Prof Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid (third from left), Annabel Teh Gallop and Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (second and third from right) at the Merdeka Awards 2022. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
Three outstanding women in their respective fields of medicine, archaeology, and Malay studies, were recognised at the Merdeka Awards 2022. They are: Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman who was awarded for 'Health, Science and Technology;, Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid for 'Outstanding Scholastic Achievement', and Datuk Dr Annabel Teh Gallop for 'Outstanding Contribution to People of Malaysia'.
The other two winners are: Teach for Malaysia (Education and Community), and Global Environment Centre (Environment).
Established in Aug 2007, the Merdeka Award recognises and rewards individuals and organisations whose work and achievements have contributed to the nation’s growth and inspired greatness in the people of Malaysia. It was established by Merdeka Award Trust, the brainchild of Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell, to foster excellence among Malaysians.
There are five categories: Education and Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia.
There is an additional category/award this year – the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka – which recognises the efforts of Malaysians aged 40 and below or organisations established less than 10 years ago. The inaugural recipient is Samuel Isaiah who received it for his commitment towards improving the standard of education for Orang Asli children, and coaching teachers to raise the standard of education for everyone in Malaysia.
The recipients received their awards from Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the royal patron and chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust.
“The Merdeka Award aims to foster a culture of excellence and, by doing so, promote thought leadership and innovation that will enhance Malaysia’s standing as a dynamic and competitive 21st century global player across all key sectors. By promoting this, we’re helping to create a Malaysia that’s stronger, more resilient and more united,” said Sultan Nazrin.
“These individuals and organisations embody the spirit of Merdeka which is the courage to envision for the country, something that has never before existed, while also resolving to make it a reality,” said Petronas president, group chief executive officer and Merdeka Award Trust board member Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik.
Now in its 15th year, the Merdeka Award has been given to 63 individuals and six organisations.