
ACCCIM celebrates media's role at 2025 Media Appreciation Night
KUALA LUMPUR: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) celebrated the media's invaluable contributions at the 2025 ACCCIM Media Appreciation Night.
The event was a night of gratitude and forward-looking announcements shared by ACCCIM committee members and leading media practitioners.
ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng expressed heartfelt thanks to the media, acknowledging their pivotal role in conveying the chamber's messages to the public and policymakers.
"We are deeply grateful to the media for ensuring that our messages are accurately and clearly conveyed.
"Your professional coverage helps amplify our concerns and influence policy directions that impact Malaysia's business ecosystem," he said in his opening speech on Wednesday night (June 11).
Ng particularly commended the media's overwhelming support during the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention last September, noting that over 200 write-ups from various media outlets contributed significantly to the event's success.
"You have played a crucial role in amplifying the significance of this historic event," he said.
The dinner, graced by the Prime Minister's political secretary Chan Ming Kai, also saw the presence of Star Media Group (SMG) CEO Chan Seng Fatt and SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, marking a night of camaraderie among colleagues and old friends.
Looking ahead, Ng unveiled a series of major events planned for the second half of 2025.
In August, ACCCIM will host the 14th Young Entrepreneurs Conference, the YEC Awards, and the Asean Young Entrepreneurs Dialogue, all aimed at fostering regional collaboration among emerging business leaders.
"The following month will see the Asean AI Business Summit, focusing on innovation and technology.
"October promises the Asean Chinese Business Summit, culminating in the prestigious Chinese Business Awards Gala Night.
"These events are expected to draw distinguished participants and enterprises from across the Asean region to Kuala Lumpur," he said.
Ng also unveiled an upcoming milestone—the ACCCIM Academy, a new initiative designed to provide practical, industry-relevant training programmes.
"It is imperative for companies to be equipped with the right skills to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.
"Whether it's digital transformation, compliance, finance, or soft skills, the ACCCIM Academy aims to ensure that businesses have access to a trained and capable workforce to support sustainable growth," he said.
Ng also called for continued collaboration with the media.
"Your collaboration is vital as ACCCIM continues to play its role in nation-building, advocating for the business community, and driving economic progress," he said, urging the media to help drive public participation and awareness for these initiatives.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysian couple's KL house doubles as office, art gallery and event space
Along Kuala Lumpur's Federal Hill, or Bukit Persekutuan, stands an imposing red brick building with glass that provides priceless, uninterrupted views of its natural surroundings. The trapezium-shaped structure may look striking and arresting, but the philosophy behind its construction is very much down-to-earth. Designed by architect Lim Kee Yen, the owners, husband-and-wife lawyers Lai Chee Hoe and Ng Su-San, wanted to create a space that is modern yet able to embrace nature. The building, known as Conservatory, is a private residence envisioned as an architectural canvas, set within a compact urban lot, with a total build-up of approximately 20,000sq ft (1,858sq m) across multiple levels. The structure blends with its natural environment, and once inside, one feels as if they are enveloped by nature. 'The design of the building actively engages with its surroundings – borrowing light, greenery and air – to transform spatial constraints into opportunities for richness and surprise,' shares Lim, who was introduced to the homeowners by a mutual friend. Lai (left) and Ng want a space that seamlessly blends with nature. Making a statement Lai and Ng, who are both partners at Chee Hoe & Associates, bought the land in 2018 and broke ground the year after. Says Ng: 'We loved driving around the area looking at buildings and that was when we saw the land was up for sale. 'The land is nestled within the lush Federal Hill, and little pockets of green are becoming very rare for properties that are minutes away from the city centre. We have always wanted a structure with red bricks and raw elements that blend in with nature. 'And we also wanted to have plenty of glass doors and windows to allow the sun to radiate the space within, akin to a glasshouse for growing plants, hence the name Conservatory.' The initial brief was unconventional, to say the least. According to Lee, the homeowners were not looking for a typical home. This artwork, featuring a Malaya Federated States postage stamp at the reception of the law firm, is a nod to conveyancing, which is Ng's specialisation. Instead, they wanted a space that would house their private chamber, a multifunctional hall for gatherings, a dining area and spaces for work – all articulated using raw materials like fair-faced bricks, bare concrete and glass. 'The idea of a 'conservatory' in the tropical climate – a space that captures the sky and garden as living elements – became a key inspiration. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit during construction, the brief evolved. With changing needs, we proposed a more radical response: a largely undefined, open architectural framework with minimal partitions that would allow interpretation over time,' Lee says. Step into the warm atmosphere of the building and one would notice that the sophisticated space is adorned with a curation of local and international design pieces and artworks by the owners, adding to its charm. One artwork that stands out is a vibrant painting by local neurodivergent artist Danial Kushairi that sits proudly in Ng's office. The artist's attention to details and keen observation have allowed him to capture Conservatory's architectural charm on canvas. 'We didn't know what to expect when we commissioned Danial to create this art. But he has managed to capture every detail of the building beautifully,' Ng says. The vast airwell allows natural light to flood the building. Let the light in There was mutual trust from the beginning, says Lee. 'Our first proposal was met with minimal changes, which showed alignment in values. However, it was during the construction phase – particularly when the pandemic struck – that deeper conversations took place. The conventional spatial needs began to evolve, and we were able to revisit the design in a more abstract and open way.' 'We took this project as a chance to reimagine what living could mean in today's context. Rather than fixed rooms and rigid typologies, we focused on space as tactile and sensory experiences – defined not by walls, but by light, texture and material honesty. We worked with impermanence and uncertainty as design tools,' adds Lee. Therefore, instead of imposing fixed functions, Lee reinterpreted the spaces based on needs. For example, he turned the foyer into a gallery, and the garage into a function hall. The project became a collaborative journey that allowed the architecture to evolve organically, adapting to changing requirements while staying true to the original intent. Materials like brick, metal and concrete became surfaces for natural light and shadow to animate throughout the day. Traditional spaces like bedrooms and living halls were transformed into open, flexible environments. The foyer is converted to an art gallery with a number of paintings on display. Form and function To Lee, form and function are inseparable. A framed window is not just for ventilation or view – it's a moment for contemplation. Exposed concrete offers both practical durability and raw, quiet beauty, especially when juxtaposed against bricks or glass. 'We trust our intuition in making aesthetic decisions that are grounded in human experience. For instance, we introduced protruding brick courses along the façade – not merely for texture, but to create subtle shadows that shift with time. 'Openings were composed based on the orientation and movement of light, with or without screens, to craft moments that connect people with nature and time,' he says. The vast possibilities of what Conservatory could be make it incredibly unique. 'It can be an event space, an art gallery or a home,' says Ng. 'It was a conscious decision to make the place this flexible. The lift in the building allows for the disabled to move around easily, and it is also suitable for a multi- generational home with elderly folks around. The rooftop offers a versatile space for events. Photo: Pixelaw Photography 'As you look out the windows, you can see tall trees that have been here for a long time. We wanted to build something new while embracing the natural beauty that was already present within the neighbourhood. In a lot of the new developments that we usually see, the site is often stripped clean with no trees remaining. To get a place like this where we are surrounded with mature trees is truly a gem,' says Ng. 'We currently house our office here within the building. We hope that we can allow our colleagues to be closer to nature.' Ng says their first office was a tiny shoplot in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. 'From there, we moved to Plaza Mont Kiara and since September last year, we have been at Conservatory. The journey is a statement of more than 20 years of hard work,' she adds.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held last night. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt "small and humbled" to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular "On The Beat" column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. "This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey," he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Melayu by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. "My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. "I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally. "Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing," he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that "we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society." "More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish," he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. -- Bernama


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
Wong shows off his winnings. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held here tonight. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama Chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally,' he said. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. – Bernama