KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives.
The award was presented in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.
The Icons of Change™ movement is a premier global recognition platform honouring transformative Changemakers – individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership, and innovative interventions generate measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide.
Currently serving as Minister of Economic Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China.
Before his current appointment in Beijing, he served as Director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), overseeing Malaysia’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related matters and economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries.
In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships.
“It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations.
“(Under my role), I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia,” he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks.
Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, he said both countries are fostering trade, investment and technology transfer that go beyond growth.
According to Unny Sankar, Malaysia and China are actively pursuing collaboration in green development, new energy vehicles, renewable energy and emerging technologies.
He said these efforts include engagement with central and provincial government officials, visits to innovative companies, and the finalisation of memoranda on the digital economy, green development, and sustainable industries.
“My work aligns directly with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, driving innovation, creating jobs and building resilient supply chains,” he said.
He added that such initiatives contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption, climate action and reduced inequalities.
“We are not only boosting GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we are investing in a low-carbon future that benefits both our peoples and the planet,” he said.
Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes.
“This award inspires me to do even more. True change happens when diplomacy turns into tangible, sustainable progress for generations to come,” he said.
He also called for greater global cooperation in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, saying, “Let us continue building a world where economic partnership and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. In 2023, he was recognised by Britishpedia in its publication “Successful People in Malaysia”, further cementing his standing as one of Malaysia’s distinguished public servants on the international stage.
His full acceptance speech can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue830VpqNQ. – BERNAMA
