About Us
Board of Trustees
About the Merdeka Award Trust
Our Logo
The Grant
About The Grant
Criteria
Terms of Engagement
Past Recipients
Application
FAQ
The Award
About The Award
Objective
Categories
Nomination & Selection
Nomination Form
Committees
Past Recipients
Commemorative Book
FAQ - The Award
News , Events & Articles
Articles
News
Press Releases
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Videos Gallery
Contact
Search
Search for:
RECIPIENT / PROFILE
Home
The Award
Past Recipients
Education & Community
Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali
Education & Community
back to previous
Providing Land to the Landless, Jobs to the Jobless
As Deputy Chairman from April 1966 to his retirement as Group Chairman in June 2001, Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Alias played a pivotal role in FELDA’s evolution into a fully integrated corporation spanning the entire oil palm/rubber industry.
At FELDA, Raja Alias crystallised then-Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein's vision: “to provide land to the landless and jobs for the jobless”. Under his dynamic leadership, FELDA evolved into a conglomerate, contributing to poverty eradication and rural development in Malaysia.
Tun Abdul Razak visiting Jengka, Pahang, 3 February 1972
An early lesson in service
From an early age, Raja Alias was always mindful of his responsibilities. His father's roles as a Settlement Officer and the penghulu or mukim chief gave him exposure to the duties of a civil servant. Instilled with values that he continues to uphold fervently, Raja Alias was taught to "work hard, lead an honest life, care for people, assist them when they need your help, and never betray their trust."
In 1958, Raja Alias graduated with Honours in Geography from the University of Malaya, Singapore. Joining the Malayan Civil Service that same year, he served at various levels before his assignment to the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) in 1966.
The Evolution of FELDA
Raja Alias and his team initiated a groundbreaking land reform system, transforming FELDA into a more human-oriented enterprise. Acknowledging and empowering settlers' initiatives, he nurtured self-reliant communities. Through his innovation and planning skills, Raja Alias quietly organised a high-calibre team to manage the organisation’s affairs.
Raja Alias retired after leading the organisation for 35 years, leaving a solid foundation for FELDA's next mission. FELDA transformed into three entities: FELDA, FELDA Investment Cooperative, and FELDA Holdings Bhd. (FHB). This structure ensures financial benefits through annual profits from FHB, distributed as dividends via the FELDA Investment Cooperative.
He was able to demonstrate that even on some of Malaysia’s less fertile, lateritic soils, once indigent families can generate productive agriculture and contribute to the community and national well-being.
Seeking excellence in Malaysia’s development
Raja Alias, a transformative leader, received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1980 and was recognised by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak as an iconic "architect" and action-oriented "contractor". Raja Alias became the first Asian President of the International Association of Seed Crushers in 1997, establishing Malaysia as a key player in the vegetable oil industry.
In 1998, he founded Yayasan FELDA, a charitable foundation aiming to elevate national standards in education, health, research & development, welfare, and cultural heritage.
Remaining actively involved in plantation development and community welfare, Raja Alias continues to contribute through public listed companies such as Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd. His distinguished career, characterised by selfless duty, leadership, and collaboration with the private sector, leaves a legacy that underscores a steadfast commitment to rural development and excellence in Malaysia's history.
Right: Raja Alias and wife, Hafsah Mohd Yusof, Penang, 16 January 1962
Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and for analytical purposes. By continuing to browse, you are deemed to accept our use of cookies. Learn more about disabling cookies and our Privacy Statement
here
.
I Agree
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Files / Documents Needed
Format Required
1.
Recent Passport Sized Photo
GIF, JPG, PNG, PDF
2.
Identity Card
Proof of age (Certified Birth Certificate / Certified I.C.)
GIF, JPG, PNG, PDF
3.
Academic Transcripts
PDF, DOC, DOCX
4.
Attachment Proposal
A 2-page well-thought out and presented Attachment Proposal that clearly states your proposed area of study, the institution where you propose to pursue the research, your research objectives and aims, and what you hope to achieve in your field at the end of the 3-month research period. Please identify three (3) internationally-recognised institutions (outside of Malaysia) that you would like to do your attachment at. (Note that the Merdeka Award reserves the right to replace the proposed host institution at its discretion).
PDF, DOC, DOCX
5.
Attachment Budget
A proposed Attachment Budget for the three-month attachment (detailing tuition fees, travel, accommodation, books, insurance and other research-related costs), with exchange rate and inflation taken into consideration.
PDF, DOC, DOCX
6.
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
Two Letters of Recommendation from people who are qualified to provide insight into your potential for success and leadership
PDF, DOC, DOCX
7.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
PDF, DOC, DOCX
8.
Others
Any other document that you wish to submit to strengthen your application including copies of articles written, reports of volunteer work, extra-curricular certificates etc.
PDF, DOC, DOCX
Each file/document uploaded MUST NOT exceed the maximum file size of 5MB.
Note:
In the event that more files need to be uploaded, please combine the files and upload them under the category “Others” and ensure that file names are reflective of their content.
Close