THE 2026 MERDEKA AWARD HONOURS EIGHT LAUREATES - Press Releases

04 September 2026

THE 2026 MERDEKA AWARD HONOURS EIGHT LAUREATES

Celebrating Excellence That Continues to Shape Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 September 2026 – Eight outstanding recipients have been conferred the 2026 Merdeka Award, one of Malaysia's most prestigious honours, in recognition of their exceptional and enduring contributions towards advancing the nation and improving the lives of its people.

Presented by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak and Royal Patron and Chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust, the Award celebrates Malaysians and organisations whose achievements embody the spirit of excellence, integrity and service.

This year's laureates represent the diversity of Malaysian excellence – from humanitarian service, environmental conservation and scientific innovation to academic scholarship, sports and nation-building. Together, their work demonstrates how knowledge, perseverance and purpose can create lasting impact across generations.

Following a rigorous nomination and selection process involving distinguished experts and leaders from diverse disciplines, the laureates were chosen for the significance, integrity and sustained impact of their contributions.

The recipients of the 2026 Merdeka Award are:

Outstanding Contribution to Education & Community – MERCY Malaysia

For its emergency humanitarian assistance and relief efforts in Malaysia and more than 35 countries.

Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Planetary Health – Professor Dr Chan Eng Heng

For her lifelong dedication to safeguarding Malaysia's turtle populations and advancing marine conservation.

Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts & Sports – YBhg Datuk Nicol Ann David

For elevating Malaysia's standing in world squash and inspiring future generations through youth empowerment.

Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation (Joint Recipients)
– YBhg Academician Emeritus Professor Datin Paduka Setia Dato' Dr Aini Ideris

For pioneering veterinary innovations that strengthened food security and animal health.

– YBhg Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail
For transformative contributions to Malaysia's higher education and scientific innovation ecosystem.

Outstanding Scholastic & Academic Achievement – YBhg Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Hajah Asmah Haji Omar

For her lifelong contribution to documenting, preserving and advancing Malaysia's linguistic heritage.

Anugerah Khas Merdeka – YBhg Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dr Omar Abdul Rahman

For his pivotal role in shaping Malaysia's science, technology and innovation landscape.

Anugerah Harapan Merdeka – Mr Cheah Liek Hou
For elevating Malaysia's standing in global para-badminton while inspiring persons with disabilities through sporting excellence.

With this year's recipients, the Merdeka Award has now honoured 78 individuals and organisations since its inaugural presentation in 2008. Each Merdeka Award recipient receives a Merdeka Award Trophy, Certificate of Recognition and cash reward, while the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka recipient receives a Certificate of Recognition and cash reward.

Representing the Founders of the Merdeka Award Trust, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS and Member of the Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustees, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, said, “The Merdeka Award honours individuals and organisations whose contributions have strengthened our nation and enriched its people. The remarkable achievements of our laureates bear testimony to the fact that true and lasting progress is made possible by those who persevere through obstacles, passionately driven by their commitment to a deeper sense of purpose. The Board of Trustees remains committed to nurturing a legacy that will continue benefitting Malaysia for generations to come.”

Puan Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Country Chair and Senior Vice President – Upstream, Shell Malaysia and Member of the Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustees, said, "The most enduring contributions are those that continue to create value long after the work itself is done. The Merdeka Award honours individuals and organisations whose dedication has transformed lives, strengthened communities and inspired others to pursue excellence in service of society."

For more information and the latest updates on Merdeka Award, visit www.merdekaaward.my or follow the Merdeka Award Trust on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.

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 TRUST

The Merdeka Award Trust (MAT) was established on 27 August 2007 to foster a culture of excellence by recognising outstanding individuals and organisations whose achievements and contributions have made a significant impact on Malaysia and inspired future generations. Today, the Trust continues to be supported by PETRONAS and Shell in advancing its mission.

Guided by the spirit of Merdeka, the Trust celebrates excellence rooted in integrity, leadership and service, while advancing knowledge, innovation and nation-building.

The Trust's flagship recognition programme, the Merdeka Award, is one of Malaysia's most prestigious honours. It recognises exceptional contributions in the following categories: Outstanding Contribution to Education & Community; Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Planetary Health; Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts & Sports; Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation; Outstanding Scholastic & Academic Achievement; and Anugerah Khas Merdeka. In 2022, the Trust introduced Anugerah Harapan Merdeka to recognise Malaysians aged 40 years and below, or Malaysian organisations established for less than 10 years, whose achievements demonstrate exceptional promise and impact.

Complementing the Award is the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, launched in 2012 to nurture the next generation of Malaysian talent. The Grant enables outstanding Malaysians aged between 22 and 35 to undertake short-term international attachments of up to three months at leading institutions worldwide, supporting research, professional development and collaborative projects aligned with the Merdeka Award's values of excellence, integrity and meaningful contribution to society.

Since 2019, the Merdeka Award and the Merdeka Award Grant have been presented on a biennial, alternating basis, enabling the Trust to both recognise established excellence and invest in future generations of Malaysian changemakers.

For more information and the latest updates, visit www.merdekaaward.my

For media enquiries, please contact:
Nadia Izuddin nadia.shaikmizuddin@petronas.com | +60 12 229 9314

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.