The 2023 Merdeka Award Grant for International has been awarded to five outstanding individuals who may embark on enriching learning experiences at renowned institutions in England, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States of America.

The recipients of the 9th edition of the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment are:

• Masni A/P Mat Dong, Lecturer, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology who plans to further her work on Reimagining Inclusive Socio-Economic Development for the Orang Asli In Malaysia.
• Syaza Soraya binti Sauli, PhD Candidate, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia who plans to expand her body of work on Empowering Environmental Sustainability Values In Preschool Children In Malaysia Through Comprehensive Nature-Based Learning Modules.
• Amaziasizamoria Jumail, Research Officer, Danau Girang Field Centre who plans to further pursue her study on Tropical Forest Ecology Restoration within a Global South Context.
• Dr. Kong Xin Ying, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanyang Technological University who plans to advance her work on Photocatalytic Upcycling Plastics as a Sustainable Energy Alternative.
• Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan, Assistant Professor, Xiamen University Malaysia who plans to further his work on Phytoremediation – A Nature-based Solution (NbS) for Soil Heavy Metals Pollution.

According to His Royal Highness, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who is the Royal Patron and Chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust, the grant opens up new and exciting pathways for its recipients for international, interdisciplinary and inter-generational work. During their attachment, Grantees are able to connect with others who have similar interests, and to work together with them to develop innovative solutions to our common challenges.

Congratulating the recipients on their exceptional achievements, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer and Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustee, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, said, “The Merdeka Award Grant was established to enable and empower our next generation of leaders, movers, and shakers. We trust that the wealth of experiences and insights that they will gain from their time among the world’s best and brightest minds will effect positive change in our communities, and indeed, propel Malaysia towards greater heights.”

He added, “The Merdeka Award Trust is privileged to play a part in advancing the ambitions of the grantees. Many recipients from past cycles continue to inspire with their transformative work. By continuously nurturing these talents and supporting them with this Grant, the Trust is investing in the future that promises infinite possibilities for both Malaysia specifically and the world at large.”

The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment is a key programme by the Merdeka Award Trust, established by Petronas and Shell. It offers Malaysians between the ages of 22 and 35 the opportunity to engage in short-term collaborative projects and programmes with international institutions as well as to foster growth in various disciplines.

Since it was introduced in 2012, 29 grantees have been supported in more than 30 countries in the world’s top-ranked host institutions for diverse fields such as education, arts, sports, community/social work, environment, health, science and technology.

The recipients will gain experience that would enable them to enhance their expertise, refine their work and achieve more significant accomplishments, during their three-month attachment programme.

They will also collaborate with distinguished scientists, academics and industry professionals, as well as acquire best practices that can be replicated in Malaysia. The Grant covers all expenses related to the attachment including logistics, accommodation and allowances.

The application and selection process, which commenced in January this year, attracted over 160 high-calibre individuals across Malaysia. The finalists were chosen based on the sustainable impact of their work for the environment and in community development.