Exciting times ahead as media group continues to push forward

PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group is in an exciting phase, pushing forward on all its digital platforms as it celebrates its 46th anniversary.

It has also officially unveiled a new-look, content-rich and easily navigated homepage of The Star Online, with videos and interactive infographics to broaden user experience.

In his opening speech, group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said the company marked its 46th anniversary with many achievements, and should not remain complacent but learn to adapt to the changes in digital and Internet technology.

“The Star is 46 years old and strong enough to withstand all sorts of challenges. We have gone through ups and downs in our history and by putting our efforts together, we can forge ahead.

“We also have plans to transform the company, especially in the digital sector,” he said at the group’s anniversary celebration at Menara Star here yesterday.

He also noted that the strength of the group’s print edition remains vital, and will continue to drive change in the company.

“From there, we have started to venture into other businesses, such as property, automotive and job fairs, and through these, we will also be moving towards the digital.

“We have invested in dimsum, from which we hope to rake in profits in the future,” said Fu, referring to the group’s video-on-demand service launched last November.

He said the company would continue to capitalise on all of its strengths and diversify its revenues to face challenges in the industry.

“Innovativeness and creativity will be key in facing our competitors and meeting customers’ wishes,” said Fu.

Group managing director and CEO Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai concurred, saying that the company’s video platform, dimsum, was well on track.

“We are encouraged by the response towards our Asian content. We know Asia best as this is our home ground and we also know what Malaysians want to watch,” he said.

Wong also lauded its youth sec- tion, R.AGE, for being accorded the World Young Reader News Publisher of the Year award by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

He said its young staff had adapted from the print to digital and video platforms in a short time, while cleverly integrating print media in its output.

“R.AGE started with print articles, but today it has moved on to online documentaries and has gone digital. It still retains print as part of its work as we believe in using all platforms to reach the widest possible audience,” he said.

Star Media Group also presented long service awards to 38 employees who had served 15 years and 45 who had served for 25 years.

In George Town, about 180 employees of Star Media Group in the northern region attended a tea party buffet at the lobby of the Star Northern Hub.

Star Media Group regional operations general manager (north) Simone Liong handed out long service awards to 19 employees – 12 for their 25th year and the others for 15 years.

Also present was regional news editor K. Suthakar.