The Merdeka Award Trust today named five outstanding young Malaysians as recipients of the 2025 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, marking the 10th edition of the prestigious program. This year saw a record over 200 applications, reflecting the growing ambition of Malaysia’s youth to drive meaningful change through research, innovation, and leadership.
The recipients of the 2025 Grant are:
1) Calvin Shee Yin Ming: Founder & President of United for Global Antimicrobial Steward (UGAS) and student at University Malaya (UM). His research will explore the microbiome of pitcher plants to uncover natural compounds for new antibiotics.
2) Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram: Lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, who aims to improve dementia care in Malaysia through culturally sensitive education and practical medication tools.
3) Keisheni Ganeson: PhD researcher at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) developing a smart, biodegradable microneedle patch made with butterfly pea extract to treat wounds.
4) Nur Hafizah Annezah Bt Utuh: PhD Researcher at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), extending her research on DNA-guided personalized heart medication to improve treatment outcomes for heart disease patients.
5) Dr. Rasyidah Bt Rehir: Trainee Medical Lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), who seeks to transform medical training through body donation programs and advanced cadaver preservation techniques.
Building Malaysia’s Future, Globally Inspired
His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Royal Patron and Chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust said, the recipients embody a commitment to advancing society beyond personal achievement:
“Time and time again, applicants expressed their desire to serve a purpose greater than themselves: advancing climate action, inclusive development, cultural preservation, and community transformation. In doing so, they are not only building their own futures. They are building Malaysia’s future – and contributing to a prosperous future for us all to share.”
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of PETRONAS and Board of Trustees member of the Merdeka Award Trust, highlighted the long-term impact of the Grant:
“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 that they have conceived and will soon refine and bring to fruition for the benefit of all Malaysians.”
A Decade of Inspiring Excellence
Since its launch in 2012, the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment has supported 33 young Malaysians at more than 40 world-class institutions. The program enables recipients aged 22 to 35 to engage in short-term international placements of up to three months, enhancing their research, professional projects, and leadership capacity.
Now in its 10th edition, the Grant continues to nurture the next generation of nation-builders. Malaysians committed to creating a more equitable, sustainable, and inspired future.
About the Merdeka Award Trust
Established in 2007 by PETRONAS and Shell, the Merdeka Award Trust recognises and rewards excellence in five categories: Education and Community, Environment and Planetary Health, Science, Technology and Innovation, Scholastic and Academic Achievement and Anugerah Khas Merdeka. In 2022, the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka was introduced for Malaysians under 40 or organisations under 10 years old. Starting in 2026, a new category will be added: Outstanding Contribution to Humanities, Arts and Sports
The Merdeka Award Trust’s vision is to celebrate not just independence in the political sense, but also the liberation of the mind and spirit, inspiring Malaysians to achieve their fullest potential.
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