APBN 2026: Award Recipients Urged To Be Agents Of Change, Inspire Youth

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Recipients of the 2026 Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara (APBN) should regard the prestigious recognition as more than an honour, but as a responsibility to drive positive change and inspire more young people to excel.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said each recipient could inspire hundreds, or even thousands, of young people to better prepare for global changes, particularly the rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

“The National Youth Award is not just a trophy to be taken home tonight. It represents the trust and responsibility placed in us by the nation to further nurture the potential of young people,” he said in his speech at the 2026 National-Level APBN Presentation Ceremony here today.

Mohammed Taufiq said APBN recipients could also serve as agents of unity, fostering greater cohesion within Malaysia’s multiracial society, regardless of race, religion or background.

“Young people are a vital bridge in preserving unity in our country,” he said.

Mohammed Taufiq said the APBN, introduced in 1988, had nurtured many talented young people with a strong sense of identity and commitment to the nation, with some past recipients subsequently making significant contributions to youth development and emerging as leaders.

He cited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as an example of how the courage and sense of responsibility shown by young people towards their communities could help drive change.

Mohammed Taufiq said that in 1974, at the age of 27, Anwar stepped forward to champion the cause of communities hit by the economic crisis, including farmers, padi growers and rubber tappers.

He said this sense of responsibility sparked a movement that encouraged university students and young people to step forward and champion the welfare of the community.

This year’s APBN saw National Muay Thai star Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib receive the Youth and Sports Minister’s Special Award, taking home RM10,000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate.

The Bangi District chapter of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) in Selangor emerged as the winner of the Youth Organisation category, receiving RM50,000, while Zairin Adam Abdul Aziz of Kuala Lumpur and Shameera Nasreen Ahamed Noordeen of Penang were named winners of the Male Individual and Female Individual categories, respectively, each receiving RM20,000.

The Anugerah Emas Remaja Perdana went to Esther Ezhilnanggai of Negeri Sembilan, who took home RM10,000 in cash.

The 2026 APBN comprised four main categories and one special category, with winners selected by a panel of experts in their respective fields before undergoing a final review and validation process.

--BERNAMA