KUALA LUMPUR: The 12th Putra Brand Awards returned in grand fashion last night with actual physical attendance amid a strict standard operating procedure (SOP).

       The Star Media Group (SMG) was recognised as one of the country’s top brands in the Media Network category, bagging the Gold award.

       SMG chief executive officer Alex Yeow, who received the award, said he is optimistic that 2022 would be “high tempo” for the company.

       “We have a lot of exciting new products, especially on the digital front. We are also looking at collaborations with other companies.

       “The visibility will definitely be there and it will be high tempo for us, so that is very exciting,” he added.

       The Putra Brand of the Year award went to Samsung.

       Samsung, Milo and Toyota were bestowed with the “Hall of Fame” recognition for being the best in their field.

       The People’s Choice Awards, also known as the award show, presented 164 awards across 24 categories.

       Organising chairman of the Putra Brand Awards 2021 Datuk Johnny Mun said safety was paramount while he was delighted to see the show return with participants.

       “With the return of a physical event, we must never forget we cannot gamble with life, and we need to be careful.

       “The biggest challenge is to ensure everybody follows the SOP – for example, we only allowed two winners to go on stage, as opposed to previous years.

       “Hopefully, next year will be better, but for now, it’s important that we stay safe,” he said.

       He added that despite the limitations in place due to the Covid-19 SOP, that should not dampen the spirit and spectacle of the awards ceremony.

       “Let’s celebrate responsibly because we want to do it again next year and hopefully that would be grander,” Mun said.

       Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) president Andrew Lee said that capacity had to be halved compared with pre-pandemic times.

       “Last year we did everything online, so it’s good to see all our friends again.

       “Because of the SOP, we had to reduce the tables to around half of the hotel’s capacity, and we had a long waiting list for them,” Lee said.

       The Putra Brand Awards was launched in 2010 by 4As and supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association, the Media Specialists Association and the Malaysian Digital Association. SMG was also the media partner of the Putra Brand Awards 2020.