Malaysian brands won the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2020 awards

More than 40 Malaysian brands are among winners of the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2020 out of more than 50 categories listed in the recent 22nd annual survey conducted by leading research agency, Catalyst Research as commissioned by the popular publishing title. Five government-linked corporations and government agencies excelled in their respective categories, proving Malaysians’ trustworthiness in the quality of their products and services. 

The Department of Community Development under the Ministry of Rural Development, through its chain of pre-schools known as ‘Tadika KEMAS’ won the Gold Award under the Pre-School Learning Centre Category, alongside Little Caliphs – the largest private English-medium Islamic kindergarten chain in Malaysia. This is the first time the government-owned pre-school chain has won the Trusted Brands Award. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) won the Platinum and Gold Awards under the Public University category. Pos Laju and Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad are among Gold Award winners for Airfreight/Courier Service and Investment Fund Company category.

“Trust has never been more important in our community due to the unprecedented difficult times since the beginning of 2020. The COVID-19 crisis has affected both businesses and individuals across the world and organisations are reshaping the way they operate in order to continue relationships and reputations that have taken years to build. The 22^nd annual survey of Malaysia’s Most Trusted Brands offers invaluable insight into those brands that have withstood the challenges of today’s climate to instil even more consumer faith,” said Louise Waterson, Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Asia Pacific.

The survey was conducted on more than 8000 individuals selected across five of the region’s key markets: Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

Waterson added, “While COVID-19 has certainly changed the marketplace, and the way we go about being consumers, other things remain the same when it comes to our relationships with brands. For the brands themselves, trust matters when it comes to weathering a crisis, and ultimately, trust is built on the traditional foundations of quality, consistency, honesty and delivering on your promises.In terms of this current situation, with this pandemic, that also means getting proactive and reaching out to your customers like never before. It’s very much about maintaining a relationship with that particular individual.”

Reader’s Digest believes that Trusted Brands understand that the key to easing consumer anxieties is to open a gate of communication through mutual respect and empathy. Hence, the criteria outlined in the survey adhere to customer’s concerns and sympathise with their situations by providing the necessary support and assistance, proving the brands’ appreciation towards their customers.

Other than brands, Malaysian personalities – Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Alif Satar, Adibah Noor and Raja Azura were also identified as the most trusted personalities in their respective categories this year. For full list of the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2020 winners, please visit: https://www.trustedbrands.asia/malaysia/