Merdeka Award

Merdeka Award
Country	Malaysia
First award	2008;17 years ago (2008)
Final award	2024

The Merdeka Award is a Malaysian award that recognises and celebrates the achievements and significant contributions of individuals to Malaysia and its people, within their respective fields. ^[1]

The Royal Patron of the Merdeka Award Trust is the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. ^{[2] [3]}

History

The Merdeka Award was launched on 27 August 2007 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the independence of Malaysia. It was jointly founded by PETRONAS, ExxonMobil (exited 2021) and Shell companies. ^{[4] [3]}

Award process

The Merdeka Award used to be granted every year, until 2018, when it was then conferred every other year. The accolade recognizes the outstanding and enduring contributions of individuals and organizations, regardless of nationality, who have demonstrated exceptional achievements contributing significantly to Malaysia in their respective fields. ^[5]

Categories

As of 2024, there are seven award categories: ^[6]

• Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community
• Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts and Sports
• Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health
• Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation (previously known as Health, Science and Technology)
• Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement
• Anugerah Khas Merdeka (previously known as Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia)
• Anugerah Harapan Merdeka

Eligibility

The award is open to all living Malaysian citizens – individuals or organizations.

Only non-citizens are eligible for the Anugerah Khas Merdeka category, whilst the Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement category is open only to individuals.

Nomination and selection

The nomination and selection process is an independent, objective and fair system administered by a board of trustees, selection committee, and nomination committees.

Nomination committee

Their role is to identify, deliberate, shortlist and recommend candidates to the selection committee. There are five committees, one for each category. Each committee comprises three members, except for Education and Community, which has five members.

Selection committee

Their role is to deliberate the merits of the candidates put forward by the nomination committees and recommend shortlisted candidates to the board. There are five members of the selection committee.

Board of trustees

Their role is to make a final selection of the recipients. The decision must be unanimous with one award for each category, though there may not be recipients in every category each year. The award can be shared by as many as two recipients. The board comprises representatives of the founding members, as well as two independent members.

Award Ceremonies

The award winners are announced every two years in August or September in conjunction with Malaysia's Independence Day or Malaysia Day, with the Merdeka Award Ceremony taking place later in the year.

Award recipients

Year	Category	Laureate	Notes
2008 [6]	Education and Community	Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz bin Ungku Abdul Hamid	For outstanding contribution to the eradication of poverty, rural economics and the development of Tabung Haji and in the field of Education.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)	For outstanding contribution to the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex Conservation Initiative.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Nipah Virus Encephalitis Investigation Team from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the discovery and understanding of the causes, effects and control of the Nipah Encephalitis viral infection.
		Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Khalid Kadir (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the study and understanding of diabetes and the relationship between hormones and stresses in various tissues.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Datuk Leslie Davidson	For outstanding contribution in the introduction of the pollinating insects Elaedobius kamerunicus from Africa to the oil palm and plantations in Malaysia, leading to the rapid development of the palm oil industry.
2009 [7]	Education and Community	Tun Dr Fatimah Hashim (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the empowerment of women in Malaysia and for protecting and securing rights and economic opportunities for women through advocacy.
		Dato’ Lim Phaik Gan (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the empowerment of women in Malaysia and for protecting and securing rights and economic opportunities for women through advocacy.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Professor Datuk Dr Halimaton Hamdan	For outstanding contribution to the development and application of Maerogel as a commercially viable multi-purpose material.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang	For outstanding study and scholarly contributions in the various environmental initiatives concerning water supply, sewage, river rehabilitation and industrial ecology.
2010 [8]	Education and Community	Datin Paduka Mother A Mangalam A/P S Iyaswamy Iyer	For outstanding contribution in promoting the welfare of the underprivileged and for fostering national unity.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Academician Emeritus Professor Dr Yong Hoi Sen (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the development of basic and applied knowledge of Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biological Systematics, Evolutionary Biology and Biological Diversity of Malaysia's flora and fauna.
		Distinguished Professor Dr Harith Ahmad (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution in research and promoting the development of photonics in Malaysia.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Tan Sri Just Faaland	For outstanding contribution to the advocacy of equitable growth through eradication of poverty and reduction of socio-economic polarisation.
2011 [9]	Environment and Planetary Health	Dato’ Dr Kenneth Yeang	For outstanding contribution to the development of design methods for the ecological design and planning of the built environment.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Professor Dato’ Dr Goh Khean Lee (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution in elevating the study and practice of gastroenterology and hepatology in Malaysia to global standards.
		Professor Dr Mak Joon Wah (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding fundamental and applied research in parasitology and parasitic diseases, public health and pathology.
2012 [10]	Science, Technology and Innovation	Academician Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Augustine Ong Soon Hock	For outstanding contribution to the research and development of the chemistry and technology of palm oil, and for his significant role in advocating and promoting the Malaysian palm oil industry to the world.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Tan Sri Professor Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas	For outstanding contribution to the scholarly research in the area of Islamisation of contemporary knowledge and Muslim education.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Dr. Engkik Soepadmo	For outstanding contribution to the research and conservation of Malaysia's forest plant diversity.
2013 [11]	Education and Community	Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Arshad Ayub (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution in shaping Malaysia's education landscape through the development of professional education, education reforms and innovation that have resulted in education becoming more accessible to Malaysians.
		Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to rural development and rural reform through organizing successful land settlement projects (FELDA) for the many landless, rural population in Malaysia.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Dr. Lim Boo Liat	For outstanding contribution to the conservation of Malaysia's biological diversity through the study, understanding and control of vector-borne diseases and the relationship between diseases and the environment; and for advocating the protection of Malaysia's natural heritage.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Yahya Awang	For outstanding contribution to pioneering the development of clinical research and cardiac surgery in Malaysia, and for his instrumental role in the establishment of the National Heart Institute (IJN).
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Lam Sai Kit	For outstanding contribution to scholarly research and development in medical virology and emerging infectious diseases including dengue.
2014 [12]	Education and Community	Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid (Lat)	For outstanding contribution to the promotion and pluralism of Malaysia's cultural identity through the use of cartoons and for the promotion of understanding and respect among Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Mohd Khan Momin Khan	For outstanding contribution to wildlife research and conservation through the setting up of captive breeding centers, as well as for pioneering and successfully managing human-wildlife conflict in affected areas.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May	For outstanding contribution to the development of novel, efficient and green processes for the palm-based industry through research and commercialization of various technologies.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Professor Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the scholarly research and development of technologies in the areas of polymer science, wastewater treatment and membrane separation technology.
		Professor Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to scholarly research and development of technologies for commercialisation in membrane performance for both gas separation, and water and wastewater treatment.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Dato Sri Gathorne, Earl of Cranbrook	For outstanding contribution to pioneering research and conservation of Malaysia's forest biodiversity and the ecology and biology of Malaysian mammals and birds, and for advocating environmental conservation.
2015 [13]	Education and Community	Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood	For outstanding contribution to the development of humanitarian and international emergency relief.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the research and understanding of plant taxonomy and conservation biology in Malaysia.
		Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid (Joint Recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the observation, analysis and assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services, fostering the remediation and protection of the natural environment and promoting environmental sustainability in Malaysia and globally.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Professor Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Mohamad Yusoff	For outstanding contribution in the field of microbiology and virology through a better understanding and diagnosis of contagious and fatal viruses in poultry and the study of the potential of the virus in combating cancer cells.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Professor Dr Ir Mohd Ali Hashim	For outstanding scholastic contribution in the research of separation processes and water and wastewater treatment and for his instrumental role in the setting-up of the Centre for Ionic Liquids.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Dr Elizabeth Lesley Bennett	For outstanding contribution to the conservation and management of wetland habitats and that of endangered wildlife in Malaysia through research, advocacy and policies.
2016 [14]	Education and Community	Tan Sri Lakshmanan Krishnan	For outstanding contribution to laying the foundation for the modern film industry in the country and for his instrumental role in developing early acting talents including Malaysian film icon the late P Ramlee.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor	For outstanding contribution to the conservation of the natural environment and forestry in Malaysia through his leadership role at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng	For outstanding contribution in pioneering research in amyloidosis, renal pathology and cancer pathology and for her significant contributions and role in promoting the field of pathology in Malaysia and the region.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Professor Dato’ Ir Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud	For outstanding scholarly research and development in advancing the technology of fuel cells and hydrogen energy in Malaysia and the region.
2017	Education and Community	Dato' Dr. Abdul Halim Ismail	For outstanding contribution and his pivotal role in establishing the first Islamic Bank in Malaysia, which led to the development and growth of the Nation and region’s Islamic banking, insurance and finance sectors.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Dato' Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin Bin Tengku Mahamood	For outstanding contribution to wildlife and forest conservation in Malaysia and the region through fieldwork, education, advocacy, policy and international cooperation.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Professor Dr. Balbir Singh Mohan Singh (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the discovery and pioneering work on a new cause of human malaria, Plasmodium knowlesi. The discovery of this potentially fatal zoonotic disease has changed the understanding of malaria and the way infections are treated in the country and globally.
		Dr. Timothy William (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the effective treatment of a new cause of human malaria, Plasmodium knowlesi. The discovery has changed the way this infection is managed in the country and globally.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Professor Dr. Masjuki Haji Hassan	For outstanding scholarly research in engineering and energy science and for his instrumental role in the research and development of biofuel and other sources of efficient energy and automotive engines.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Professor Dr. Anthony Milner	For outstanding contribution to research and education in Malaysian history that has shaped and promoted the understanding of the Nation’s identity, heritage and culture, and for his role in fostering international collaborations.
2018	Education and Community	Hassan Abdul Muthalib	For outstanding contribution as the pioneer and earliest influence in the local animation world through his folktale-inspired works and his leadership role in developing an educational framework on the artistic importance of animation in the country.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Engr Gurmit Singh KS	For his outstanding contribution through his activism, advocacy works and leadership role in the promotion of sustainable environment and combating climate change in Malaysia.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Professor Dr. Mohd Hair Bejo (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution and instrumental role in advancing efforts towards sustainable food production through the development and commercialisation of chicken disease vaccines in treating Gumboro disease that benefits the poultry industry in Malaysia and internationally.
		Dato' Dr. Gan Ee Kiang (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution in his pioneering work in developing a successful exemplary commercial model for R&D for Malaysia’s universities, and through his extensive work and leadership role in the fields of clinical pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences and drug-related research in the country.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Distinguished Professor Dr. Rajah Rasiah (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution in his scholarly research and development of the theoretical macroeconomic framework in the promotion of sustainable development, by pioneering the conceptualisation, measurement and application of innovation theory and the framing of innovation policy for developing countries.
		The Late Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Khoo Kay Kim (joint recipient)	For outstanding contribution to the scholarly research, development of reinterpretation of Malaysian history and lifetime dedication in the history education in the country that has shaped the post-independence study of history in modern Malaysia.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Andrew James Eavis	For outstanding contribution in his pioneering works in the areas of geomorphology and cave survey through the Mulu Cave Projects with the Royal Geographical Society Expedition, and the discovery of the Sarawak Chamber, leading to extended research on rainforest habitats and ecosystem and establishing international collaborations for scientific and nature expeditions.
2020	Education and Community	Majlis Kanser Nasional	MAKNA has provided financial, emotional and social support to nearly 60,000 cancer patients for over 26 years, without discriminating on creed, colour or ethnicity.
	Environment and Planetary Health	South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership	SEARRP has contributed to the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of Malaysia’s forest ecosystem and also played an instrumental role in the education and training of Malaysian environmental scientists.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Emeritus Professor Dr. Ng Kwan Hoong	A medical physics pioneer whose research in radiation medicine has contributed significantly to the fight against breast cancer globally by researching various imaging methods including breast density measurement to help early detection.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Suzanne Mooney	An advocate for sustainable food systems, founder of Malaysia’s first sustainable food bank that is feeding Malaysians and reducing food waste in the country.
2022 [15]	Education and Community	Teach For Malaysia	For outstanding contribution in influencing 330,285 students over the past decade through collaborations with 893 schools and 131 student-led initiatives with 34,676 beneficiaries.
	Environment and Planetary Health	Global Environment Centre (GEC)	GEC has contributed to the biodiversity, river and forest conservation and restoration of Malaysia. They have played a fundamental role in the restoration of Mangrove trees in Malaysia, as well as helping over 277 community organisations and 700 schools increase their capacity to protect and restore water resources.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman	For outstanding contribution towards the study, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS for over 30 years. Her work has led to a dramatic drop in the rate of new HIV/ AIDS infections by 50 per cent over the previous 10 years.
	Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement	Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Siti Zuraina binti Abdul Majid, FASc	Pioneer in Malaysia’s field of Archaeology, renowned for discovering the Palaeolithic site of Kota Tampan and the Palaeolithic skeleton of the Perak Man, in Lenggong, which may be regarded as Malaysia’s first “capital”. Her research also established that early man’s migratory route from Africa to Australia was through Peninsular Malaysia, thus putting Malaysia on the archaeological map of the world.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	Dato’ Dr. Annabel Teh Gallop	For her tireless dedication and commitment towards the international promotion of historic manuscripts written in the Malay language for the past three decades.
	AnugerahHarapan Merdeka	Samuel Isaiah	For his contribution as well as commitment in improving and uplifting the standard of education among the Orang Asli children, and in coaching teachers to elevate the overall quality of education for all.
2024	Education and Community	Dato' Seri Dr. Abdul Samad Mohamed Said (joint recipient)	For multifaceted contributions to Malay literature encompassing novels, poetry, essays, dramas and performing arts.
		Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican (joint recipient)	For pioneering the nation’s performing arts scene via theatre drama and media to drive social and cultural awareness and advocacy.
	Environment and Planetary Health	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.
	Science, Technology and Innovation	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 and Academic 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.
	Anugerah Khas Merdeka	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.
	AnugerahHarapan 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.

Prizes

Each award category carries a cash prize of RM300,000 and comes with a trophy and an inscribed certificate, ^[16] except for winners of the Anugerah Harapan category, who do not receive a trophy.

Logo & trophy design

The Merdeka Award Logo and Trophy was designed by Dato’ Johan Ariff, the Creative Director of Johan Design Associates Archived 2011-02-07 at the Wayback Machine , who also designed the PETRONAS logo in 1974. ^[17]

The trophy, a three-dimensional version of the logo was specially designed using Lapis Lazuli gemstone as its base, and combined with elements of gold, silver, Malaysian pewter and Malaysian hardwood, Chengal. ^[18]

Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment (MAGIA)

An extension of the Merdeka Award, the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment (MAGIA) was launched in April 2012 as a signature outreach programme by the Merdeka Award Trust. ^[19] The MAGIA enables recipients to participate in collaborative projects and/or programmes for up to three months, at selected internationally acclaimed institutions, corporations, agencies and organisations within the network of the Merdeka Award's three founding partners – PETRONAS, ExxonMobil and Shell.

Grant eligibility

The MA Grant is open to all qualified Malaysians between 22 and 35 years of age, who are able to demonstrate the Spirit of Merdeka within their areas of expertise.

As of 2024, the grant is awarded every cycle to one candidate within each of the following disciplines

• Education and Community / Social Work
• Environment
• Health, Science and Technology
• Sports
• Arts (visual and performing)

The broad categories involved for the consideration of the MA Grant are:

• Heritage and social work
• Traditional disciplines including economics, finance and scientific specialties
• Environmental studies including climate change, biodiversity, and environmental protection and conservation

Nomination & selection

Three steps are involved in the selection process:

Submission

Reviewed by the Merdeka Award Secretariat, all applications must be submitted together with an Attachment Proposal and Attachment Budget, outlining the proposed area of research, projected expenses, expected outcomes and benefits to Malaysia and her people.

Shortlist

Interviews are then conducted by the Selection Committee, with representatives from Shell and PETRONAS. Candidates are comprehensively evaluated based on various criteria including the quality of their proposal, relevance of proposed area of research, innovativeness in area and method of research, philosophy and commitment to community building, and public speaking, social and media skills.

Final Selection

Recommendations of outstanding candidates are made to the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees, who make the final selection.

Grant recipients

Year	Category	Grant Recipient	Notes
2013 [20]	Health, Science & Technology	Dr Natrah Fatin Mohd Ikhsan	For research towards better microbial resource management for sustainable agriculture production.
		Assistant Professor Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam	For research towards excellence and sustainability in cancer genetics.
2014	Health, Science & Technology	Dr Kamalan Jeevaratnam	For research into cardiac cellular therapy via stem cells, in-vitro differentiation mechanism for cardiac stem cells for large scale production, and cellular cardiomyopathy therapy application.
		Dr Lim Hong Ngee	For research and development of a smart nanotechnology-based breast cancer testing scheme.
2015	Health, Science & Technology	Ms Chua Ling Ling	For research towards understanding how the gut microbiome (bacterial in the gut) interacts with the immune system and leads to the development of age-related illnesses and premature aging.
		Dr Mohd Sukor Su'ait	For research into fabrication of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) utilising Malaysian commodities such as rubber, palm and seaweeds as solid polymer electrolyte.
2016	Education and Community	Ms Koh Lily	For research on developing expertise and academic exchanges on innovative SME business models in encouraging Malaysian SMEs to effectively place themselves in the value chain. This is in light of Industry 4.0, an EU Commission initiative under the Horizon 2020 plan, which is part of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
	Environment	Dr Khamarrul Azahari Razak	For research that focuses on the various approaches of strengthening natural disaster research and promoting integrated university-government-industry partnership for managing and reducing disaster risks in changing environments.
2017	Education and Community	Shahar Koyok	For research on representation of indigenous peoples' art within national institutions.
	Health, Science & Technology	Professor Madya Dr. Zetty Norhana Balia Yusof	For research on the potential of Malaysian seaweeds as the source of antifungal compounds for application in the oil palm industry.
		Dr. Sophia Rasheeqa Ismail	For research on lipidomics profiling, and risk of early-onset myocardial infarction.
2018	Health, Science & Technology	Professor Dr. Ong Wee Jun	For research focussing on mimicking nature in solar energy conversion and energy storage, to address the importance of energy security and severity of environmental issues.
		Dr. Lee Tian Khoon	For research on converting rubber material for advanced energy storage and conversion.
		Aishah Ismail	For research on stroke prediction biomarkers through ocular blood flow, via laser speckle flowgraphy.
2019	Environment	Chrishen R. Gomez	For research focussing on genetic studies on the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Diardi) and sympartic carnivores.
	Health, Science & Technology	Feng Ying Xing	For research on prognosticating work productivity, stress levels and workload capacity through fNIRS brain haemodynamic signal measurement.
		Dr. Mohd Azri Ab Rani	For research on Sodium-ion batteries for future commercialisation.
		Dr. Yanny Marliana Baba Ismail	For research that focuses on smart material that increases the efficiency of bone healing.
2021	Environment	Dr. Aini Hasanah Abd Mutalib	For research on Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) to determine the occurrence, distribution and behaviour of small apes at Kenyir Rainforest, Terengganu.
		Dr. Wan Nor Fitri Wan Jaafar	For research on cloning and stem cell research in wildlife reproduction.
	Health, Science & Technology	Prof Madya Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar	For research on weak or buried monster black holes in active galaxies.
		Jessica Ooi Sui Ying	For research on paper-based devices for colorimetric detection of the ovarian cancer biomarker mIRNA-665.
		Ir Dr. Freddy Tan Kheng Suan	For research on the design of next-generation on-board EV chargers, using wide band-gap technology.
2023	Education and Community	Dr. Masni A/P Mat Dong	For research focussing on spatial justice and the development of a multidimensional poverty perspective on the Orang Asli in Malaysia.
		Syaza Soraya Sauli	For research on environmental sustainability values in preschool children in Malaysia, through comprehensive nature-based learning modules.
	Environment	Dr. Kong Xin Ying	For research on the photocatalytic upcycling of plastics as a sustainable energy alternative.
		Amaziasizamoria Jumail	For research on tropical forest restoration ecology within a Global South context.
		Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan	For research on phytoremediation -- a Nature-based Solution (NbS) for soil heavy metal pollution.

Merdeka Award Talk Series

The Merdeka Award Talk Series^[22] (2019–present) provides a platform for individuals to connect based on shared core values, with the goal of inspiring leadership that can positively impact communities, contribute to national development, drive economic growth, and support environmental sustainability.

The panel sessions within the Merdeka Award Talk Series aim to highlight thought leaders who exemplify resilience, adaptability, and creativity in overcoming challenges. Through real-world examples, the sessions explore how leaders have transformed setbacks into opportunities, demonstrating how individuals can make the most of every situation^[23]. The series encourages participants of all backgrounds—regardless of age, gender^[24], or race—to adopt similar approaches in their own leadership journeys. It addresses a range of critical issues facing Malaysian society today, offering diverse perspectives and fostering awareness to inspire both individual and collective change.

Merdeka Award Roundtables (no longer active)

The Merdeka Award Roundtables (August 2011–2018), was a series of TV talk shows carried on ASTRO Awani Channel 501. Featuring leading figures from Malaysia's corporate, academic and social spheres, the Roundtables was designed to inspire, debate and discuss key issues of interest to Malaysians.

Merdeka Award Thumbs-Up Challenge (no longer active)

The Merdeka Award Thumbs-Up Challenge was an initiative organised by The Merdeka Award Trust, to create a platform for all Malaysians to share impactful and sustainable ideas based on select themes. The initiative encouraged participants to contribute an idea that had been tested and was impactful.

First launched in 2015, the Thumbs-Up Challenge recognised ideas from each themed Challenge. The best overall idea could be implemented on a larger scale through the Merdeka Award's wide network.

References

1. The Merdeka Award – Recognising Excellence and Contribution to the Nation. Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics (2014) 10(2); pp 139-144.
2. "Two to receive 2014 Merdeka Award Grant from Perak Sultan | New Straits Times". Archived from the original on 2014-09-04.
3. "About The Merdeka Award Trust". Merdeka Award. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
4. "Petronas, ExxonMobil & Shell Create Merdeka Award - Maritime News Update @ BERNAMA.com". web10.bernama.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
5. "The Merdeka Award". 16 November 2011. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02 – via BFM Evening Edition Podcast.
6. "The Award | Merdeka Award". www.merdekaaward.my. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
7. "Fatimah Hashim among recipients of Merdeka Award | My Sinchew". www.mysinchew.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-21.
8. "Archives | The Star Online". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
9. "Three outstanding M'sians named 2011 Merdeka Award recipients".
10. "Augustine Ong, one of three recipients of Merdeka Award 2012 | The Star".
11. "Augustine Ong, one of three recipients of Merdeka Award 2012 | The Star".
12. "Lat among six Merdeka Award recipients". www.thesundaily.my. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
13. "Jemilah Mahmood receives Merdeka Award | The Star".
14. "2016 Merdeka Award honours 4 M'sians, including RM500,000 cash award | New Straits Times".
15. "SIX RECIPIENTS CLINCH 2022 MERDEKA AWARD HONOURS FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO MALAYSIA".
16. "Lat's artworks honoured | The Star" .
17. "The Merdeka Award 2011 @ Johan Design Associates". Archived from the original on 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
18. "The Merdeka Award | Fact Sheet". Archived from the original on 2015-03-17. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
19. BFM Evening Edition Podcast, Merdeka Award Grant, 13 June 2012 - http://www.bfm.my/merdeka-award-grant.html
20. "Scientists Named Inaugural Merdeka Award Grant Recipients". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-17.