Merdeka Award goes to Orang Asli artist, Shahar 'Shaq' Koyok

'My research will explore the place of indigenous art within the context of celebrating the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of Malaysia as well as emphasising the spirit of Merdeka,' says Shahar Koyok. Photo: The Star/Sadiq Sani

Shahar Koyok, an Orang Asli artist, was announced recently as one of the recipients of the 2017 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment.

Shahar, 32, from the Temuan ethnic group of Kampung Pulau Kempas in Banting, Selangor, has the distinction of being the first Orang Asli to receive the award along, with two other recipients chosen for their exceptional and outstanding research proposals.