Press Releases

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 August 2024 – In conjunction with the 17th anniversary of the Merdeka Award Trust, seven recipients have been conferred the prestigious 2024 Merdeka Award for fostering a culture of excellence, and for their remarkable contribution to Malaysia and its people.

This year, the Trust celebrates individuals in new fields, recognising laureates in the areas of performing arts and Malay literature, environment conservation advocacy, economy, education and initiatives to ensure equitable and quality healthcare and investigative journalism.

The recipients of the 2024 Merdeka Award by category are:
● Education and Community (Joint Recipient): Dato' Seri Dr. Abdul Samad Mohamed Said for multifaceted contributions to Malay literature encompassing novels, poetry, essays, dramas and performing arts.

● Education and Community (Joint Recipient): Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican for pioneering the nation’s performing arts scene via theatre drama and media to drive social and cultural awareness and advocacy.

● Environment: Professor Dr. Joy Jacqueline Pereira for effectively navigating the science-policy interface with extensive research on climate change and fostering international collaborations to safeguard environments and communities.

● Health, Science and Technology: Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Abu Bakar Suleiman for unwavering dedication in shaping healthcare policies and initiatives to ensure equitable and quality healthcare, especially in improving patient access to vital nephrology services nationwide.

● Outstanding Scholastic Achievement: Emeritus Professor Dr. Jomo Kwame Sundaram for contributions as an outstanding academician, eminent economist, and trusted advisor to global and local policymakers addressing pressing economic developmental issues worldwide.

● Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia: Dr. Kathryn Anne Rivai for unwavering dedication to improving education access for underprivileged children through Etania Schools, offering customised quality education and vocational training in Sabah.

For distinctive efforts of Malaysians aged 40 years and below, or organisations which have been incepted for less than 10 years:
● Anugerah Harapan Merdeka: Ian Yee Ngan Fui for spearheading investigative journalism in Malaysia amongst youth, delivering impactful multimedia documentaries and innovative public action campaigns against social injustices.

This year, laureates were selected following an extensive search within Malaysia and internationally in which more than 400 high-calibre individuals and organisations were evaluated based on their distinction and sustainable impact in their body of work.

With today’s announcement, a total of 70 individuals, and organisations have received the Merdeka Award since 2008. Each Merdeka Award category recipient is conferred with a Merdeka Award Trophy, Certificate of Recognition and cash reward, while the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka recipient receives a Certificate of Recognition and cash reward.

Founders of the Merdeka Award – PETRONAS and Shell – congratulated the recipients on their exemplary efforts.

PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer and Merdeka Award Board of Trustee, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, said, “The tireless efforts and the extraordinary achievements of these Merdeka Award recipients have drawn the attention of the world to issues that warrant our urgent action. Their zeal and determination have now helped accelerateour collective progress in addressing these challenges.

“These inspiring individuals personify the spirit of ‘Merdeka’ that continues to embolden generations of Malaysians in our pursuit of progress and excellence towards a sustainable future.”

Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Country Chair and Senior Vice President - Upstream of Shell Malaysia and Merdeka Award Board of Trustee said, “As we build a society that is more compassionate, just and sustainable, we must uphold our values of striving for excellence, guided by a growing cadre of outstanding change-makers and trailblazers”

For more information and latest updates on the Merdeka Award, log on to the following sites:

Website: www.merdekaaward.my
Facebook: http://j.mp/merdekaaward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merdekaaward/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/merdekaawardyoutube
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merdeka-award
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@merdekaaward

ABOUT THE MERDEKA AWARD
The Merdeka Award Trust was established on 27 August 2007. The Trust is founded by PETRONAS and Shell.

The Merdeka Award Trust celebrates the achievements and significant contributions of individuals and organisations to Malaysia, within their respective fields.

It explores the liberation of the mind and spirit, the strength of character and integrity that underpin meaningful impact, together with the creativity and vision that enables greatness.

In fostering a culture of excellence, the Merdeka Award Trust has two signature programmes,namely the Merdeka Award and the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment.

Both these signature programmes are designed to recognise outstanding accomplishments that have impacted the nation positively, while also providing a platform to nurture talent, foster innovation, and facilitate international collaboration.