Latest news with #KinabaluPressAwards
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Star Media Group wins six Kinabalu Press Awards
Winning smiles: (From left) Sabah bureau chief Datuk Muguntan Vanar, Sokial, Lee, Rebecca Chong and Yong. KOTA KINABALU: Star Media Group Bhd's Sabah bureau bagged a total of six awards with two golds and four merits in this year's prestigious Kinabalu Press Awards. Journalist Stephanie Lee Shao Fen bagged a gold for the Sports Journalism Award with her story 'Giddy up for Polo' while she received three merits for two entries sent in for the Journalism Award (Feature and News Feature) and news reporting (non-feature) categories. One of the merit awards was a team effort with stringer Sandra Vivian Sokial, with their entry titled 'Sabah government to investigate demolition of Palau- community houses in Semporna amid controversy'. Sokial, a seasoned journalist who had been away from the media sector for eight years before rejoining the industry last year, bagged gold in the Entertainment, Culture and Arts reporting category. Her article 'Bringing the tale of Huminodun to the world' earned her RM1,500 in cash. She also received a merit in the business and economic reporting category. Apart from these awards, retired veteran journalist Chan Kang Yuan, 90, received the Golden Service Award. Chan, who started as a copywriter for a local Chinese daily, spent his adult life as a journalist covering stories from the time of the British colonial rule of North Borneo to the formation of Malaysia and beyond during his six decades in the profession. His last position was as editor for another local newspaper before retiring in 2021. During the event's opening ceremony, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor urged media practitioners to work with the state government in disseminating policy information, clarifying fake news and providing ground information to state agencies. He said both the media and state government must continue to have a strategic partnership so that information can be shared for the betterment of the people. His speech was delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is the trustee of the Sabah Journalist Association (SJA). SJA president Mariah Doksil reminded veteran and new reporters to co-exist with artificial intelligence (AI) but never let it take over a writer's creative juices. She also called upon all to work together as a team in the mission to spread verified and dependable information, benefiting readers, policymakers and news writers. Also present was Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Daily Express continues winning streak
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Sinar Harian wins main prize at Kinabalu Press Awards 2025
The award-winning report shed light on the daily struggle of villagers especially schoolchildren who had to traverse muddy roads despite repeated promises of infrastructure improvement during the 2022 General Election. Sinar Harian journalist Norasikin Daineh won the main award for the Malay Language News Report (non-feature) category at the Kinabalu Press Awards 2025 held on Sunday night. KOTA KINABALU - Sinar Harian journalist Norasikin Daineh, took home the top prize for the Malay Language News Report (non-feature) category at the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025 held on Sunday night. She won a RM2,500 cash prize and a certificate for her impactful series "Jalan Magandai." The award-winning report shed light on the daily struggle of villagers especially schoolchildren who had to traverse muddy roads despite repeated promises of infrastructure improvement during the 2022 General Election (GE). SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Dr Dionysia Kibat. (second from left) presenting the main prize to Sinar Harian journalist Norasikin Daineh (second from right), for the Malay Language News Report (non-feature) category at the Kinabalu Press Awards 2025 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The prize was presented by SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Dr Dionysia Kibat. In a speech by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor which was delivered by State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the former urged journalists to practise their craft with integrity and professionalism. "The success and dissemination of government policies rely on the media's ability to deliver clear and effective information to the people. "As an entity closely connected with the government, the media also plays a role in conveying information related to the state's development policies," he said. He added that the government remained fully committed to initiatives that would benefit the people and accelerate the development of Sabah through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. He also stressed the importance of strategic cooperation and strengthened relationships between media and the state, especially in delivering accurate development-related information to the public. "Media reports help the government understand what is happening on the ground and hear the concerns of the people. "Certainly, the government always welcomes such reporting as it acts as a bridge between the government and the people," he said. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the need for a reliable and ethical media to serve as a platform for fast and accurate information dissemination. He praised the KPA, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) with support from the state and other sponsors, as a way to recognise and inspire excellence in journalism. "This ceremony serves as a platform to motivate media practitioners to remain driven, focused and responsible in producing ethical and transparent work. The state government values and understands this need. In fact, sponsorship support increases every year. "I congratulate all the winners. Continue your excellent work and let this achievement be a catalyst to further contribute to the state's development and the people's welfare through credible and ethical news reporting," he said. Meanwhile, SJA president Mariah Doksil shared that 268 entries were submitted this year and evaluated by experienced jurors from the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). "Tonight, we not only recognise last year's outstanding work but also celebrate the spirit of journalism. "We often deliver the stories of others—struggles, hopes, achievements and change. But behind every byline, photo credit and recording, as storytellers, we have our own journeys too. "I want to pay tribute to all of you who continue to report the truth, capture moments with care and write based on journalistic ethics," she said. More Like This
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SJA president urges journalists to uphold truth in digital era
Mariah, Joniston and the winners of the Kinabalu Press Awards 2025. KOTA KINABALU (June 30): Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil has urged media practitioners across the state to safeguard the core values of journalism amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that machines can never replace human integrity, empathy, and truth-telling. Speaking at the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025 held at Magellan Sutera on Sunday night, Mariah highlighted both the challenges and the enduring spirit of Sabah's media community. 'Some of us depend too much on AI to write news, to the point that we let a chatbot decide the facts and the style of writing,' she said. 'Yes, AI is smart and helpful, but it has its limits — especially when the topic is complex. We should not rely on a machine to write or edit for us. Let's not surrender our creative juice,' she stressed. Citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent RM30 million allocation for digital transformation under the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration, Mariah urged that the funds be used wisely. 'I hope this allocation will help journalists in Sabah not only to prioritise factual accuracy untouched by AI manipulation but also to preserve the soul and empathy in news reporting,' she said. Acknowledging the mounting challenges faced by mainstream media, Mariah pointed to shifting reading habits, shrinking job opportunities, and waning interest among the youth due to low salaries. Despite this tough landscape, she reaffirmed the critical role of traditional media in combating misinformation, especially as Sabah heads into another election season. 'Mainstream media plays a crucial role in ensuring fair, accurate and balanced reporting, particularly when we are flooded with false or half-truths on various social media platforms,' she said. Mariah also proposed that the state government consider forming smart partnerships with media organisations or through government-linked companies (GLCs) to sustain the media industry. 'SJA believes that such partnerships can ensure the media remains healthy and empowered to continue its responsibility of delivering credible information to society,' she said, adding that any long-term solution requires strong, committed entities. Mariah expressed appreciation to the Sabah government, noting that this year's KPA received RM110,000 in funding — an increase of RM10,000 from the previous year. 'We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the Sabah Government, which makes it possible for us to hold such a prestigious event,' she said. She also thanked Sabah's media community for their dedication: 'Tonight, we gather not only to recognise excellent works but also to celebrate the spirit of journalism. Behind every byline, photo credit, audio and visual recording, we too have our own stories of truth-telling, capturing moments with precision and writing with integrity.' On behalf of SJA, she appealed for increased sponsorship for next year's Kinabalu Press Awards. In a poignant gesture, Mariah shared the story of Stefyanie Myla — a former full-time reporter turned stringer to care for her ill two-year-old son. Inside each guest's goody bag was a packet of Beras Wangi rice sold by Stefyanie. 'This year, the committee decided to support Stefyanie by purchasing 100 packets of rice as gifts for our invited guests. It's a small gesture but filled with meaning, reminding us of the strength of our community and how we uplift one another in times of need,' she said. The awards ceremony was officiated by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
See Hua Group of newspapers win two main and five merit press awards
Elton Aaron Gomes (second from left) received his award from Petronas Vice President, Group Strategic Relations and Communications Norafizal Mat Saad, witnessed by SJA president Mariah Doksil and deputy president Ricardo Unto. KOTA KINABALU (June 30): See Hua Group of newspapers, The Borneo Post, Utusan Borneo and See Hua Daily News, won two main and five merit awards at the annual Kinabalu Press Awards 2025 held here on Sunday night. The Borneo Post reporters, Jenne John Lajiun and Elton Aaron Gomes took home the top awards in the News Reporting (Non feature) and Environmental Journalism categories respectively. Jenne's articles about STAR president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan speaking about his experience while detained under ISA won her RM2,500. Elton's article about an NGO's efforts to save turtles and sharks also won him the top prize of RM2,500. The merit prizes were won by See Hua Daily News' Yong Ted Phen, James Tseu and Ho Yin Yin as well as Utusan Borneo's Siti Aisyah Narudin, Yap Siong Han, Vivi Oliviana Najurus and Hamzah Sanudin. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor in his speech at the event called on media practitioners to carry out their duties with full integrity, guided by principles of professional and responsible journalism. He said the success and communication of government policies also depend greatly on the vital role of the media in delivering information clearly and effectively to the people. In the context of the state's development, he said the government remains committed to implementing various initiatives that benefit the people and accelerate Sabah's progress through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. 'As a partner that maintains close cooperation and strong ties with the government, the media also plays a key role in disseminating information related to the state government's development policies, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. 'Therefore, I hope this strategic cooperation will continue to be strengthened and our good relationship will be further enhanced to help the government spread important information to the people about the state's development agenda and direction. 'Media reports also help the government understand what is happening at the grassroots level and the concerns of the people. Certainly, the government always welcomes such reports and coverage from media practitioners acting as a bridge between the government and the people,' he said. The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Hajiji also expressed hope that the media will always play its important role as a trusted provider of information, a source of authentic news, and a platform for the public to access information quickly and accurately. He said the Kinabalu Press Awards, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association in collaboration with the state government and other sponsors, aim to recognise and appreciate the commitment and capabilities of media practitioners in the state. 'This event also serves as an excellent platform to motivate media practitioners to be more driven, focused and responsible in carrying out their duties with greater transparency and ethics,' he said. In this regard, he added that the government has never neglected the crucial role of the media in society and continues to support programmes such as the KPA through financial sponsorships. 'The state government greatly values and understands this need, and sponsorship assistance has even increased every year. 'I also congratulate all the winners — keep up the excellent work and let this achievement be a catalyst for continuing to contribute to the state's development and the well-being of the people through credible and ethical news reporting,' he said.
