Reader’s Digest honours brands and personalities

Reader’s Digest, a leading global publication, has recently disclosed the outcomes of its 26th Annual Most Trusted Brands survey, showcasing the brands and personalities that have earned Malaysians’ confidence in 2024.

The ceremony, held at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on April 26, 2024, was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Deputy Minister of Malaysia of Rural and Regional Development, YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Binti Haji Wang.

The event celebrated the outstanding brands and individuals who have cemented their positions in the hearts of Malaysian consumers. These brands go beyond mere customer engagement – they exemplify a steadfast commitment to fulfilling their promises and cultivating an invaluable asset: their customers’ unwavering trust.

For 26 consecutive years, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands annual survey has highlighted the vital role trust plays in shaping consumer behaviour. Securing and retaining consumer trust poses growing challenges for brands, whether established or emerging.

The Trusted Brands survey, among the world’s most esteemed consumer surveys, embodies independence, consumer choice, and global recognition. With a rich history of authenticity and reliability, it stands as an unbiased reflection of consumer preferences. Notably, this survey is uniquely independent; neither Reader’s Digest nor its readers influence the results. Instead, the population of Malaysia serves as the sole judges, determining which brands have earned their trust in 2024.

Recognizing Malaysia’s Most Trusted Personalities

Among the illustrious personalities honored at the event were Datuk Nicol David, DJ Lin, Alif Satar, and Amyra Rosli, recognized as the most trusted figures in their respective fields. With their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and contribution to their industries, they have not only earned the admiration of the public but also solidified their positions as beacons of trust and reliability in Malaysian society.

Datuk Nicol David – Most Trusted Sportsperson

Renowned for her unparalleled achievements in squash, Datuk Nicol David’s legacy in the sport is truly remarkable. Hailed as the greatest in World Games history, she stands as a testament to her extraordinary all-round talent, dedication, and determination. Her iconic moment came during the 2005 World Championship finals in Hong Kong, where she defeated the then World No. 1, claiming her maiden World Championship title and marking the start of her legendary reign.

With 81 victories out of 102 PSA World Tour Finals and 61 wins in 71 World Series finals, throughout her career, Datuk Nicol David consistently demonstrated her dominance in squash. Today, she continues to give back to the sport as co-founder of the Nicol David Foundation and Malaysia’s Deputy Chef De Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

DJ Lin – Most Trusted Radio Presenter

Since 1999, DJ Lin has captivated radio audiences with her musical expertise and social advice on her show, Suria Cinta. Blending entertainment with inspiration, she has shared her insights on relationships and music with millions, becoming a household name and Malaysia’s favourite radio personality for four consecutive years.

Alif Satar – Most Trusted Entertainment & Variety Presenter

Winner of this year’s Award is a Malaysian icon, loved by millions and synonymous with success, with a remarkable journey that began at just 16. With hits that have dominated the music industry for 206 weeks and captivating audiences across film, television, and theatre, he has left an indelible mark on every facet of the local entertainment landscape.

Amyra Rosli – Most Trusted TV Host for News & Current Affairs

Amyra Rosli is an accomplished presenter, synonymous with trust and professionalism, and is a familiar face in Malaysian living rooms and a beloved host of Nona, one of the longest-running women’s current affairs shows. With 13 years of acting experience, she transitioned into broadcasting, where she quickly became a household name, captivating millions across the nation.

Celebrating Malaysian Brands for Unwavering Trust

In addition to honoring personalities, Reader’s Digest also recognized the most trusted brands across various categories. The winning brands of this year’s Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, captured in the Reader’s Digest 26th annual Trusted Brands survey, enjoy success in the consumer trust stakes because they listen to customer concerns, sympathize with their situation, and provide the necessary support and assistance, thus nurturing these valued relationships.

This year’s winning brands ranged across more than 45 categories and include products and services as diverse as air conditioners, mattresses, health cards, cooking oils and preschool learning centres. 

Platinum Awards

The Platinum Awards went to those brands that perform exceptionally well, based on consumers’ perception. In the survey, these brands attained scores that exceed those of their nearest competitors. Some of the Platinum Awardees include: 

• Bread – Gardenia
• Cooking Oils – Saji
• Hygiene/Disposable Gloves – Top Glove
• Floor & Wall Tiles – White Horse
• Investment Fund Companies – Public Mutual
• Private/International Schools – Sunway International School
• Rice – Jasmine 
• TVs – Samsung
• Vitamins/Health Supplements – Blackmores
• Water Purifiers – Coway

Gold Awards

The Gold Awards went to brands that had outstanding results, based on the perception of consumers. Some of the brands included in this list are:

• Air Conditioners – Panasonic  
• Airfreight/Courier Services – Pos Laju
• Beauty/Slimming Centres – SlimWorld
• Cooking Oils – Buruh
• Cooking Oils – Knife
• Cooking Oils – Naturel
• Eye Surgery Centres/Lasik – Vista Eye Specialist
• Family Theme Parks – Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
• Female Skin Care – Safi 
• Health Cards – Great Eastern
• Life Insurance – Great Eastern
• Hygiene/Disposable Gloves – Readycare
• Mattresses – Coway  
• Mattresses – Dreamland
• PreSchool Learning Centres – Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (KEMAS)  
• PreSchool Learning Centres – Smart Readers Kids
• Private International Schools – Taylor’s International School
• Private Hospitals – Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
• Private Hospitals – Sunway Medical Centre
• Private Universities – Taylor’s University
• Refrigerators – Panasonic
• Tissue Paper – Kleenex
• TVs – Panasonic
• Vitamins/Health Supplements – 21st Century
• Vitamins/Health Supplements – Amway Nutrilite
• Vitamins/Health Supplements – Shaklee
• Washing Machines – Panasonic
• Water Purifiers – Amway eSpring
• Water Purifiers – Cuckoo
• Water Purifiers – Panasonic  

Asia Awards

Furthermore, the accolades extended beyond national borders as brands such as Knife (Cooking Oils) and Amway eSpring (Water Purifiers) were honored with Asia Awards. These prestigious awards underscored their regional prominence and widespread recognition across multiple markets. The Asia Awards are reserved for brands that have achieved a Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand award in the same category across at least three markets and countries surveyed.

The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards serve as a testament to the enduring bond between brands, personalities, and consumers in Malaysia, reinforcing the importance of trust in today’s competitive marketplace.