Kuala lumpur: National unity is a legacy that must be safeguarded through respect, empathy, and shared responsibility among Malaysians, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah. The Royal Patron and Chairman of the Merdeka Award Trust emphasized that diversity has always been one of Malaysia's greatest strengths, but unity requires continuous nurturing and effort.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Nazrin highlighted in his speech at the announcement and presentation ceremony of the 2025 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment that diversity alone does not guarantee unity. It must be nurtured with practical support, fierce celebration of originality, and a willingness to embrace change. He stressed the importance of tackling false and divisive narratives while fostering respectful dialogue, meaningful connections, and inclusivity in nation-building.
Sultan Nazrin underscored the shared responsibility of every generation to uplift what it means to be Malaysians rooted in empathy, fairness, and a spirit of shared destiny. He called for building a Malaysia where people of all faiths and backgrounds can enrich and elevate each other with wisdom and compassion.
Highlighting the role of youth, Sultan Nazrin expressed the need for a generation capable of critical thinking, maturity, and courage in facing challenges while remaining grounded in national values. He emphasized that loving the country involves working together to address its flaws and regrow.
In addition, Sultan Nazrin announced the expansion of the Merdeka Award Grant to include a new category in Humanities, Arts, and Sports alongside the existing pillars of Education, Community and Environment, and Science, Technology and Innovation. This expansion, he noted, reflects a broader vision of building a resilient and cohesive society.
The Sultan also revealed that grant applications reached a record high this year, exceeding 200 submissions for the first time since its inception in 2013. Since its introduction, the Merdeka Award Grant has seen 33 recipients who have brought back knowledge and innovation from more than 40 world-class institutions, benefiting local communities and strengthening Malaysia's position globally.
Sultan Nazrin expressed confidence that Malaysia's future will be driven by changemakers who embrace knowledge, empathy, and purpose. The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment provides young Malaysians aged between 22 and 35 with the opportunity to gain global exposure, develop innovative solutions, and contribute towards national development.