MSA Festival and Awards 2024 celebrates past achievements and charts future of media industry

    The Malaysia Media Specialist Association (MSA) on Friday (23 August) transformed the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia into a vibrant hub of creativity and insight as it hosted the MSA Festival and Awards 2024.

    Under the evocative theme of “Charting New Horizons,” the event attracted over 1,000 visionaries from the marketing, communications, and media worlds—an eclectic mix of clients, media professionals, tech pioneers, and industry sponsors, all gathered to explore the future of media.

    Dr. William Tan, the 'Singapore Paralympic Superman,' delivers a powerful keynote at the MSA Festival 2024, inspiring audiences with his remarkable resilience and urging them to embrace bold innovation as they chart new horizons in the future of media. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    Dr. William Tan, the ‘Singapore Paralympic Superman,’ delivers a powerful keynote at the MSA Festival 2024, inspiring audiences with his remarkable resilience and urging them to embrace bold innovation as they chart new horizons in the future of media. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    The day began with a resounding keynote from Dr. William Tan, the “Singapore Paralympic Superman,” whose story of resilience and triumph struck a chord with the audience. His message was clear: the future of media is not a script already written, but a canvas waiting to be painted with innovation, inclusivity, and boldness. This was the perfect prelude to a day dedicated to challenging norms and imagining what’s next.

    Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan from Keluar Sekejap radio show shared their visionary perspectives on media communications at the MSA Festival 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan from Keluar Sekejap radio show shared their visionary perspectives on media communications at the MSA Festival 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    Attendees were treated to a series of thought-provoking sessions centred around the theme of navigating the future of media. Albern Murthy, Deputy CEO of CelcomDigi, captivated the audience with his insights on how technology’s rapid convergence is reshaping the landscape of marketing and media. Meanwhile, Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan from Keluar Sekejap shared their visionary perspectives on media communications, and influencer extraordinaire Khairul Aming, alongside other digital trendsetters, dissected the evolving role of influencers in shaping narratives.

    Albern Murthy, Deputy CEO of CelcomDigi, sharing his insights at the MSA Festival 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    Albern Murthy, Deputy CEO of CelcomDigi, sharing his insights at the MSA Festival 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    As the sun set, the event seamlessly transitioned into the much-anticipated MSA Awards Night—a glittering celebration of the industry’s best and brightest. The crowning moments of the night included the awarding of the prestigious Grand Prix trophy, as well as the coveted titles of Advertiser of the Year and Agency of the Year, marking new milestones of excellence in the field.

    Sheila Shanmugam, President of MSA and the Organising Chairperson of the MSA Awards Sheila Shanmugam opens the MSA Awards 2024 with an inspiring address, setting the tone for a day of collaboration and innovation. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    Sheila Shanmugam, President of MSA and the Organising Chairperson of the MSA Awards Sheila Shanmugam opens the MSA Awards 2024 with an inspiring address, setting the tone for a day of collaboration and innovation. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    Sheila Shanmugam, President of MSA and the Organising Chairperson of the MSA Awards, delivered a stirring opening address. “The future isn’t predetermined; it’s an unwritten narrative awaiting our collective bravery,” she proclaimed. Sheila’s words echoed throughout the event, reinforcing the festival’s role as not just a celebration of past achievements but a launchpad for the industry’s next great leap forward. Her vision of the MSA Festival and Awards as a fusion of innovation, collaboration, and heartfelt connection set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

    McDonald's Malaysia and OMD Malaysia bagged Grand Prix Special Awards at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    McDonald’s Malaysia and OMD Malaysia bagged Grand Prix Special Awards at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    The MSA Festival and Awards 2024 would not have reached such heights without the unwavering support of its sponsors—BillUps, Grab Ads, MGID, Omnia, All Unite, Google, Gushcloud, Redberry, Hivestack, FMT and Seni—whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this visionary event to life.

    QSR Brands (M) Holdings Berhad was awarded 'Advertiser of the Year' at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    QSR Brands (M) Holdings Berhad was awarded ‘Advertiser of the Year’ at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    As the curtains close on this year’s festival, the media industry stands energized, ready to chart new horizons with creativity, boldness, and a shared commitment to shaping a future where media continues to influence, inspire, and innovate. The MSA Festival and Awards 2024 has not only celebrated the accomplishments of today but has also ignited a collective imagination for the possibilities of tomorrow.

    Mindshare Group Malaysia was crowned 'Agency of the Year' at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo
    Mindshare Group Malaysia was crowned ‘Agency of the Year’ at the MSA Awards 2024. | Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 23 August 2024. | Photo by MSA / NHA File Photo

    More information on the MSA Festival and Awards 2024, including a complete list of speakers and award winners, here:

    Source: MSA (Press Release)