# Merdeka Award

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.
The Royal Patron of the Merdeka Award Trust is the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

## 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.

## 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.

### Categories

As of 2024, there are seven award categories:
* 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 | 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. |
| 2008 | Environment and Planetary Health | Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) | For outstanding contribution to the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex Conservation Initiative. |
| 2008 | 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. |
| 2008 | Science, Technology and Innovation | 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. |
| 2008 | 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 | 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. |
| 2009 | Education and Community | 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. |
| 2009 | 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. |
| 2009 | 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 | 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. |
| 2010 | 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. |
| 2010 | Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement | Distinguished Professor Dr Harith Ahmad (Joint Recipient) | For outstanding contribution in research and promoting the development of photonics in Malaysia. |
| 2010 | 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 | 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. |
| 2011 | 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. |
| 2011 | Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement | Professor Dr Mak Joon Wah (Joint Recipient) | For outstanding fundamental and applied research in parasitology and parasitic diseases, public health and pathology. |
| 2012 | 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. |
| 2012 | 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. |
| 2012 | Anugerah Khas Merdeka | Dr. Engkik Soepadmo | For outstanding contribution to the research and conservation of Malaysia's forest plant diversity. |
| 2013 | 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. |
| 2013 | Education and Community | 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. |
| 2013 | 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. |
| 2013 | 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). |
| 2013 | 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 | 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. |
| 2014 | 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. |
| 2014 | 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. |
| 2014 | 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. |
| 2014 | Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement | 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. |
| 2014 | 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 | Education and Community | Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood | For outstanding contribution to the development of humanitarian and international emergency relief. |
| 2015 | 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. |
| 2015 | Environment and Planetary Health | 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. |
| 2015 | 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. |
| 2015 | 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. |
| 2015 | 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 | 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. |
| 2016 | 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). |
| 2016 | 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. |
| 2016 | 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. |
| 2017 | 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. |
| 2017 | 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. |
| 2017 | Science, Technology and Innovation | 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. |
| 2017 | 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. |
| 2017 | 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. |
| 2018 | 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. |
| 2018 | 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. |
| 2018 | Science, Technology and Innovation | 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. |
| 2018 | 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. |
| 2018 | Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement | 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. |
| 2018 | 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. |
| 2020 | 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. |
| 2020 | 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. |
| 2020 | 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 | 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. |
| 2022 | 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. |
| 2022 | 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. |
| 2022 | 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. |
| 2022 | 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. |
| 2022 | Anugerah Harapan 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. |
| 2024 | Education and Community | 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. |
| 2024 | 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. |
| 2024 | 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. |
| 2024 | 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. |
| 2024 | 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. |
| 2024 | 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. |

### Prizes

Each award category carries a cash prize of RM300,000 and comes with a trophy and an inscribed certificate, 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.
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.

## 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. 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 | Health, Science & Technology | Dr Natrah Fatin Mohd Ikhsan | For research towards better microbial resource management for sustainable agriculture production. |
| 2013 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2014 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2015 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2016 | 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. |
| 2017 | 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. |
| 2017 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2018 | Health, Science & Technology | Dr. Lee Tian Khoon | For research on converting rubber material for advanced energy storage and conversion. |
| 2018 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2019 | Health, Science & Technology | Feng Ying Xing | For research on prognosticating work productivity, stress levels and workload capacity through fNIRS brain haemodynamic signal measurement. |
| 2019 | Health, Science & Technology | Dr. Mohd Azri Ab Rani | For research on Sodium-ion batteries for future commercialisation. |
| 2019 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2021 | Environment | Dr. Wan Nor Fitri Wan Jaafar | For research on cloning and stem cell research in wildlife reproduction. |
| 2021 | Health, Science & Technology | Prof Madya Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar | For research on weak or buried monster black holes in active galaxies. |
| 2021 | Health, Science & Technology | Jessica Ooi Sui Ying | For research on paper-based devices for colorimetric detection of the ovarian cancer biomarker mIRNA-665. |
| 2021 | Health, Science & Technology | 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. |
| 2023 | Education and Community | Syaza Soraya Sauli | For research on environmental sustainability values in preschool children in Malaysia, through comprehensive nature-based learning modules. |
| 2023 | Environment | Dr. Kong Xin Ying | For research on the photocatalytic upcycling of plastics as a sustainable energy alternative. |
| 2023 | Environment | Amaziasizamoria Jumail | For research on tropical forest restoration ecology within a Global South context. |
| 2023 | Environment | 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.