Alias as the beneficiary, to be forfeited to the Malaysian government through the MACC. The forfeiture was made under Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001). The case was also the MACC's first success in recovering overseas assets without resorting to the process of prosecution. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
