About Star Golden Hearts Award

Star Golden Hearts Award is an annual Award by The Star that celebrates everyday Malaysians who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to social work and promote unity among Malaysians.

Introduced in 2015, each year we invite Malaysians to nominate exemplary individuals or organisations who are then reviewed by a panel of judges.
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The accolades will be presented to ten winners who have made a meaningful impact to society.

The Star is awarding a cash award pool to support the good work of the award winners for their remarkable contributions to society.

Our Judges

All nominations undergo a stringent selection process which includes screening, shortlisting and judging by a panel of esteemed judges who are social sector leaders in their respective fields.

For details on the judging process, visit FAQ >

Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Gooi Hoe Soon

(Chief Judge)

Chairman, AIA Berhad

Expertise: Education and Community Development

Datin Paduka Esther Ng

Chief Content Officer,
Star Media Group

Expertise: Media, CSR

Vijayakumari Pillai

Social work and child protection consultant

Expertise: Welfare, community, children, education

Muhammad Hafizul Khair

Manager, Social Entrepreneurship Unit, Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN)

Expertise: Social Entrepreneurship

Prathab V

Principal Consultant, ESGright Sdn Bhd

Expertise: ESG, Sustainability

Salena Ahmad

Founder and CEO, Suri Inspirasi

Expertise: Social Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment

Shamsidar Yahya

Director of Corporate Communications, McDonald's Malaysia

McDonald’s Malaysia is proud to be the official partner of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) 2025, a platform that celebrates the everyday heroes who make a lasting difference in their communities through compassion, resilience, and heart.

In line with our long-standing commitment to community engagement, McDonald’s Malaysia introduces the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award — a special recognition presented to individuals or grassroots groups whose selfless acts of kindness have uplifted the lives of others in meaningful ways.

Recipients of the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award are selected from SGHA nominees through a careful evaluation process led by McDonald’s Malaysia, guided by values of empathy, sincerity, and impact at the community level.

The McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award reflects our brand’s belief that real change begins with a caring heart, and our commitment to honouring those who lead by example — not for recognition, but for the greater good of society.

Star Golden Hearts Award reminds us that Malaysia is never short of unsung heroes.

About Star Golden Hearts Award

Our Judges