Seven Individuals Honoured with Merdeka Award

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 August 2024 – In conjunction with the 17 th 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.