KUALA LUMPUR, 22 July 2018 – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail was selected recently as the recipient of the ‘Anugerah Tokoh Srikandi Negara’ for her outstanding contributions and as an exemplary figure in the field of education.

Asma, being an expert in the field of Medical and Clinical Microbiologyand Medical Biotechnology, and with a wide knowledge and extensive experience in research has been previously given various recognitions locally as well as abroad.

The ‘Anugerah Tokoh Srikandi Negara’ recognises the efforts and contributions of women in the development of various fields in Malaysia, regardless of whether it was achieved locally or abroad.

The award ceremony is organised by ‘Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung Malaysia’ (GPMS), a non-governmental body representing the Malay students of Peninsular Malaysia. This is the second time it is organised, following the first one held in 2014.

The prestigious ceremony was themed ‘Malam Semarak Perjuangan’, in celebrating 70 years of GPMS and was graced with the attendance of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.

Sultan Nazrin said, with the country achieving its 61st year of independence, the physical, social, economic and political landscapes are seeing changes, and now it also demands the people to be brave and confident in making changes.

"If the Malays seek to advance themselves and to be respected, they need to be open-minded, independent in their thinking and would not allow themselves to be ‘enslaved’ by materialistic wealth," said the Sultan.

Also present at the ceremony was the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; the Prime Minister’s wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali who is also one of the founders of GPMS and the President of GPMS, Zambri Mohd Isa.

Later when asked, Asma encourages every woman to be confident in showing the world what they are capable of, and to be fully committed in what they do.

She said, the women of today could show amazing capabilities in anything that they are involved in, whether as workers at the office or even as homemakers.

Apart from Asma, other prominent women who were given recognition in their respective fields include the founder of Mercy Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood; motivational speaker, Datuk Profesor Dr. Muhaya Mohamad and Malaysia’s bowling icon, Shalin Zulkifli. Altogether, twelve awards were given to the recipients in honouring their endless commitment and celebrating their achievements.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin