Introduced in 2012, the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment is an initiative that nurtures the promising talents of Malaysians under the age of 35. This visionary program not only supports these individuals in their quest for excellence but also serves as a catalyst for innovation and a facilitator of international collaboration.
The overarching goal of the Merdeka Award Trust programs is to cultivate thought leadership, stimulate innovation, and foster a global perspective, thereby elevating Malaysia to a distinguished position as a dynamic and competitive force of the contemporary era across diverse sectors—from the realms of science and technology to the expanse of the arts.
As the custodians of this noble endeavor, PETRONAS and Shell, the two founding entities, continue to steadfastly support the Trust's noble cause following the departure of ExxonMobil in 2021.
Today, the Royal Patron and Chairman of the Award is His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak Daruk Ridzuan.
Starting from 2019, the Merdeka Award will be organised biennially, alternating between the Merdeka Award and the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment. This change aims to engage a broader spectrum of Malaysians, furthering our commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence and championing thought leadership and innovation across key sectors.