Bigger recognition and boost for unsung heroes

Nominate impactful changemakers for Star Golden Hearts Award, supported by Yayasan Gamuda 

Malaysians can show their appreciation and do their part to uplift everyday heroes by nominating them for the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA).

Back for the eighth year, this award programme by The Star and Yayasan Gamuda aims to honour unsung Malaysian heroes who make a positive impact on society, while promoting unity amongst the people.

According to Star Media Group Chief Content Officer Esther Ng, this year’s SGHA introduces refreshed categories and upgraded award prizes for the winners.

“We’re introducing a few changes this year to further streamline the award mechanics and most importantly, give greater recognition and support to our winners,” she said.

Members of the public may nominate their heroes either for the Individual or Organisation category at www.sgha.com.my. Organisation nominees will be further categorised into five different cause categories to better honour changemakers for their specialised work benefitting diverse communities.

The cause categories are community empowerment, education, environment and wildlife, social welfare, and disaster and crisis relief which underpins the award’s commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, the accolades will be presented to three individual winners and seven organisation winners. Individual and organisation winners will each receive a greater cash award of RM8,000 and RM10,000 respectively. The top 10 winners will also be eligible to be awarded the coveted Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA), with an additional grant of RM50,000, on top of exclusive media publicity across Star Media Group’s various platforms to further amplify their selfless efforts.

“The upgraded award package shows The Star and Yayasan Gamuda’s commitment to supporting the winners beyond just granting them an award. As a media organisation, we want to magnify their noble do-good stories to help them go further and also to spread the spirit of goodwill among Malaysians. Together, we’ll work towards creating a better Malaysia,” she added.

A longstanding partner, Yayasan Gamuda Head Ts Lim Hui Yan said that the foundation’s efforts are guided by one mission, which is to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

“As a regional infrastructure and engineering company, we are in the right position to create a positive shared value for our communities. Our long-term partnership with Star Media Group through the Gamuda Inspiration Award in the Star Golden Hearts Award has empowered many extraordinary community heroes to further extend their altruistic effort to benefit more people,” she said.

Lim also added that the continuous cycle of positively impacting communities is well-aligned with Yayasan Gamuda’s vision in promoting sustainable livelihoods.

“With the increasing socio-economic crises, we see the urgent need to expand the network of social changemakers. Hence, for 2022 – we are increasing the financial grant amount for winners, and increasing the nomination categories.

“Inclusive positive change is the solution to an equitable society where no one is left behind. With this year’s nominees, we are confident to see greater transformation towards resilient communities. We welcome more social change makers, and we are ready to support in every way we can,” she concluded.

Taking on the role of chief judge for the eighth year, Alliance For Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye is proud that the award has grown into an impactful social initiative.

“Despite the challenges over the last two years, changemakers have stepped up to support and uplift those in need, irrespective of background.

“With refreshed award mechanics and bigger award prizes offered this year, my fellow judges and I hope to discover more unsung heroes to encourage them to champion their noble causes, and inspire fellow Malaysians to make a difference in their own ways.

“I call on Malaysians to think about those who have touched the hearts of many through their noble work and nominate them for the Star Golden Hearts Award, so that they can be given the due recognition they deserve,” said Lee.

Lee, Ng, and Lim are among the eight esteemed judges for this year’s award.

The judging panel also consists of social sector leaders such as, OrphanCare Foundation CEO and former Yayasan Kebajikan Negara CEO Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim, Professor of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and International AIDS Society President Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, prominent social activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) Impact Innovation Ecosystem Development Assistant Manager Noor Hanis Harun as well as child protection consultant and former Social Welfare Department Assistant Director Vijayakumari Pillai.

The public can nominate individuals and organisations who meet the selection criteria as outlined on www.sgha.com.my from now until July 31.

SGHA is supported by Star Foundation, the charitable arm of Star Media Group, aimed at delivering meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to a diverse group of beneficiaries.