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

Featured: Sujana Rejab (2019 winner)

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.

Coming back for its 11th year, the campaign is set to commenced in 16 June until 10 August 2025.

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.