Cover Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Samad Said, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Samad Said, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
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This year’s Merdeka Awards celebrated remarkable individuals whose work in education, healthcare, the arts, and beyond has significantly impacted Malaysia and its people
Seven remarkable Malaysians were recently conferred the 2024 Merdeka Awards for their outstanding contributions to the nation and commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. This year’s awards, which mark the 17th anniversary of the Merdeka Award Trust, recognised individuals across a diverse range of fields, from performing arts and Malay literature to environmental advocacy, economic thought leadership, education, healthcare, and investigative journalism.
Established in 2007 by Petronas and Shell, the Merdeka Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to Malaysia’s growth or sparked national pride. With this year’s ceremony, 70 individuals and organisations have been honoured since 2008, reflecting a rich legacy of excellence and inspiration.
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The 2024 awards introduced new categories, celebrating achievements in performing arts and Malay literature alongside established fields such as education, community service, health, science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Above Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said during his acceptance speech
Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said during his acceptance speech
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In the Education and Community category, the awards were jointly presented to two legendary figures: Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, affectionately known as A Samad Said, and Datuk Dr Faridah Merican, often referred to as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre.
Samad Said was celebrated for his extensive contributions to Malay literature, which span novels, poetry, essays, drama, and performing arts since his acclaimed 1961 novel, Salina.
Above Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican pledge herself to the arts during her acceptance speech
Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican pledge herself to the arts during her acceptance speech
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Meanwhile, Faridah was recognised for her pioneering role in Malaysian theatre, her efforts in driving social and cultural awareness, and her advocacy for the arts throughout her six-decade-long career.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Faridah pledged, “As long as I have strength in my body and will in my heart, I will continue to teach, produce, direct, and act, hoping that one day Malaysia will proudly stand alongside our neighbours in the realm of education and the arts.”
Above Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Professor Dr Joy Jacqueline Pereira, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
Above Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Professor Dr Joy Jacqueline Pereira, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
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The Environment award was presented to Professor Joy Jacqueline Pereira from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for her extensive research on climate change and fostering international collaborations has been instrumental in safeguarding the environment and vulnerable communities.
Former director-general of health, Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman, received the Health, Science, and Technology award for his relentless dedication to shaping healthcare policies and advocating for equitable and quality healthcare for all Malaysians, even after his retirement. His work continues to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals.
Above Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and emeritus professor Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
Above Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah conferring the award to Dr Kathryn Anne Rivai, founder of Etania Schools, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Merdeka Award Trust royal patron and chairman Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and emeritus professor Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik
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The Outstanding Scholastic Achievement award was conferred to economist Professor Dr. Jomo Kwame Sundaram for his significant contributions to economic thought, both locally and globally.
Dr Kathryn Anne Rivai, founder of Etania Schools, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia award for her dedication to providing education to underprivileged and stateless children in Sabah.
In her acceptance speech, she thanked the teachers and students of Etania Schools, highlighting their efforts to become contributing members of society.
“The impact Etania has had on thousands of young people, giving them dignity and confidence, makes me feel fulfilled knowing that one helping hand can change a life forever,” she expressed.
Above Journalist Ian Yee Ngan Fui, co-founder of The Fourth during his acceptance speech
Journalist Ian Yee Ngan Fui, co-founder of The Fourth during his acceptance speech
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Finally, the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka was awarded to Ian Yee Ngan Fui for his unwavering commitment to investigative journalism. Through impactful multimedia documentaries and public action campaigns, Yee has inspired a new generation to speak truth to power.
In his acceptance speech, Yee emphasised the importance of a free press in defending freedoms and affecting change. “For some, the idea that Malaysians can speak truth to power and that it could actually lead to change is just a dream too far. But tonight, I hope you realise it is not a dream. There are journalists in this room who play that role every day, often at great personal risk,” he said.
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Above This year’s Merdeka Awards recognised seven individuals who contributed immensely to Malaysia
This year’s Merdeka Awards recognised seven individuals who contributed immensely to Malaysia
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Above Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group CEO, Petronas
Above Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, country chair and senior vice president for upstream, Shell Malaysia
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group CEO, Petronas
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The awards were presented by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the royal patron and chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust, during the ceremony held at St Regis Kuala Lumpur.
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, Petronas president and group CEO, as well as a Merdeka Award Trust board member, commended the recipients for inspiring the next generation toward a better Malaysia.
“Their tireless efforts and extraordinary achievements have drawn the world’s attention to critical issues that demand our urgent action,” he noted.
Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, country chair and senior vice president of upstream at Shell Malaysia and Merdeka Award Board of Trustee, added, “As we build a more compassionate, just, and sustainable society, we must uphold our values of striving for excellence, guided by a growing cadre of outstanding change-makers and trailblazers.”
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Images: Merdeka Awards
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
