KUALA LUMPUR: Progress is not just about where we are today, but where we are headed tomorrow.
Since 2007, the Merdeka Award Trust (MAT) has been shaping that future by empowering Malaysians whose ideas, innovations, and dedication help build a stronger nation.
The fully funded international grant empowers innovators under 35 to turn their bold ideas into reality through a three-month international placement at the world’s leading institutions – to solve local challenges using their global experience.
Solving local challenges with global insights
The grant equips young innovators with global knowledge and experience to tackle national challenges upon their return, covering education and community; environment; health, science and technology; heritage, arts and culture.
The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone, receiving a record-breaking 200 applications, the highest in the grant’s history, reflecting the rising ambition of young Malaysians eager to learn globally and contribute locally.
Championing multidisciplinary innovation
Therefore, the Trust is proud to announce the five recipients of the 2025 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment as follows:
• Calvin Shee Yin Ming, Founder & President, United for Global Antimicrobial Stewardship (UGAS), and student of Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya (UM) – Exploring the Microbiome of Pitcher Plants to Serve as Natural Compounds for New Antibiotics.
• Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Lecturer (School of Pharmacy), Monash University Malaysia – Advancing Dementia Care in Malaysia through Culturally Sensitive Education and Practical Medication Tools.
• Keisheni Ganeson, PhD Researcher, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) – Developing a Smart, Biodegradable Microneedle Patch made with Butterfly Pea to Treat Wounds.
• Nur Hafizah Annezah Bt Utuh, PhD Researcher, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Exploring DNA-guided heart medication for personalised treatment to improve outcomes for heart disease patients.
• Dr Rasyidah Bt Rehir, Trainee Medical Lecturer, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Transforming Medical Training through Body Donation and Advanced Cadaver Preservation.
Shaping the future together
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of PETRONAS, and member of the Board of Trustees, Merdeka Award Trust, remarked:
“For nearly two decades, the Merdeka Award Trust has honoured Malaysians who enrich the lives of local communities and contribute to the progress of this nation. The grant extends this recognition to young innovators who possess not only vision, but also the determination to excel and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.”
The grant has so far supported 33 Malaysians in short-term attachments at over 40 leading institutions worldwide.
Empowering the changemakers
In a world filled with complex challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, food insecurity, and rapid digital transformation – visionary thinkers are more essential than ever. By equipping Malaysians with global insights and innovative tools, the grant empowers them to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the nation.
With this in mind, the word ‘Merdeka’ in the name of this award stands for more than recognition. It is about the freedom to think boldly, act with purpose, and serve with passion – empowering Malaysians not just to excel, but to innovate, lead and shape the future of this nation together.
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