8th December 2016 – The 2016 Merdeka Award was presented to four distinguished individuals at the ninth Merdeka Award Presentation Ceremony on Thursday by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan and the Royal Patron of the Merdeka Award Trust.
His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin was accompanied by YBhg Tan Sri Sidek Hassan, Chairman of PETRONAS; YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, President & Group CEO of PETRONAS; Mr See Kok Yew, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia; and YBhg Datuk Iain Lo, Chairman of Shell Malaysia.
More than 700 people attended the event at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, to celebrate and recognise the recipients' significant achievements and contributions to the nation in their respective fields.
Initiated in 2007 by PETRONAS, ExxonMobil and Shell, the Merdeka Award is Malaysia's most prestigious award for excellence, conferred to outstanding individuals and organisations that embody the “Spirit of Merdeka” in their pursuit of excellence.
The recipients of the 2016 Merdeka Award by categories are:
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Education and Community: TAN SRI LAKSHMANAN KRISHNAN
For outstanding contribution to laying the foundation for the modern film industry in the country and for his instrumental role in developing early acting talents including Malaysian film icon the late P Ramlee
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Environment: TAN SRI DATO’ SERI DR SALLEH MOHD NOR
For outstanding contribution to the conservation of the natural environment and forestry in Malaysia through his leadership role at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
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Health, Science and Technology: DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR DATUK DR LOOI LAI MENG
For outstanding contribution in pioneering research in amyloidosis, renal pathology and cancer pathology and for her significant contributions and role in promoting the field of pathology in Malaysia and the region
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Outstanding Scholastic Achievement: PROFESSOR DATO’ IR DR WAN RAMLI WAN DAUD
For outstanding scholarly research and development in advancing the technology of fuel cells and hydrogen energy in Malaysia and the region
This year, the Ceremony featured a presentation by Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid(Lat) who received the Merdeka Award in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to the promotion and pluralism of Malaysia's cultural identity through the use of cartoons and for the promotion of understanding and respect among Malaysia’s diverse ethnic communities. As he interpreted the Spirit of Merdeka on paper through his cartoon sketch, Lat shared his personal experiences and highlights of his life's work.
At the Presentation Ceremony, winners of the Merdeka Award Thumbs-Up Challenge (MATUC), an online initiative by the Merdeka Award for Malaysians to share inspiring ideas that have been put into action in motivating others to contribute to the nation, showcased some of their work and services.
The MATUC exhibitors included founders of three organisations - the Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur, Fusion Wayang Kulit and myBatik, demonstrated to guests the importance of conservation, contemporising traditional art, and craft.
Other highlights of the evening included on-stage performances by Malaysian singers Salamiah Hassan, Akim Ahmad and a dance performance by Emma Tosh and Azmi Zainal from Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan(ASWARA), accompanied by the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO).
To date, a total of 38 individuals including this year's recipients, and two organisations, have received the Merdeka Award. Recipients take home a Merdeka Award Trophy, Merdeka Award Work of Art, Certificate of Recognition and cash award of RM500,000.
For more information and for the latest updates on the Merdeka Award and its activities, log on to the following sites:
Website: www.merdekaaward.my
Facebook: http://j.mp/merdekaaward
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Youtube: http://bit.ly/merdekaawardyoutube