August 23, 2024 , the Malaysia Media Specialist Association (MSA) transformed the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya 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.
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.
Attendees were treated to a series of thought-provoking sessions centered 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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
For more information on the MSA Festival and Awards 2024, including a complete list of speakers and award winners, please visit [MSA Festival 2024](https://msa-festival.com/) and [MSA Awards 2024](https://www.msa-awards.com).
*About MSA:*
The Malaysia Media Specialist Association (MSA) is dedicated to advancing and uniting professionals within the media communication industry. Founded in 2003, MSA strives to elevate industry standards, inspire innovation, and empower professionals to shape a dynamic future in media.
The MSA Festival and Awards is our flagship annual event and in its 20th instalment, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate and advance excellence in media. For more information, and how to register, please visit https://msa-festival.com/ and https://mymsa.org.
