Five Malaysians Awarded 2025 Merdeka Award Grant For International Attachment

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The Merdeka Award Trust today announced five outstanding recipients of the 2025 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, selected from a record-breaking pool of over 200 applications.

PETRONAS president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, who is also Merdeka Award Trust Board of Trustees member, said that for nearly two decades, the Trust has honoured and celebrated accomplished Malaysians who have dedicated their careers to enriching lives and contributing to the nation’s development.

“The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment seeks to further extend this recognition to young Malaysians who not only have the vision but also the resolve to pursue greatness in their respective fields.

“Past recipients of the grant have gone on to create lasting impact for Malaysia through their work in education, healthcare, science and technology. As these five outstanding recipients join the illustrious roster, we look forward to the game-changing solutions they have conceived and will soon refine and bring to fruition for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he said in his speech.

Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is also the royal patron and chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust, graced the award ceremony. 

The five recipients are Calvin Shee Yin Ming, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Keisheni Ganeson, Nur Hafizah Annezah Utuh and Dr Rasyidah Rehir.

Shee, the founder and president of United for Global Antimicrobial Stewardship (UGAS) and a student at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, plans to further his research on exploring the microbiome of pitcher plants to develop natural compounds for new antibiotics.

Dinesh, a lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, was also selected for his efforts to advance dementia care in Malaysia through culturally sensitive education and practical medication tools.

Meanwhile, Keisheni, a PhD researcher at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, intends to develop a smart, biodegradable microneedle patch made from butterfly pea extract to treat wounds.

Nur Hafizah, a PhD researcher at Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital, will extend her research on DNA-guided heart medication for personalised treatment to improve outcomes for heart disease patients.

Additionally, Dr Rasyidah, a trainee medical lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, plans to expand her work on transforming medical training through body donation and advanced cadaver preservation techniques.

Now in its 10th edition, the grant continues to provide a platform for young Malaysians to pursue short-term international attachments that enhance their research and leadership capabilities. To date, the grant has supported 33 young Malaysians in undertaking international attachments at more than 40 world-class institutions. With over a decade of impact, it remains a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of nation builders committed to shaping a more equitable, sustainable and inspired future.

-- BERNAMA