Latest news with #StarMediaGroupBerhad
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's economic model must be readjusted to withstand external pressures, says HR minister
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must re-evaluate its economic model to withstand rising geopolitical and economic pressures, says Steven Sim Chee Keong, calling for long-term investments in local talent and innovation to ensure national resilience. Speaking at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 gala night, the Human Resources Minister highlighted the urgent need for Malaysia to chart its own path amid a polarised global environment. 'We must rethink our economic model if we are to survive the binary geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges - on one hand, direct global competition, and on the other, growing superpower protectionism,' he said in his speech on Tuesday (July 15). He stressed that Malaysia should invest heavily in home-grown capabilities, including talent, technologies, products and services, as well as trademarks which include Malaysia's brands and patents. 'Fundamentally, we need to invest in long-term strategies that enhance the economic value chain in ways that benefit both people and the environment,' he said. As global economic stress persists, Sim urged Malaysian businesses and policymakers to look beyond immediate returns. 'Today, when the global economy is under stress, we must think of long-term gains rather than short-term profits,' he added. Sim also addressed the growing discourse around ESG, saying it must not be viewed as a regulatory burden but rather as a protective buffer for all stakeholders. 'ESG should not be seen as a burden, but as a buffer to protect all of us. 'This is not some Western stance that is incompatible with our country or regional culture,' he said. He reaffirmed his belief in the capabilities of Malaysian companies, including SMEs, to adapt to global trends and adopt ESG strategies with foresight. 'Malaysian companies, including SMEs, are highly capable of recognising these trends strategically and investing in long-term value,' he said. Reflecting on the region's history, Sim said Southeast Asia has long demonstrated its ability to thrive by remaining open and independent. 'Here in Southeast Asia, we understand this historical lesson well. 'We should not be caught in the binary between empires. We are partners, builders, traders, and navigators. 'We choose openness with safeguards, pursue cooperation with clarity, and embrace technology with humanity,' he said. Themed 'Celebrating ESG Excellence,' the gala night paid tribute to companies that are integrating ESG values into their operations beyond profit margins. Earlier, Star Media Group Berhad (SMG) group CEO Chan Seng Fatt said the efforts of the award recipients serve as a reminder that advancing the Sustainable Development Goals is no longer optional, but the defining opportunity of our time. 'These are the leaders proving that the future of business lies not just in profit, but in purpose - not just in growth, but in impact. 'We celebrate ESG changemakers - those with the conviction that business must be a force for good, and the courage to act on it,' he said in his welcome address. Organised by SMG and advised by Ernst & Young, the initiative is supported by a wide network of partners and endorsed by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES). Also present were NRES secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo and Miti's Industry, Environmental, Social and Governance senior director Nor Hasnah Badroddin. The event was further graced by SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, chief operating officer Lydia Wang and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Star Media Group's Sabah team bags six honours at Kinabalu Press Awards
(From left) Sabah bureau chief Datuk Muguntan Vanar, Sandra Sokial, Stephanie Lee, (another STAR stringer) Rebecca Chong and Yong. KOTA KINABALU: Star Media Group Berhad's Sabah bureau bagged a total of six awards with two golds and four merits in this year's Kinabalu Press Awards. Journalist Stephanie Lee Shao Fen bagged a gold for Sports Journalism with her story "Giddy up for polo", while she received three merit awards for two entries in the Journalism Award (Feature and News Feature) and news reporting (Non-Feature) categories. One merit award was a group effort, "Sabah government to investigate demolition of Palau community houses in Semporna amid controversy". ALSO READ: Giddy up for polo Sandra Vivian Sokial, a veteran journalist who had been away from the media line for eight years before rejoining the industry last year, bagged gold in the Entertainment, Culture and Arts Reporting category. Her article "Bringing the tale of Huminodun to the world" also earned her a RM1,500 cash prize. She also received another merit award in the business and economic reporting category. Retired veteran journalist Chan Kang Yuan, 90, received the Golden Service Award. ALSO READ: Sabah government to investigate demolition of Palau-community houses in Semporna amid controversy Chan, who started as a copywriter for a local Chinese daily, spent his entire working life as a journalist covering stories from the time of the British rule of North Borneo to the formation of Malaysia and beyond during six decades in the profession. His last position was as an editor for another local newspaper, and he retired in 2021. At the event's opening ceremony, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called on media practitioners to work with the state government to disseminate policy information, clarify fake news, and provide on-the-ground information to state agencies. ALSO READ: Bringing the tale of Huminodun to the world He said both the media and state government must continue to have strategic partnerships so that information can be shared both ways for the betterment of the people. His speech was delivered by state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is the trustee of the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA). Newly minted SJA president Mariah Doksil reminded both veteran and rookie reporters to co-exist with artificial intelligence (AI), but never let it take over a writer's creative efforts. She also called upon all practitioners to work together in the mission to spread verified and dependable information for the benefit of readers, policymakers and journalists. Also present was Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Be Adding Star Media Group Berhad (KLSE:STAR) To Your Watchlist Today?
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without any revenue, let alone profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away. So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Star Media Group Berhad (KLSE:STAR). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it. See our latest analysis for Star Media Group Berhad Investors and investment funds chase profits, and that means share prices tend rise with positive earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. Which is why EPS growth is looked upon so favourably. Commendations have to be given in seeing that Star Media Group Berhad grew its EPS from RM0.0033 to RM0.021, in one short year. While it's difficult to sustain growth at that level, it bodes well for the company's outlook for the future. One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. The music to the ears of Star Media Group Berhad shareholders is that EBIT margins have grown from -5.6% to -2.8% in the last 12 months and revenues are on an upwards trend as well. Ticking those two boxes is a good sign of growth, in our book. The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image. You don't drive with your eyes on the rear-view mirror, so you might be more interested in this free report showing analyst forecasts for Star Media Group Berhad's future profits. As a general rule, it's worth considering how much the CEO is paid, since unreasonably high rates could be considered against the interests of shareholders. Our analysis has discovered that the median total compensation for the CEOs of companies like Star Media Group Berhad with market caps under RM887m is about RM473k. Star Media Group Berhad's CEO only received compensation totalling RM164k in the year to December 2023. You could consider this pay as somewhat symbolic, which suggests the CEO does not need a lot of compensation to stay motivated. While the level of CEO compensation shouldn't be the biggest factor in how the company is viewed, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. It can also be a sign of a culture of integrity, in a broader sense. Star Media Group Berhad's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high. Such fast EPS growth prompts the question: has the business reached an inflection point? Meanwhile, the very reasonable CEO pay is a great reassurance, since it points to an absence of wasteful spending habits. So Star Media Group Berhad looks like it could be a good quality growth stock, at first glance. That's worth watching. However, before you get too excited we've discovered 3 warning signs for Star Media Group Berhad (1 doesn't sit too well with us!) that you should be aware of. While opting for stocks without growing earnings and absent insider buying can yield results, for investors valuing these key metrics, here is a carefully selected list of companies in MY with promising growth potential and insider confidence. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
