The Merdeka Award Trust invites passionate Malaysian change-makers between the ages of 22 and 35 to apply for the prestigious Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment. This grant provides an exceptional opportunity for recipients to collaborate with renowned experts and world-class institutions through a fully-funded, three-month attachment program.
Offered only once every two years, the Grant has empowered nearly 30 individuals to broaden their expertise and refine their skills at globally acclaimed universities, leading industry centers, and top research institutes. Recipients, hailing from both private and public universities as well as diverse organizations, have had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished leaders and some of the brightest minds at prestigious academic institutions and premier establishments around the world.
“Aspiring Malaysians looking to gain exposure, experience and guidance from global scientific, humanities and academic leaders in their fields of interest are highly encouraged to apply,” said Kerina Fauzi, Secretary of the Merdeka Award Trust.
“The Merdeka Award Grant for international attachment is significant for Malaysians, given the unique opportunity it provides to recipients to closely network with mentors in numerous prestigious institutions. We have supported the ambitions for those from diverse fields of study, research and professional practice, with grantees extending their experiences to immerse themselves in the world’s top laboratories, or with leading figures in a bid to create greater impact,” Kerina continued.
Throughout the years, grantees have had the opportunity to be placed at over 40 esteemed international institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, Harvard Business School, University of Cambridge, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Kyoto University, and many others.
Previous grantees have included individuals from diverse fields, such as a geneticist, a contemporary Malaysian Indigenous artist and activist, a wildlife biologist, an astrophysicist, and more. The Trust encourages applicants from a broad range of disciplines, including education, science and technology, engineering, environmental studies, medical and health sciences, social sciences, community work, humanities, as well as cultural, heritage, and sports studies.
“Anyone in the field of sciences and non-sciences can apply. In 2023, we received almost 200 applications – in areas such as sports, financial sustainability, bioelectronics, stem cell research and more. In marking the tenth cycle of the grant, we will be embarking on roadshows to promote the programme in various locations across the country,” said Kerina.
Merdeka Award Grant: Apply Now
Applicants are encouraged to apply at the Merdeka Award – Grant Application site, as the Grant opens from 1 January 2025 to 1 May 2025. They are expected to propose a research project or study plan that aligns with the mission of the Merdeka Award of fostering a culture of excellence in fields that contribute to Malaysia’s growth and development.
“The selection process is rigorous with several stages of assessment including an interview with the appointed committee members and the video submission for the Board of Trustees. We encourage applicants to invest time and effort into preparing their essays and submissions as it may take a month to finalise. This time is also needed for applicants to clearly define the purpose and outcome of the attachment in their given areas of interest,” said Kerina.
The Grant is not a financial award. It covers accommodation and travel during the three-month attachment period, upon acceptance at the recipient’s institution of choice.
These international attachments offer participants the opportunity to engage in advanced research and gain exposure to innovative approaches that can be applied upon their return to drive Malaysia’s development. Grantees will work alongside leading academics, researchers, and industry experts, enhancing their own work and accomplishments while leveraging global insights to bring transformative knowledge that contributes to shaping Malaysia’s future.
For further information on eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and insights into the experiences of past grantees, please visit the Merdeka Award website.
