The elite of the advertising and marketing worlds gathered to be honored at the prestigious Media Specialists Association (MSA) Festival and Awards night, a dazzling event that took place at a luxurious hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Themed “Charting New Horizons,” the celebration attracted over 1,000 influential figures, including prominent media personalities.

This year, the competition was fierce as agencies vied for top accolades in three primary categories: Grand Prix, Agency of the Year, and Advertiser of the Year. Additionally, there were 22 other categories that recognized excellence in specialized areas such as Best Use of Branded Entertainment and Content, Best Use of Media Collaboration, and Best Use of Influencer Marketing.

The evening saw QSR Brands team basking in the glory of their Advertiser of the Year award. A notable highlight was KrupKrup Ayamgoreng McD’s campaign titled “There’s Nothing Like It” by McDonald’s Malaysia in collaboration with OMD Malaysia, which clinched the coveted Grand Prix award. Meanwhile, Mindshare Group Malaysia emerged victorious in the Agency of the Year category.

QSR Brands (M) Holdings’ triumph as Advertiser of the Year stood out among many impressive feats. The event featured an esteemed panel of over 90 judges, comprising industry veterans from advertising agencies, clients, organizations, and sponsors who meticulously evaluated this year’s entries through a rigorous two-round process.

MSA president and organizing chairman Sheila Shanmugam shared that more than 400 submissions had been received, a testament to the industry’s vibrancy and competitive spirit. “We had 163 finalists and witnessed some astounding work across various agencies,” Sheila remarked. She emphasized that these awards not only highlight outstanding contributions but also serve as a crucial platform for propelling the industry forward and exploring new frontiers. — By MEGAT SYAHAR