KUALA LUMPUR: The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment is now open for online application to outstanding young Malaysians who personify the Spirit of Merdeka.
The grant is designed for Malaysians between the ages of 22 and 35 to engage in short-term (up to three months) collaborative projects in selected internationally-recognised host institutions.
Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah, secretary to the Board of Trustees of the Merdeka Award, said the five selected disciplines were Education and Community, Environment, Health, Science and Technology, Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia (open only to non-Malaysians).
“Much is expected of the recipients and the board of trustees has been very mindful of the fact that the selection process must be as stringent and as demanding,” he said.
Successful candidates would be called for an interview with the selection committee chaired by Mohammad Medan and human resource heads of the three founding partners Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell.
The panel would then select the top three candidates in each category and submit the names to the board of trustees to make the final decision.
One grant would be offered this year and two each in subsequent years.
The Merdeka Award, founded in 2007, was created to promote leadership and innovation to commemorate the “Spirit of Merdeka” as demonstrated by the nation's forefathers.
It is benchmarked against the Nobel Prize to ensure the awards issued are credible, fair and transparent.
To apply for the grant, visit www.merdekaaward.my.