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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Media Prima celebrates staff transformation in Weight Loss Challenge 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Berhad (MPB) celebrated the health achievements of its staff today at the prize-giving ceremony for the MPB Weight Loss Challenge 2025 in Balai Berita Bangsar. The three-month programme, held from Jan 14 to April 14, saw 126 employees from various departments and subsidiaries take part in the wellness initiative, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and building a resilient, energetic workforce. In the male category, Aidi Shamsuddin from the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) emerged as the top winner after shedding 22kg, earning the RM2,000 grand prize, followed by Mohd Shawal Ismail (21.5kg) and Azizulhelmy Mohamad (20.3kg). "It was tough, especially during Hari Raya. I had to control my eating even then, but I managed to reach my target. "I exercised, did strength training, cardio, and watched my diet by increasing protein and cutting carbohydrates," said Aidi. Meanwhile, in the female category, Laila Mohd Zain from the REV Media Group secured first place after losing 16.7kg, followed by Nurul Akmar Razehan Abd Aziz came in second (14.5kg) and Nur Aiza Abd Mutalib third (11.8kg). "The most difficult challenge was the lifestyle change and staying consistent. "It's easy in the first few weeks when you're still excited, but after a month or two, it becomes harder. "Still, my friends and family were really supportive, and that helped me stay motivated," said Laila. Participants were evaluated based on achieving at least a 10 per cent reduction in their starting weight, with the top five in each category receiving cash prizes ranging from RM500 to RM2,000. Mini challenges were also conducted every three weeks between January and March, offering RM200 prizes to the male and female participants who recorded the highest percentage of weight loss in each round. Also present was MPB group chairman Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Aljunid who handed out the prizes to the winners. Programme advisor Dr Rohaya Ramli reminded participants of the bigger picture behind the challenge. "Since 2023, more than half of our population falls into the obesity category. "This is alarming, as obesity is the root cause of many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. "Consistency is key. Health is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Small, steady changes can lead to major improvements over time," said Dr Rohaya. MPB Human Resources Department adviser Nor Arzlin and Dr Rohaya were also recognised for their guidance, encouragement and support throughout the challenge. This challenge marks the sixth time it has been held since 2010 to promote a healthier lifestyle to MPB staff.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Media Prima holds 'korban', distributes meat to the needy
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Bhd (MPB) staff carried out the 2025 'Ibadah Korban' programme today in a meaningful show of faith and unity. Organised by Surau MPB, it began at 9am and ended around 3pm, with 145 staff and volunteers taking part in the annual event. A total of 20 cows and five goats were sacrificed this year – a significant increase from 12 cows last year – reflecting strong staff support and the ease of participation via monthly salary deductions coordinated through the Human Resources Department. The animals had been slaughtered beforehand, and participants gathered to help clear the meat from the bones and pack it for distribution. Korban programme manager Mohd Sattar Mat Yusoff said the response from staff had grown steadily over the years, with 140 people contributing their shares for the sacrifice of cows and five others for the goats. "This is our first time hosting the korban here in Bangsar since relocating from Sri Pentas, and the participation has been overwhelming. "A total of 145 employees and volunteers were involved in various roles, from coordination to distribution," he said. Sattar said the meat was distributed according to Islamic guidelines – one-third for contributors, one-third for asnaf (eligible recipients of zakat, including the poor and needy), and one-third for the wider community. This year, 10 asnaf and welfare homes across the Klang Valley received meat, including Pusat Jagaan Titian Kaseh, Asrama Darul Falah under the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim), Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Damai Kuang, Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Seksyen 24 Shah Alam, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim dan Miskin Baitu Saidati Khadijah, Rumah Kebajikan Baitul Ehsan Al-Khairi, Maahad Tahfiz Saidatina Aisyah Lil Banat, Maahad Al Ihya Li Tahfiz Al Quran, Rumah Pertubuhan Anak-Anak Yatim Al Nasuha, and selected families under the care of Masjid Kampung Nakhoda's welfare unit. Volunteer and senior manager of strategy and organisational excellence at MPB's Human Resources Department, Dona Siti Zawina Don Najib, said the event held special meaning for many employees. "Of course it brings joy and a sense of purpose to contribute in this way. "What makes it even more special is that this is our first korban event held at Balai Berita since everyone moved into Bangsar. "It feels truly historic," she said. She said the programme always received strong support from employees, who looked forward to volunteering each year. MPB Islamic Affairs manager and senior manager of employee relations, Fauzi Hashim, said the scale of this year's korban reflected the unity and commitment of staff. "We are grateful to see this level of participation. "It is the largest korban initiative we've organised so far, made possible through the generous contributions and teamwork of everyone involved," he said. He thanked the committee and volunteers for their efforts and reminded them to carry out their duties – cutting, weighing, packing, and distributing the meat – with care and sincerity. "May all our sacrifices be accepted as righteous deeds and continue to benefit us in the hereafter," he said. The programme aims to strengthen community ties while fostering the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and unity among MPB staff.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Straits Times
Thai construction tycoon surrenders to police over collapse of Bangkok building
Mr Premchai (in wheelchair) reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK BANGKOK - Mr Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development (ITD), surrendered to police on May 16 over an arrest warrant linked to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in March. Accompanied by his personal lawyer, Mr Premchai reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident. The case involves the collapse of a 30-storey building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district on March 28, triggered by an earthquake, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The suspects face Penal Code charges for professional negligence in building design, supervision, or construction that resulted in injuries and deaths. Mr Premchai arrived at the station at 8am in a private van, assisted by close associates who provided a wheelchair. As he was wheeled into the station, reporters asked whether he admitted guilt, felt concerned or wished to apologise to the public. He remained silent and did not respond to any questions. Other suspects, including engineer Pimol Charoenying, who certified the original design, and Kriengsak Kowattana, executive vice-president of ITD, also appeared at the station accompanied by their legal counsel. Police officers at Bang Sue Police Station erected metal barricades to maintain order and prevent the media from entering the interview area. The SAO building was constructed by the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, in collaboration with China Railway Number 10 (Thailand). The joint venture is currently under investigation by several government agencies, with inquiries divided into three key areas: the use of Thai nominees holding shares on behalf of foreign nationals, the use of substandard or non-compliant construction materials, and the cause of the building's collapse. According to a report by Krungthep Turakij, China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) is linked to over 14 affiliated companies. Three Thai nationals are listed as directors and shareholders across these firms, which have collectively signed at least 29 public procurement contracts with the government, with a total value exceeding 22 billion baht (S$859 million). The company is reported to operate using a joint venture model with other private entities. Typically, it begins by purchasing government bid documents and then partners with well-capitalised Thai firms to form joint ventures before submitting their bids. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME Open Day 2025: Media Prima sparks new growth for local brands
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima's 2025 SME Open Day has emerged as a new catalyst for small and medium enterprise (SME) owners to strengthen their brand presence and advance their marketing strategies. Media Prima Bhd (MPB) chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar said the open day was part of the group's long-term commitment to supporting the growth of local brands, particularly among SMEs. He said the programme went beyond just being an exhibition or engagement session, as it offered access to strategic partnership opportunities with MPB, including comprehensive promotional space across print, television, digital and radio platforms. "Many SMEs have relied solely on social media, but through MPB, we provide a 360-degree marketing ecosystem to help them sustainably penetrate both domestic and international markets. "We offer space and act as a strategic partner to help them brand their products more effectively, and this is not a one-day collaboration but the beginning of a long-term relationship," he told reporters here today. Efendi said due to the overwhelming response from entrepreneurs nationwide, the group now plans to bring SME Open Day to Johor Baru, Penang and Sarawak. "Many brands from outside the Klang Valley have expressed interest, so we aim to expand this initiative to other states to ensure equal opportunities for all SMEs," he said. The second day of SME Open Day also saw a significant boost to the SME empowerment agenda, as Media Prima formed a strategic partnership with Glocal Link Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Mara Corporation. Glocal Link general manager Badrul Hisham Baharum said the collaboration strengthened their shared mission to build an ecosystem that supported local entrepreneurs. "Glocal Link and MPB share the same goal of assisting entrepreneurs. We are committed to developing strong local SME brands that can break into not only the Malaysian market but also global. "We hope SME Open Day will become an annual event and be expanded nationwide to give more entrepreneurs, particularly those unable to attend in Kuala Lumpur, a chance to participate," he said. Badrul added that, with its focus on branding, understanding the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and providing a robust support ecosystem, SME Open Day 2025 could showcase how corporate synergy can drive greater success for local SMEs.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Over 200 companies attend Media Prima's SME Open Day
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Berhad (MPB), Malaysia's largest media group, launched its two-day SME Open Day at Balai Berita Bangsar today. The event is designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) understand how MPB can support their growth through its media platforms. MPB chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar said about 200 companies attended the first day, most of whom were new clients from across Malaysia. MPB prepared various activities and content, including presentations by television, radio, and digital personalities, along with editors from Berita Harian, the New Straits Times (NST), and Harian Metro. Efendi said the company is offering discounts of up to 80 per cent on advertising packages, exclusively during the event. Representatives from Media Prima Audio and REV Media Group shared insights on radio and digital advertising. NST Group Editor Farrah Naz Abd Karim led editorial sessions, emphasising media credibility and branding effectiveness. Attendees also toured studios, met media professionals, and explored cross-platform marketing strategies. The event continues on May 15 for SME owners under Glocal Link (M) Sdn Bhd, a Mara Corporation subsidiary.
