The 2026 Merdeka Award Honours Eight Laureates

Eight outstanding recipients have been conferred the 2026 Merdeka Award, one of Malaysia's most prestigious honours, in recognition of their exceptional and enduring contributions towards advancing the nation and improving the lives of its people. Presented by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak and Royal Patron and Chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust, the Award celebrates Malaysians and organisations whose achievements embody the spirit of excellence, integrity and service. The prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions across humanitarian work, environmental conservation, sports, education, linguistics, science and innovation, celebrating individuals and organisations whose achievements have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Malaysia and beyond. Together, their work demonstrates how knowledge, perseverance and purpose can create lasting impact across generations. Following a rigorous nomination and selection process involving distinguished experts and leaders from diverse disciplines, the laureates were chosen for the significance, integrity and sustained impact of their contributions. The recipients of the 2026 Merdeka Award were: Outstanding Contribution to Education & Community – MERCY Malaysia for its emergency humanitarian assistance and relief efforts in Malaysia and more than 35 countries. Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Planetary Health – Professor Dr Chan Eng Heng For her lifelong dedication to safeguarding Malaysia's turtle populations and advancing marine conservation. Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts & Sports – Datuk Nicol Ann David for elevating Malaysia's standing in world squash and inspiring future generations through youth empowerment. Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation (Joint Recipients) – Academician Emeritus Professor Datin Paduka Setia Dato' Dr Aini Ideris for pioneering veterinary innovations that strengthened food security and animal health. – Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail For transformative contributions to Malaysia's higher education and scientific innovation ecosystem. Outstanding Scholastic & Academic Achievement – Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Hajah Asmah Haji Omar For her lifelong contribution to documenting, preserving and advancing Malaysia's linguistic heritage. Anugerah Khas Merdeka – Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dr Omar Abdul Rahman For his pivotal role in shaping Malaysia's science, technology and innovation landscape. Anugerah Harapan Merdeka – Cheah Liek Hou For elevating Malaysia's standing in global para-badminton while inspiring persons with disabilities through sporting excellence. With this year's recipients, the Merdeka Award has now honoured 78 individuals and organisations since its inaugural presentation in 2008. Each Merdeka Award recipient receives a Merdeka Award Trophy, Certificate of Recognition and cash reward, while the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka recipient receives a Certificate of Recognition and cash reward. Representing the Founders of the Merdeka Award Trust, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS and Member of the Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustees, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, said, 'The Merdeka Award honours individuals and organisations whose contributions have strengthened our nation and enriched its people. The remarkable achievements of our laureates' bear testimony to the fact that true and lasting progress is made possible by those who persevere through obstacles, passionately driven by their commitment to a deeper sense of purpose. The Board of Trustees remains committed to nurturing a legacy that will continue benefitting Malaysia for generations to come.' Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, Country Chair and Senior Vice President – Upstream, Shell Malaysia and Member of the Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustees, said, 'The most enduring contributions are those that continue to create value long after the work itself is done. The Merdeka Award honours individuals and organisations whose dedication has transformed lives, strengthened communities and inspired others to pursue excellence in service of society.' For more information and the latest updates on Merdeka Award, visit www.merdekaaward.my or follow the Merdeka Award Trust on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.