Kuala lumpur: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is set to introduce the Anugerah Kencana Lindung Semua as a special category for the PERKESO iLINDUNGu Media Awards 2026, scheduled for November 11. The recipient of this prestigious accolade will be awarded RM10,000 and a trophy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERKESO's deputy chief executive for Strategy and Corporate, Edmund Cheong Peck Huang, announced that the special award stands as the highest recognition among the five categories contested this year. The awards, organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), include categories such as Best Print Media Report, Best TV and Video Report, Best Radio and Podcast Report, Best Portal Report, and Best Photograph.
Cheong elaborated on the significance of the Anugerah Kencana Lindung Semua, stating that it is a distinguished award that surpasses the five existing categories. He explained, "This (Anugerah Kencana Lindung Semua) is a special award above these five categories. If, for example, the best photograph is deemed better than the best article or video, the winner will receive this award."
The announcement was made during the Media Literacy Session with Journalists and Editors, which also served as a platform to unveil the details of the PERKESO iLINDUNGu Media Awards 2026. The session was attended by MPI president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Cheong revealed that winners in each of the five categories would receive cash prizes and trophies, with RM5,000 for first place, RM2,000 for second place, and RM1,000 for third place. The competition is open to works published from January 1 to October 20 of the current year, with each participant allowed to submit a maximum of two entries in different categories.
Eligibility criteria require participants to possess a valid Information Department Media Card or an employer's confirmation letter if they are part-time or freelance workers. Submitted works must not be paid advertisements and must clearly highlight PERKESO's role in social security.
Cheong emphasized PERKESO's view of the media as a strategic partner in enhancing public understanding of social protection's importance. He noted that media credibility is crucial in effectively disseminating information on social protection to the public.