KUALA LUMPUR: France has conferred the prestigious Knight of the Legion of Honour on Selangor Princess Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in recognition of her achievements and very special contributions to its friendship with Malaysia.
On behalf of French President Francois Hollande, Ambassador Christophe Penot honoured Tengku Zatashah, who has been president of Alliance Francaise de Kuala Lumpur for the past five years, with the insignia of Chevalier (Knight) at the Residence of France here on Tuesday.
Tengku Zatashah arrived at the Residence at about 8pm with her husband Datuk Setia Aubry Rahim Mennesson, her father Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and his consort Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
Tengku Zatashah was elected Alliance Francaise president in 2012, after holding the position of vice-president since 2009.
The non-profit organisation was established in 1961 as the centre for French culture and language here.
In his speech, Penot said Tengku Zatashah contributed to the organisation’s excellent reputation and success through her commitment and charisma. He added that the award was timely to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and France this year.
Tengku Zatashah, who delivered her acceptance speech in English and French, said her love of France started at the age of eight, while she was learning French.
Her love of learning the “beautiful” language led her on an exchange programme to France at age 15.
She pursued her higher education at La Sorbonne University and her Master’s degree at the American Graduate School in Paris.
She also completed her Finance for Executives programme at the French business school Insead (European Institute of Business Administration).
Tengku Zatashah worked for five years at the L’Oreal headquarters in Paris in international corporate communications.
It was during her time in Paris that she met her French husband.
Tengku Zatashah said she and Mennesson decided to continue to promote their love for France through Alliance Francaise upon returning to Malaysia.
“It has been eight years since we have been on the executive committee. I’m truly honoured to work with such a committed exco.
“I hope that the relationship between Malaysia and France will continue to strengthen. Once again, I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award,” Tengku Zatashah said.
The Legion of Honour is France’s highest honour, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It rewards men and women, French or foreigners, for exemplary services to France or the causes it supports.
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