KUALA LUMPUR: Six influential individuals have been conferred with the prestigious Merdeka Award in recognition of their lifelong dedication to fostering a national culture of excellence and patriotism.
This year’s categories of awards comprise Education and Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia.
This year’s Education and Community award was jointly won by legendary novelist Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, better known as A. Samad Said, and Datuk Dr Faridah Merican, who is known as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre.
Samad Said was hailed for his multifaceted contributions to Malay literature, encompassing novels, poetry, essays, dramas, and performing arts since his 1961 renowned novel Salina.
Meanwhile, Faridah was lauded for pioneering the nation’s performing arts scene, driving social and cultural awareness, and advocacy throughout her over-six decade long career.
The Environment award was given to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor Joy Jacqueline Pereira for her extensive research on climate change and fostering international collaborations to safeguard environments and communities.
Former director-general of health Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman won the Health, Science and Technology award for his continued dedication to shaping healthcare policies and initiatives towards equitable and quality healthcare for all Malaysians even after his retirement.
The Outstanding Scholastic Achievement award went to economist Professor Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram for his expert contributions and advice in addressing economic developmental issues both locally and worldwide.
Etania Schools founder Dr Kathryn Anne Rivai received the Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia award for her dedication to providing education access to underprivileged and stateless children in Sabah.
The Anugerah Harapan Merdeka award was also conferred to Ian Yee Ngan Fui for his unwavering push for investigative journalism among youth through various impactful multimedia documentaries and public action campaigns against social injustice.
The recipients were presented their awards by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who also serves as the Merdeka Award Trust (MAT) royal patron and chairman, in a ceremony held at a hotel here on Wednesday (Aug 28).
PETRONAS president, group chief executive officer and MAT board member Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik praised the recipients for their efforts in inspiring the next generation towards a better Malaysia.
"The tireless efforts and the extraordinary achievements of these Merdeka Award recipients have drawn the attention of the world to issues that warrant our urgent action.
"Their zeal and determination have now helped accelerate our collective progress in addressing these challenges.
"These inspiring individuals personify the spirit of ‘Merdeka’ that continues to embolden generations of Malaysians in our pursuit of progress and excellence towards a sustainable future," he said in his speech at the event.
Established in 2007 by PETRONAS and Shell, the Merdeka Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of excellent individuals or organisations who contributed to the nation’s growth or enkindled a sense of national pride in the people.
Following the ceremony, a total of 70 individuals and organisations have received the Merdeka Award since 2008.
Merdeka Award recipients are conferred with a Merdeka Award Trophy, Certificate of Recognition, and cash reward, while the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka recipient received a Certificate of Recognition and cash reward.
