THE Merdeka Award 2020 conferred four winners for their exceptional and sustainable contributions in their respective fields.
With an aim to inspire and help Malaysians persevere to succeed against unprecedented challenges in this new normal environment, the Merdeka Award 2020, founded by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell, crowned individuals and companies based on four categories:
Education and Community: National Cancer Council (MAKNA), for its outstanding contribution in providing financial, medical, emotional and social support to cancer patients while advocating and furthering cancer research for over 26 years.
Environment: Environment: South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP), for its outstanding contribution to the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of Malaysia’s forest ecosystem as well as the education and training of environmental scientists.
Outstanding Scholastic Achievement: Professor Dr Ng Kwan Hoong, for his outstanding contribution in education and pioneering work advancing the fields of medical physics and radiation medicine in Malaysia.
Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia: Suzanne Mooney, for her outstanding contribution in reducing Malaysia’s food waste by feeding and donating essential items to those in need through The Lost Food Project.
“All the winners had demonstrated tremendous spirit and dedication, gaining not only recognition for their work but bringing exceptional advancement to the lives of Malaysians and the nation, creating a legacy as well as enduring the impact for future generations to come. They give life to the heart of ‘Merdeka’ that beats in resonance with the hearts of all Malaysians,” said Petronas president and group CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik.
Meanwhile, Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Iain Lo said that espite facing challenges with restrictions brought by the pandemic, the award recipients persevered and laid a solid foundation towards delivering impactful and innovative solutions for a better future for the country.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation in Malaysia, the recipients will be receiving their awards in a physical ceremony that will be held in 2021.