Deadline: 1-May-25
The Merdeka Award recognises and rewards excellent individuals and organisations, serving as a beacon for those who have not only contributed to the nation’s growth but have also inspired greatness in the people of Malaysia.
Objective
- The Merdeka Award commemorates the true spirit of independence which transcends the conventional definition of national sovereignty. It explores the liberation of the mind and spirit – factors which foster the realisation of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. The Merdeka Award aims at the encouragement of going beyond the ordinary and of stretching beyond comfort zones, aspiring to create a new mindset among Malaysians.
- The Merdeka Award thus celebrates and rewards the independence of the mind and spirit, the strength of character and integrity that underpins meaningful achievement and the creativity and vision that enables greatness.
Categories
- Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community;
- Recognised as the most-worthy candidate who has made a significant, sustained, innovative and meaningful contribution or service of continued relevance in the field of education and/or community that benefits or improves the life of Malaysians or the Malaysian society.
- Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health;
- Recognised as the most-worthy candidate who has made a significant and meaningful contribution (whether in the field of research, management or practice) for the safeguard, protection, restoration, conservation or enhancement of resources in the field of environment/planetary health.
- Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts and Sports;
- Recognised as the most-worthy candidate who has made a significant and meaningful contribution in the areas of humanities, arts and culture. This category recognizes outstanding achievements in music, visual and performing arts, culture, fine arts, literature and other areas of humanities showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication that have made a profound impact towards the people of Malaysia.
- Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation;
- Recognised as the most-worthy candidate who has made a significant, meaningful and current contribution for the public good in the field of science, technology and innovation which shall include, but not limited to, research and the discovery and innovative application of technology.
- Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement;
- Recognised as the most-worthy Malaysian who has demonstrated excellence and merit. The candidate shall be a scholar, researcher or academician conducting or playing a major role in academic research resulting in significant discovery (whether pure, applied or emerging). The candidate can also represent social sciences such as sociology, economics, history, geography and others.
- Anugerah Khas Merdeka;
- Recognised as the most worthy candidate (Malaysian and Non Malaysian individuals or organisation) who has made an outstanding and substantial contribution to Malaysia or the people of Malaysia resulting in the significant improvement of the lives or the quality of life of Malaysians.
- Anugerah Harapan Merdeka.
- Reward aspiring/up and coming/promising young individuals and organisations who has demonstrated excellence and impactful contribution to the nation in the field of Outstanding Contribution to Education & Community, Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health, Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts and Sports and Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be considered as a candidate, there are certain eligibility considerations to be fulfilled:
- All Award categories, except for Anugerah Khas Merdeka Award category, are open solely to the citizens of Malaysia, whether residing in Malaysia or abroad, and any Malaysian institution or organisation. The Anugerah Khas Merdeka Award is open solely to non-Malaysian citizens and/or non-Malaysian organisations.
- All candidates must be living persons. An exception may be made only when the nominee’s death occurs after the final award decision by the Board of Trustees.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted or considered. Only candidates recommended in writing by the Nominators shall be considered for any Award category. All nominations must be accompanied by sufficient supporting documentation to allow for meaningful evaluation.
For more information, visit Merdeka Award Trust.