Latest news with #StarMediaGroup
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Social media platforms urged to join Content Forum to ensure accountability of content, says Fahmi
PETALING JAYA: All social media platforms should be part of Content Forum to ensure accountability of their impacts on the society, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Communications Minister said that social media providers should be responsible for the content shared on their platforms after raking in billions of ringgit in advertisements earnings. 'We must make sure these platforms join Content Forum, so that they need to be aware of the impact they have on Malaysian society. 'They cannot profit from our loss,' he said when launching the Suicide Content Guidelines at Menara Star here on Tuesday (June 3). He added that such guidelines were important alongside participation in initiatives by Content Forum. Fahmi also said that he was hopeful that the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council would further provide media organisations with a platform to comprehensively discuss and address various issues, including online harms. In a press conference later, he also told reporters that the platforms should not 'wash their hands off' of content that could fuel online harms including suicides and cyber bullying. ALSO READ: Malaysia begins social media licencing He said that currently only TikTok has become a member of the forum and urged Meta to follow suit. 'It's actually in their interest that they participate so that they can help to develop certain best practises, codes of conduct,' he added. Fahmi said the problem of social media platforms not collaborating with the authorities were also experienced by other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Asean despite various laws pun in place. 'Many of these social media platforms feel that they are bigger than the laws of the countries in the Asia-Pacifc region. 'So it's not just a matter of laws but the attitude of these platforms,' he added. The guideline is an industry-led, national framework that sets standards for how suicide-related topics are covered and shared in both traditional and digital platforms. Also present at the launch were Content Forum chairman Rafiq Razali, Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, and Star Media Group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, among others.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
IACT reel talent shines
YOUTHS are often seen on social media, posting a wide range of content – from selfies to videos of their escapades. But they are rarely seen reporting on an inspirational person featured in the news. When the opportunity to do just that came recently, Phan Yi Ting, Diane Marie Victor and Leslie Christopher Anbiah Paul rose to the challenge. Their effort earned them first place in The Star's Reels of Achievers Recognised (StarROAR) Junior Reporter Contest, held as part of The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme in partnership with IACT College. The trio, who received RM1,000 worth of e-wallet credits for their win, were celebrated at a prize-giving ceremony at the college on May 13. The contest, which ran from Feb 17 to March 30, was open to all IACT College students. It required participants to record a three-minute Instagram reel of themselves – either individually or in groups – sharing about an inspirational person featured on The Star's print or digital platforms, in the style of a news reporter. All 56 participants were mass communication students. Winners were selected based on content accuracy, creativity, integration of The Star, and the popularity of the reel. Buoyed by his team's win, Leslie Christopher encouraged fellow students to take part in future editions of the contest. 'Stay creative and don't hold yourself back. Don't feel disappointed if your first try doesn't work out, because eventually you'll start going where you want to be,' he said. Bernadette Gloria Orange – who, together with Elissa Damia Borhan, won second place – said posting her first-ever speaking video on social media was nerve-wracking, as she felt insecure about how her followers would react. 'The contest opened a new door for me, and I actually got a few opportunities to do it again. So my advice would be to just go for it!' she said. Both Bernadette and Elissa Damia won RM700 worth of e-wallet credits. Third-place winner Nurlis Atika Ali Umar – who teamed up with Melissa Audreyna Royan – said she learnt how journalism works and what it truly means to be a reporter. 'This contest was very helpful for me to pursue a possible career in journalism,' she said. The duo earned RM400 worth of e-wallet credits for their win. All winners received a certificate of achievement, and all participants were awarded a certificate of appreciation. Also present at the event were IACT College chief executive officer Timothy Chan Liem Joe, head of academics Nicola Wong Oi-Pyn, and Star Media Group (SMG) Circulation senior manager Karthigesu Muniyandi. In her opening speech, Wong emphasised that in today's fast-paced digital era, responsible journalism is more crucial than ever, as the public increasingly depends on quick and easily accessible news. 'Social media itself has certainly transformed the way news is delivered, making it faster and more interactive than ever before. 'Yet, this speed comes with a cost – often at the risk of overshadowing the need to be factual and accurate. 'The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest is designed with this in mind; it challenges aspiring journalists to harness the speed of social media while upholding the value of truth, fairness and clarity,' she said. Addressing the students, Karthigesu highlighted that SMG has long upheld its role as a leading English-language media organisation in Malaysia, committed to serving a diverse audience through its mission of being the 'people's paper'. 'Our goal is simple: to get young people interested in real journalism again and to see your fresh, creative takes on how news works in the digital age,' he said. The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest, introduced this year to encourage tertiary students to hone their language and presentation skills, is in line with Star-NiE's commitment to nurturing media literacy and communication excellence among youths. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Propelling the ESG agenda across Asia
A-EPIC's local initiatives culminate in a regional summit and awards to accelerate sustainability leadership SINCE its establishment, the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC) has been dedicated to fostering ESG knowledge-sharing, industry collaboration and meaningful engagement across the region. Over the past year, its consortium members, which consist of media powerhouses—Star Media Group (Malaysia), KG Media (Indonesia) and the Inquirer Group of Companies (Philippines)—have been building a strong foundation by rolling out national-level ESG initiatives tailored to their respective markets. Each country has seen the introduction of programmes aimed at raising awareness on ESG issues and driving corporate sustainability efforts, further highlighting the influence of media in shaping public discussions on such matters. Setting the stage In August 2024, the second edition of the ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) honoured Malaysian winners for embedding environmental, social and governance values into their business strategies—demonstrating that profitability and purpose can go hand-in-hand. The increased participation—submissions rose by 38%—reflected growing momentum and a broader shift toward responsible business. Star Media Group then hosted its inaugural ESG Summit in November, convening industry leaders, investors and regulators to explore real-world solutions and innovation under the theme 'Shaping Asean's Sustainable Future.' From policy to technology, the summit examined how practical tools are being deployed to future-proof organisations across the region. Chan says hosting A-EPIC's inaugural regional summit and awards marks a milestone for Star Media Group and Asia's ESG movement. Beyond the main events, targeted platforms such as the ESG PIA Winners' Showcase enabled meaningful dialogue between finalists and ESG leaders, further encouraging knowledge-sharing around regulatory shifts, long-term value creation and implementation challenges. To further strengthen ESG capabilities, the ESG Reporting & Carbon Management Workshop 2024 delivered hands-on training for businesses navigating reporting standards, emissions tracking and carbon management strategies, equipping participants with the tools to meet rising expectations in a data-driven landscape was held in March last year. Driving conversations In Indonesia, KG Media activated its Lestari platform to spearhead national-level conversations on sustainability. In June 2024, the Lestari Forum gathered leaders from government, business, investment, academia and civil society to address urgent environmental and social challenges, while fostering dialogue on corporate responsibility and ESG integration. This was followed by the Lestari Summit in August, which expanded the conversation under the theme 'Fostering Sustainability Through Inclusivity in Policy & Practices.' The event explored a wide range of critical topics—from empowering local changemakers and unlocking financing for green industries to rethinking how policies shape sustainable outcomes. The summit culminated in the inaugural Lestari Awards 2024, celebrating companies and public sector institutions demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable impact in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A-EPIC's strength lies in linking local efforts to amplify impact and drive the regional ESG agenda, says Arbolado. From ideas to actions Meanwhile in the Philippines, Inquirer Group of Companies has continued to grow its ESG Edge initiative, using its media platforms to highlight ESG stories, facilitate discussions and spotlight programmes aligned with its readers' values. Its commitment was formalised in March 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with 11 cross-sectoral partners from business, education, environment and civil society—establishing a shared pledge to champion best practices, promote corporate accountability and enhance community engagement on ESG matters. The engagements expanded further in September with the launch of the ESG Edge Connect Network—a quarterly forum series convened to foster collaborative conversations around thematic priorities. Past sessions have addressed key issues such as quality education and gender equality, as well as hybrid energy adoption, which was explored in a session held in November 2024. Each session offers a platform for stakeholders to explore actionable strategies and co-create solutions for a more resilient and inclusive future. 'Each country brings unique challenges and opportunities in the sustainability landscape, and it is through these localised efforts that the true impact of ESG principles is realised,' said Inquirer Group of Companies president and chief executive officer Rudyard Arbolado. 'In the Philippines, we focus on fostering strong networks that enable collaboration between businesses and local communities. In Indonesia, KG Media's efforts have demonstrated how media can elevate sustainable practices within industries. Meanwhile, Malaysia's initiatives through Star Media Group have underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into national-level dialogues. 'These local engagements serve as building blocks to a stronger regional network, where shared knowledge and collective action drive the sustainability agenda forward. This is where A-EPIC's success lies—by creating a platform that connects local initiatives, amplifies their impact and propels the ESG movement regionally.' A-EPIC sparks dialogue and action that helps businesses meet regulators while creating lasting value for society and the environment, says Budiman. An exciting chapter ahead Building on this momentum, A-EPIC is now entering its next phase of year, the consortium will scale up its impact by deepening local engagements and expanding its regional footprint. > Star Media Group: ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024, ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 Winners Showcase, ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 Power Breakfast > KG Media: Lestari Awards 2025, Lestari Summit 2025, Lestari Forums > Inquirer Group of Companies: The Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025, ESG Connect Network: Sustainable Ecosystems, ESG Connect Network: Good Health and Wellbeing, ESG Connect Network: Talent Management and ESG Connect Network: DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) KG Media chief executive officer Andy Budiman said, 'A-EPIC's role is to provide a powerful, regional platform that brings together diverse industries to collaborate on the future of sustainability. By offering a comprehensive suite of initiatives—including awards, summits and forums—we enable businesses to connect, share insights and learn from each other's experiences. 'This collaboration is crucial as the challenges we face are complex and interconnected. What A-EPIC delivers is a clear path forward for industries to align their ESG strategies with global goals, while tailoring them to local contexts. 'The value A-EPIC brings is in its ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue and action that will not only help businesses meet regulatory requirements but also create long-term value for society and the environment.' The local initiatives will culminate in the Asia ESG Positive Impact Summit 2025, scheduled for November. Positioned as a key regional platform, the summit will bring together global and Asian leaders, policymakers, corporate executives, investors and sustainability experts to accelerate the ESG agenda across the region. More than 400 delegates—including C-suite leaders, industry frontrunners, and ESG specialists—are expected to take part in high-level forums, networking sessions and thematic discussions. With over 40 speakers, the summit aims to deepen regional understanding of ESG imperatives, foster collaboration and drive meaningful action on sustainability challenges. The summit will be anchored by the inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025, bringing together the top sustainability leaders from across the region. Winners from the three local award programmes will compete on a regional stage, showcasing exceptional leadership and innovation in driving sustainable practices. As the first among the consortium members to host the summit, Star Media Group will bring these landmark events to Malaysia—an important step forward in advancing the regional ESG agenda. Hosting A-EPIC's inaugural regional summit and awards represents a significant moment for both Star Media Group and the broader ESG movement in Asia, said its group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt. 'The Asia ESG Positive Impact Summit and the Awards are key turning points that demonstrate how Malaysia and the region can lead the way in sustainability practices,' he said. 'As the first member of the consortium to host these significant events, we understand the responsibility that comes with it. These events will set the tone for the future, offering a unique opportunity for regional and global leaders to gather, share insights and collaborate on strategies to shape the region's sustainable future. 'It's not just about celebrating success; it's about creating a platform for actionable solutions that will resonate across industries and markets. A-EPIC's efforts will make a real difference, and Star Media Group is proud to be at the forefront of launching this transformative movement,' said Chan. As A-EPIC expands its regional footprint, its focus remains on fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and practical action to advance ESG adoption across Asia. The upcoming summit and awards mark a pivotal step in this agenda, positioning the consortium to galvanise businesses, policymakers and sustainability leaders toward meaningful, region-wide progress. Sime Darby Property Bhd is the Urban Biodiversity Partner for the consortium's initiatives. For more information, visit the A-EPIC website at
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Star Media Group wins at CRM Sponsored Research Awards 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Star Media Group has won the Clinical Research Malaysia Sponsored Research Awards 2025 for raising public awareness on clinical trials through its articles in 2024. Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng graciously accepted the Awards' Media of the Year presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The award ceremony on Thursday (May 8) recognises individuals and companies advancing clinical research in Malaysia. Earlier, Anwar said that increased collaboration in clinical research with local sectors, institutions and Asian partners is crucial for Malaysia's development. He said that there is a need for greater cooperation amid global chaos caused by United States President Donald Trump's planned tariffs. Anwar then added that fostering clinical research collaborations with Asean neighbours could make Malaysia a hub for healthcare breakthroughs in the region. He said that this would keep healthcare solution costs affordable and generate more clinical expertise jobs in the country. "It's not just about the numbers. It's about people, talent, and knowledge, as every clinical trial conducted will produce ripple effects on many areas, from medical, logistics, and data management. "This will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in a global marketplace and offer our professionals a platform to collaborate with the best minds in the world. "That will also ensure that innovation doesn't just benefit the few but uplifts the many," Anwar said at the Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect 2025 opening ceremony on Thursday (May 8). He added that only by working across borders and sectors can we realise Asia's full potential in forming a sustainable and competitive regional ecosystem for clinical research. Anwar highlighted how clinical research in Malaysia has become a key pillar of the healthcare and socio-economic landscape. He revealed that since 2012, the clinical research ecosystem has contributed over RM1.5bil to the Gross National Income and created over 3,000 highly skilled jobs.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
MACC seized RM177mil of assets in Q1 of 2025, including from Ismail Sabri probe, says Azam Baki
(From left) MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki having a chat with Media Chinese International Limited Group editor-in-chief (Malaysia) Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang, Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and Sinar Harian group chief editor Zamri Rambli.—Low Boon Tat / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM177mil worth of assets were seized in the first quarter of this year, says Tan Sri Azam Baki. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said this was its biggest asset seizure to date, with it also involving the cash and gold bars related to investigations into former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. He said the commission also successfully froze, seized and made forfeitures amounting to more than RM285mil last year. 'The commission will continue focusing on grand corruption and public interest cases,' he said in his speech at the MACC media award night here on Friday (April 25). Azam also said the commission was strengthening its focus on large-scale, high-profile and public interest cases. Here, he referenced operations like Op Sky, Op X, Op Outlander and Op Birth. 'Across all operations, I stress that our investigations are carried out independently, transparently and professionally, without any political interference. 'High-profile investigations prove that the MACC acts without fear or favouritism, regardless of the individuals involved,' he said. Azam also expressed appreciation towards the media, saying the awards served to recognise the industry's contributions towards spreading the message of anti-corruption alongside highlighting government efforts in improving integrity and good governance. He also described the media as pillars in ensuring accurate information reaches the public. Also present were Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and senior news editor Zulkifli Abd Rahman.
