Fostering a Culture of Excellence
9th EDITION OF THE MERDEKA AWARD GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL ATTACHMENT NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION
9th EDITION OF THE MERDEKA AWARD GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL ATTACHMENT NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION
Malaysians Under 35 Invited to Secure 3-Month Attachment Experience Abroad
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 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
