Merdeka Award

For nearly two decades, the Merdeka Award has recognised individuals and organisations whose contributions have helped shape Malaysia’s progress.

As we approach the 2026 Ceremony, we look forward to continuing this legacy by celebrating another group of remarkable individuals and organisations whose work is making a meaningful difference to Malaysia and beyond.

Follow the Merdeka Award as we count down to this year’s celebration.

As Hari Kebangsaan approaches, we are reminded that Merdeka is more than a moment in history. Its spirit lives on through the values that continue to shape Malaysia and the future we build together.

In this reflection, Merdeka Award laureate Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor shares what the spirit of Merdeka means today.

Through the Merdeka Award, we honour individuals and organisations whose contributions advance knowledge, strengthen communities and create lasting impact for Malaysia.

Watch and share this reflection as we celebrate the people who continue to move our nation forward.

As Malaysia commemorates Merdeka this August, we celebrate how far we have come while considering an equally important question. What kind of Malaysia are we building for the generations ahead?

Independence gave us the opportunity to shape our own future. How we carry that responsibility forward is reflected in the choices we make, the work we pursue and the contributions we leave behind.

As we approach the Merdeka Award 2026 Ceremony in September, members of the Selection and Nomination Committees share their perspectives on the values that continue to strengthen our nation and inspire progress.

Watch the video and share these reflections as we consider the Malaysia we want to build for future generations.

Every research journey begins with a first step.

The Merdeka Award recognises individuals and organisations whose contributions have shaped Malaysia, a recognition rooted in the belief that excellence is built through curiosity, courage and the freedom to pursue one's own path.

At the Merdeka Award Talk Series Campus Edition, we brought that spirit directly to the next generation, asking researchers, educators and innovators one question: What do you wish you'd known when you were starting your research journey?

Their answers spoke to finding the right mentor, pursuing research with purpose, staying ahead of change, building meaningful collaborations, and having the courage to embrace new opportunities, the same qualities the Merdeka Award has celebrated for over a decade.

Whether you're just beginning your research journey or looking for fresh perspective, these are lessons worth carrying forward.

For every lasting impact we see today, there was once a first step.

The Merdeka Award celebrates individuals and organisations whose dedication, perseverance and commitment have helped shape Malaysia across many fields. Their stories remind us that meaningful progress is built over time, through actions that continue to benefit generations to come.

Because every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create lasting change.

Some contributions are measured in numbers.

Others are measured in the people they inspire.

A breakthrough, a discovery, a lesson shared, or a problem solved can create impact far beyond its original intention.

Long after the work is done, its influence continues through those who learn from it, build upon it, and carry it forward.

As we journey towards the Merdeka Award 2026, we celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to shape lives, communities and future generations.

Some conversations continue long after the event ends.

From the opening remarks to the panel discussion, this recap brings together some of the key perspectives shared during the Merdeka Award Talk Series Campus Edition at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru.

As research continues to evolve, so too does the conversation around translating ideas into meaningful outcomes for society. These moments remind us that impactful innovation is driven not only by discovery, but also by collaboration, perseverance and a shared commitment to solving real-world challenges.

Watch the highlights and hear some of the insights that shaped the discussion.

The Merdeka Award Talk Series: Campus Edition is here!

We are kicking off our first stop at UTM, Johor Bahru! Join us as we explore how groundbreaking research leaps from the lab to create real-world impact.

Theme: From Lab to Life: Turning Research into Real-World Impact
Date: 20 July 2026
Venue: UTM, Johor Bahru

Seats are filling up fast! Register now to secure your spot: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QYkuO0h5MUGXirLfxylQkWtclNIIxndOonELrvNPJ0tURjRMNjZQSTJMMUpQRTlFNkU1NTRBTEc0NS4u&route=shorturl

Let’s turn ideas into impact!

3 days to go!

The first Merdeka Award Talk Series Campus Edition of the year is almost here.

Join us for a day of conversations on turning research into real-world impact and a special sharing session by Akademi Sains Malaysia.

See you soon!