14 January 2023, Kuala Lumpur - Bright, purpose-driven and talented Malaysian changemakers aged between 22 and 35 years old are invited to apply for a short-term attachment at any globally top-ranked university, institution or organisation through a grant offered by the Merdeka Award Trust.
The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, offered once every two years, is now open for application, until 1 May 2023. Selected recipients will stand to benefit from full tuition fee, accommodation and travel during the short-term attachment period of up to three months, upon acceptance at the recipient’s institution of choice.
Kerina Fauzi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the Merdeka Award Trust said, “Through the Grant, upcoming and talented Malaysians under the age of 35 who embody the Spirit of Merdeka will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure and establish a strong network of working relationships with global experts at internally-recognised institutions. Upon their return, they are expected to impart their discoveries and experience for greater impact, all towards a sustainable future,” she said.
The Grant aims to promote thought leadership and innovation, foster a culture of excellence and encourage a world view, thereby enhancing Malaysia’s standing as a dynamic, competitive 21st century global player in all key sectors from science and technology to the arts.
24 individuals, from public and private universities as well as organisation leaders, have since received the Grant since it was launched in 2012.
The Grant is looking for those who are currently working on or looking to extend or expand their body of work in several related fields such as environmental conservation and biodiversity, education and community work, health science and technology, art and culture, visual and performing arts, heritage and social work, sports, economics and finance and many more.
“Over the years, we have seen improved quality as well as an increase in the variety and volume of applications. Selected candidates have been accepted into some of the world’s best institutions quite comfortably - an encouraging indicator that Malaysia’s talent continues to be of outstanding calibre,” Kerina continued.
“Through the Grant, we want to maintain a virtuous cycle of Malaysians who are inspired towards excellence,” said Kerina, who emphasised that grant recipients will be encouraged to foster the growth of more outstanding talents locally.
On the Merdeka Award Grant’s selection process, Kerina said, “Deserving recipients are selected through careful evaluation by the Merdeka Award Secretariat and Founders Committee from PETRONAS and Shell, followed by a Selection Committee, and a final decision by the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees.”
Aspiring Malaysians are encouraged to apply now at
The Merdeka Award - Grant Application site, with supporting documents and details before the closing date.
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Grantee Testimonials
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ABOUT THE MERDEKA AWARD TRUST
The Merdeka Award Trust was established by PETRONAS and Shell on 27 August 2007, to recognise and reward excellent individuals and organisations whose works and achievements have not only contributed to the nation’s growth but have also inspired greatness in the people of Malaysia.
The Trust has two signature programmes, the Merdeka Award and Merdeka Award Grant for International attachment which are run biennially.
The Award recognises excellence in the following categories, namely Education and Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia.
In 2022, Anugerah Harapan Merdeka was introduced as a new Award category, recognising the efforts of Malaysians aged 40 years old and below or Malaysian organisations less than 10 years in inception in the areas of Education and Community, Environment, Health, Science and Technology.
The choice of name, Merdeka Award, reflects the Founding Members’ aim to commemorate the true spirit of independence, which transcends the conventional definition of national sovereignty. It explores the liberation of the mind and spirit – factors that foster the realisation of human potential and the pursuit of excellence.
The Merdeka Award’s other initiative, the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment aims to promote thought leadership and innovation, foster a culture of excellence and encourage a world view, thereby enhancing Malaysia’s standing as a dynamic, competitive 21st century global player in all key sectors from science and technology to the arts.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Nadia Izuddin
nadia.shaikmizuddin@petronas.com | +60 12 229 9314
Christine Ong
christine.ong@ceria.asia | +60 12 375 2852