FAQ | Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA)

About the awards

What is Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA)?

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. Of the hundreds of nominations received, ten winners will be selected.

When does the award nomination begin?

SGHA is held annually. Nominations for the SGHA 2026 will open on 9 July 2026 and closed on 23 August 2026.

Nominating unsung heroes

Who is eligible to be nominated for Star Golden Hearts Award?

Malaysian individuals and organisations who fulfill the following selection criteria are eligible for the award:

• Unsung heroes who on a personal capacity, or as an organisation (NGOs/ societies), consistently carry out social efforts that leave a positive impact on Malaysians and help build bridges between different communities.
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• Efforts carried out should be innovative, with proven tangible impacts, and practise sustainability in its operations.
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• Unsung heroes who demonstrate admirable values and strong leadership in encouraging social change in communities.
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• Unsung heroes must be involved in the initiatives, including time, effort and ideas, and not just monetary contribution.
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• Unsung heroes with a social impact track record of at least 18 months prior to their nomination.

Are international organisations eligible for the Award?

Star Golden Hearts Award is only open to Malaysian individuals and organisations (Non-Governmental Organisations) registered with Malaysian authorities. Organisations based overseas are not eligible for the Award.

Can I submit more than one nomination?

Yes of course. Feel free to submit multiple nominations for different unsung heroes, as long as they meet the selection criteria. However, it is not necessary to nominate the same nominee multiple times as only one nomination per nominee will be considered.

Can I edit my nomination after it is submitted?

Nominations cannot be amended after submission. However, you may submit additional information about the nominations to the Secretariat at socialimpact@thestar.com.my.

Can anyone submit nominations?

Yes, nominations are open to the public and anyone can nominate their unsung heroes.

Can I nominate myself or my organisation for the Award?

Yes you can! Self-nominations are welcomed as long as the nominee meets the selection criteria.

How will the submitted details be used?

Information provided in the nomination form will be used for background research, verification and publicity purposes where relevant, solely for the Award campaign purposes. For more information on Personal Data Information, kindly read the award’s Terms & Conditions

Is there a fee associated with this program?

No, it is free to submit nominations and all winners are selected based on the judges’ discretion.

How do I submit a nomination?

Nominations for SGHA 2026 will open on 9 July 2026 closed on 23 August 2026 via the official SGHA website.

For nomination information, visit www.sgha.com.my
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What if I don't know my nominee's address, email and telephone number?

We would appreciate if you could make every effort to provide as much contact information as possible. The Secretariat requires either an email address or contact number so we may contact your nominee for the next steps in the evaluation process.

What happens after my nomination is submitted?

Submitted nominations will undergo background checking to ensure the authenticity of the submission and to acquire further information before deliberation by the panel of judges.

How will I know if my nominee is selected as a winner?

Because of the high volume of nominations received, we are unable to respond individually to each submission. However, if your nominee is selected as a winner, we will contact you and your nominee through the contact information provided. We will also announce the winners via this website and Star Media Group’s media platforms and social channels. Be sure to follow us.

Judging and winners announcement

What kind of nominees usually win the Star Golden Hearts Award?

Star Golden Hearts Award is awarded to individuals and organisations who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to social work and promote unity among Malaysians. The focus is on impact and not personalities, based on original, innovative, significant and sustained contribution to the community.

Since 2015, more than 100 winners have received the award for their selfless and impactful social work. For a full list of past winners, please click here.

How are Star Golden Hearts Award winners selected?

All nominations undergo a stringent selection process as outlined below:

• Where necessary, the eligible nominees will be requested to provide additional information to aid in the judging process.

• All nominations will be checked for eligibility and accuracy by the Secretariat.

• Nominees’ profiles will be presented to the judging panels for rounds of review and shortlisting.

• Through robust discussions among the judging panels, judges will deliberate the merits of shortlisted nominees.

• At the final judging, ten SGHA winners will be selected.

• SGHA winners will be announced during the awards ceremony.

When will Star Golden Hearts Award winners be announced?

SGHA 2026 winners are expected to be announced in October 2026.

What will award winners be receiving?

Winners will each receive a cash award on top of a trophy and certificate to further support their selfless efforts.

On top of that, winners are set to receive exclusive media publicity across Star Media Group’s various media platforms to help promote their noble cause.

What do I do if I require further assistance regarding Star Golden Hearts Award?

For any enquiries, please contact:
Social Impact Team / SGHA Secretariat
Tel: +603-7967 1388
Email:socialimpact@thestar.com.my