Daily Express continues winning streak
Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025
By: Jonathan Nicholas, Sisca Humphrey Text Size: The Daily Express, OCDN and Harian Ekspres team celebrating at KPA 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Publishing House flagship publications Daily Express, Overseas Chinese Daily News and Harian Ekspres, continued to make an impact with multiple awards at the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025. The awards on Sunday evening reaffirmed SPH's leading role in upholding quality journalism and providing news that matter to the Sabah public whether via print or digital platforms. Senior Reporter Sherell Ann Jeffrey set a record by again bagging the Journalism Award (English) for the sixth consecutive year. Her series explored how Sabah women are dealing with sexual harassment. She also earned a Merit in the Environmental Reporting category for highlighting conservation concerns over the Maliau Basin alongside senior writer Kan Yaw Chong. The duo took home another merit for their reports over a dispute that affected the future of Borneo's oldest Sikh temple in Tanjung Aru built in 1924. Court correspondent Joan George Mool was honoured with a merit in the News Reporting category for her piece on 'Steps Taken After the Sulu Fiasco'. Ricardo Unto secured a merit in Sports with his article on Sabah's e-sports potential. Special writer, Kan, emerged as Business winner for his series on industrial tree planting and the hope it holds for Sabah's timber sector. Overseas Chinese Daily News' Bong Tze Pin earned two category wins in Business Reporting for his feature on SMJ Energy and another in Environmental Journalism on coral reef bleaching. He also received a merit in the Arts and Culture category, with a piece on traditional practice of sogit in conflict resolution. Reporter Gravin Wong Chian Kyun walked away with two merits. One was for a feature on early autism intervention and another in the Sports category for challenging stereotypes in fitness competitions. Harian Ekspres upheld its Bahasa Malaysia standard with Siti Kazalina Kamaludin winning the top prize in Arts & Culture for War Cry, a celebration of Sabah and Sarawak's traditional heritage. Noor Zafira Mohd Shafie delivered a strong showing with merits in both Business and Environmental Reporting, writing on blue economy strategies and sustainable waste transformation. Meanwhile, Sabah Journalist Association President Mariah Doksil said unverified and half-truth reports could damage businesses, undermine government and political credibility and ultimately disrupt societal harmony. 'We all know the impact of fake news. During elections, social media becomes a prime platform for information warfare and without control, it could harm public stability,' she said. She also highlighted the challenges facing mainstream journalism in the digital age, particularly with the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). 'Some of us depend too much on AI to write news, until we let this chatbot decide the facts and the style of writing. 'Yes, AI is helpful, but it still has limits. Let's not surrender our creative juice to a machine,' she said. Mariah proposed that the Government consider smart partnerships with media organisations or GLCs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, especially amid rising economic pressures and shrinking readership of traditional media. 'We believe the role of a free and responsible media must be protected by all parties,' Mariah said. She noted that 268 entries were received this year, reviewed by professional judges under the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). She said the awards not only honour excellence in journalism but also celebrate the spirit of storytelling that anchors societal progress. 'We are often the storytellers of others' journeys for their struggles, triumphs and turning points. Yet, behind every byline, recording and photo, we too are humans driven to seek and share the truth.' she added. She also acknowledged the Sabah Government's RM110,000 contribution this year which marked an increase from RM100,000 in support of the event. A key highlight of the night was the presentation of the Golden Service Award (Tokoh Wartawan Sabah) to Chan Kang Yuan 90 for his exceptional contribution to journalism over six decades. Chan began his career in 1958 at Overseas Chinese Daily News before rising through the ranks to serve as chief editor of Borneo Times, Sandakan Jit Pao, Merdeka Daily News and Sabah Shi Pao. He was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 18 months during the post-May 13 emergency period for publishing political content under censorship yet remained steadfast in his principles of truthful and responsible journalism. SJA paid tribute to Chan for his bravery professionalism and deep sense of social responsibility noting that his service has been nothing short of exemplary. In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity the organising committee purchased and distributed 100 packets of rice produced by former part-time Daily Express journalist Stefyanie Myla who is currently raising funds for her young son's medical treatment. Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, former President of the SJA Datuk Muguntan Vanar, President of MPI Datuk Yong Soo Heong and distinguished guests. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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