KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG)’s achievements over the years are due to the people, the government and corporations, says its chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung.

       “The Star’s current success is one that is built upon the firm foundation of our relationship with various stakeholders – the rakyat, the government and corporate Malaysia.

       “Moving forward, these relationships between The Star and our partners will remain crucial towards our common goal of unlocking new opportunities in bringing the best to consumers.”

       He voiced his appreciation to SMG’s partners, clients, and stakeholders.

       “Thank you for the trust you have placed in us over the past 50 years, and thank you for continuing to support real and lasting change in Malaysian media.

       “It is never about what we can achieve individually, but rather the great strides we can make together,” he said in his speech at SMG’s 50th anniversary celebration last night.

       Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

       Chor said The Star had evolved from print to one of the top integrated media solutions providers in Malaysia.

       “At the heart of this remains our core guiding principles – our commitment to providing accurate, compelling and comprehensive stories to our readers, and being steadfast in our mission to ‘Inform, Inspire and Innovate’.

       “We are here now because we have cultivated a community of readers, and we will continue to spearhead innovative solutions in our goal to bring added value to both our users and stakeholders,” he said.

       With the role as “The People’s Paper”, Chor said SMG shared a common goal of striving to deliver the best for the nation.

       “With our unique position as a leading voice in the media industry, SMG will continue to do its part to support Malaysia’s socio-economic growth and nation building through our myriad of print, digital, radio and on-ground mediums.

       “That being said, in my short time as the Group’s chairman, I have had the privilege of working with an organisation filled with exceptional and passionate people, all of whom care deeply about our brand’s vision in making a difference in our communities,” he said.

       He added that each and every one of SMG’s brands had left an indelible mark on the people across Malaysia.

       “I would also like to take the chance to address all our readers and consumers – the lifeblood of our organisation.

       “You are the driving force behind our commitment to quality and excellence, and everything we do is with you in mind. We hope that you too will embrace the new future with us.

       “Over the past year of our anniversary, we have reminisced, we have celebrated, and we have resonated with past accomplishments. Now, we look forward to what’s to come, and we set our sights on even greater goals,” he said.

       Annuar, in his speech, thanked SMG for carrying the national aspirations over the past five decades.

       “The Star has also inculcated genuine patriotism in the country.

       “May you continue to uphold the gold standard of journalism. We look forward to continue shaping the nation, together, as one Keluarga Malaysia,” he said.

       He spoke of reading the newspaper even during his childhood, adding that the media organisation had come a long way since its inception in 1971.

       As a publication, he said The Star has played its part well to be synonymous with “trusted and reliable news”.

       “I applaud the Star Media Group for bringing eye-opening stories on their front pages and then following up on it to ensure that action is taken by the authorities.

       “Although, at times, some stories are not favourable for the government, The Star has proven that it indeed lives up to the tagline – The People’s Paper.”

       Annuar paid tribute to SMG media personnel, saying:

       “I would like to express my utmost appreciation and gratitude to all reporters, editors, photographers, videographers and all those involved in news-making whose contributions were even more evident and we could not do without during this time of Covid-19.

       “You are our unsung frontliners; you have been on the ground, pushing yourselves to ensure accountability despite the risks – for verified information. Thank you for fighting the good fight.”