KUALA LUMPUR: The Putra Brand Awards, organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents (4As) Malaysia, celebrated its 13 th edition by presenting 147 awards in 24 categories to 141 of Malaysians' favourite brands.

Over 25,000 consumer responses were received from across Malaysia during an eight-week long survey period, said 4As.

The results were certified by IPSOS, one of the largest global research agencies with over 16,000 staff in 88 countries, and endorsed by the awards' board of governors.

Also known as the People's Choice Awards, the Putra Brand Awards presented 24 Platinum, 35 Gold, 42 Silver, and 46 Bronze awards, as well as four special awards.

The Platinum awards were given to Uniqlo, Toyota, Shell, Carlsberg, 100PLUS, Farm Fresh, Maxis, Sunway Education Group, Maybank, Gardenia, Panadol, Sunlight, Ikea, Astro, Golden Screen Cinemas, Panasonic, Nivea, Sime Darby Property, Watson's, McDonald's, Premium Outlets, Touch n Go and Samsung which won in two categories.

A further four special awards were presented to Mr D.I.Y. for Putra Most Enterprising Brand of the Year, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah of Sunway Group for Putra Personality Award, Sime Darby Property marketing team for Putra Marketer of the Year and Sunway Group for Putra Brand of the Year.

The inaugural Putra Aria Brand Awards presented 136 awards in 24 categories to 133 brands, with 36 Gold, 48 Silver, and 52 Bronze awards handed out.

Gold awards were given to Bata, Mazda, Volvo, Continental, Martell, Coca-Cola, Ensure, Anmum, U-Mobile, Universiti Terbuka Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, CIMB Bank, Munchy's, Mamee, Flavettes, Downy, Coway, Harvey Norman, The New Straits Times, Berita Harian, Aquaria KLCC, Legoland, Dyson, KDK, LG, Dettol, EcoWorld, Lotus, Guardian, Burger King, The Chicken Rice Shop, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Firefly Airlines, JobStreet, and ASUS which won in two categories.

Datuk Johnny Mun, senior adviser to the 4As and organising chairman of the Putra Brand Awards and the Putra Aria Brand Awards said: "The Putra Aria Brand Award is an idea conceived to honour marketers and brand builders who embraced the credo: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

"It is no less prestigious than its older sister the Putra Brand Award. Both awards exist to recognise and celebrate brands that have persevered in staying close to their bosses - the consumer."

Andrew Lee, 4As president, said: Which brands are the ones that consumers connect with? They look for brands that are well defined and relevant; brands that reflect consumers' desires and values; brands that are consistent in their messaging, developing credibility and trust; and brands that have continued to invest during tough times, building and maintaining meaningful consumer relationships."

He added that the past year had demonstrated that brands which had continued to pursue and stay committed to a strong advertising presence were also the ones that had reaped the rewards in a climate of economic recovery.