Liew Chen Chuan, managing director of Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad of Malaysia, was presented the National Eminent Journalist award?in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

This is also the first time such prestigious award goes to a journalist from the Chinese media in the country.

The award presentation ceremony was held?in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Founded by the Malaysian Press Institute in 1988, the award serves to recognize the contribution and enthusiasm of journalists in the media industry.

Due to its stringent selection standard, only eight journalists, including Liew who is also Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad editorial director, have received the award in the past 22 years.

It is noteworthy that Liew is also the first journalist from a Chinese media company who receives the award.

Sin Chew Media Corporation, a subsidiary of Media Chinese International Limited, owns two Chinese newspapers, namely Sin Chew Daily, the largest Chinese press in Malaysia, and Guang Ming Daily.

Liew joined Sin Chew Daily (formerly known as Sin Chew Jit Poh) in 1961 as a reporter, and was made editor-in-chief in 1981.

He was appointed as the executive director of Sin Chew in April 1991, and was redesignated as the corporation managing director from Sept. 2004.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, Liew said the award had recognized Sin Chew's roles and contribution towards nation building.

He also said that although the modes of communication are changing, certain journalistic principles, including truth, accuracy, fairness and balance, remain immutable.