A reporter with KiniBiz , Chan Quan Min, was tonight named the Online Journalist of the Year in the National Press Club Awards 2014.

Chan received the award from Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur.

The award recognises members of the media who have made outstanding contributions in the field of journalism.

Another KiniBiz jounalist, Khairie Hisyam, was also nominated for the same category.

Chan beat Astro Awani and The Star Online to bag the award.

The prize comes with RM5,000, a return economy MAS flight ticket to Dubai and a trophy.

The event tonight was officiated by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Chan was particularly pleased with his win as he has only been a business journalist for a year and was pleasantly surprised.

"This award is not just for me; it is a win for KiniBiz and her young team of journalists. This award is also a win for free, independent online media and our take on business news.

"I am also very grateful for all the support I have received from everyone at both KiniBiz and Malaysiakini . I'd like to congratulate Khairie Hisyam on also being nominated," said a jubilant Chan.

The business news portal is part of Malaysiakini group.

"This is a great honour for KiniBiz to be awarded top recognition for Malaysian online journalism in just its first year of operations," said KiniBiz joint CEO and publisher P Gunasegaram (left) .

"It is worth noting that we have two finalists in the top five. KiniBiz will take heart from the award and will continue to bring to its readers a superior experience in business news, commentary and analysis.

"We would like to congratulate both Khairie Hisyam and Chan Quan Min."

KiniBiz has also been nominated for excellence in business reporting in the Sopa (Society of Publishers in Asia) Awards 2014. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on June 11, 2014 in Hong Kong.

Among the other winners are:

Journalist of the Year - Azrai Mohammad, Utusan Malaysia

Young Journalist of the Year - Tharanya Arumugam, New Straits Times

Best Media Organisation (Community Service) - Star Metro

Best Reporter (Malay medium) - Wan Noor Hayati Wan Alias, Berita Harian

Best Reporter (English medium) - Bavani Mahalingam & Hariati Azizan, The Star

Best Reporter (Chinese medium) - Bryan Liew Yu Phin, See Hua Daily News

Broadcast Journalist Award - Amin Hayat Abd Rahim, TV9

Photographer of the Year Award - Azhar Mahfof, The Star

Best Reporter (Sabah) - Roy Anthony Goh, New Straits Times , Sabah

Best reporter (Sarawak) - Sharon Ling, The Star , Sarawak

Media Legend Award - the late Zainon Ahmad

Lifetime Achievement Award - Tan Yoke Swee

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