Mercy Malaysia founder is first M'sian to receive Asean Prize

Mercy Malaysia Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at the Asean Summit.

BANGKOK: Mercy Malaysia founder Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood has won the Asean Prize 2019 for her leading role in various humanitarian missions and disaster management in the region.

She is the first Malaysian to receive the Asean Prize.

The award was presented at the opening ceremony of the 35th Asean Summit here Sunday (Nov 3), witnessed by all 10 Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Jemilah received a trophy and US$20,000 (RM83,310) in cash from Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

The Asean Prize is a prestigious regional award that aims to acknowledge inspiring and outstanding achievements of an individual or organisation in fostering the Asean identity, promoting the Asean spirit and championing the Asean way.