PETALING JAYA: A decade on, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) continues to recognise organisations and individuals who have selflessly contributed to the betterment of Malaysian society.
This year, with its 10th instalment, SGHA singled out 10 more winners whose causes have sparked changes and created impacts nationwide through their noble efforts.
Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the selfless actions of the winners have motivated SMG to continue its mission.
“Your stories inspire us to believe in the power of kindness and to continue uplifting those who need a helping hand.
“These stories of compassion, unity and resilience will continue to shape the Malaysia we all aspire to build – a Malaysia where every act of kindness matters and every life is valued,” he said in his speech during the awards ceremony at Menara Star yesterday.Themed Power of One, the Strength of Many, SGHA 2024 celebrates its 10th anniversary since its first inception in 2015.
Lively show: Children from the IDEAS Autism Centre, which was a Star Social Impact Grantee, performing during the ceremony at Menara Star. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Chan said SGHA, which started as a modest effort, has become a beacon of hope, drawing people from all walks of life and demonstrating the nation’s true strength.
“We have consistently proven that compassion and unity are at the core of who we are as a people, as it is deeply ingrained in our identity,” he added.
“Our 10th anniversary is particularly special as it not only commemorates SGHA itself but also marks an important milestone – a tribute to the 100 unsung heroes we have honoured over the last 10 years.”
He said SGHA is a testament to the belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
“Stories are wonderful and powerful. They weave together the threads of hope, kindness, gratitude and unity.
“Over the past decade, we have remained committed to showcasing humanity at its best – ordinary individuals whose acts of kindness and compassion serve as an aspiration and inspiration for us all,” he said.
He also congratulated the winners, saying that their contributions and achievements have shaped the world for the better.“You remind us that heroes are not just found in history books or fictional tales. They walk among us, quietly transforming lives with every gesture of goodwill.
“We celebrate your contributions and achievements, knowing that each of you has shaped our world for the better. And to that, I say kudos to each and every one of you!” he said.
The winners, taking home a cash prize of RM15,000 each, were selected by a panel of seven judges from over 500 nominations this year.
Meeting of minds: Orang Asli patrollers (right) from the WWF-Malaysia Anti-Poaching team interacting with the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia team at Menara Star. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
SGHA chief judge Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the award manifested the collective efforts of Malaysians from different walks of life.
“Serving as the chief judge has always been a rewarding experience, reminding me year after year of the quiet, transformative power of kindness, compassion and unity.
“I have witnessed acts of courage and generosity that have created a lasting legacy of change across communities,” he said.
Lee said the award had inspired many Malaysians to keep doing good deeds and continue fostering unity among the people.
“SGHA is more than just an award, a trophy or a title. It serves a deeper purpose – to inspire others to take up the initiatives in doing good work for the society and environment,” he said.
Among the pillars recognised in this year’s SGHA 2024 are wildlife conservation, community development, social welfare, environmental and biodiversity, as well as crisis and disaster relief.
The 10 winners are RIMAU, Reef Check Malaysia, Silatul Rahim Dahman, WWF-Malaysia Orang Asli Anti-Poaching Team, Food Aid Foundation, Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, APE Malaysia, WWF-Malaysia’s Sarawak Wildlife Conservation Team, Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia and Search and Rescue Dogs Malaysia.
The award ceremony was also enlivened by a special musical performance by IDEAS Autism Centre, which was the 2024 Star Social Impact Grantee, while one of its students, Muhammad Dharwisy ‘Ukaysyah Muhammad Azam Syah, delivered a poem entitled Terima Kasih Perwira Kami.
Past SGHA winners were also invited to the event, where some of them set up booths to showcase their works. They included IMAM Response & Relief Team (IMARET), DrsforALL, Asli Co., Efinity Social Enterprise and Dignity for Children.
SGHA is an annual award by The Star that honours everyday Malaysian unsung heroes. For more details, visit sgha.com.my.
