MELAKA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Successful individuals from Melaka who have excelled in various fields should become strategic partners of the state government by sharing their experience, expertise and networks to create more opportunities for the younger generation, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said.
He said through the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) initiative, the state government wanted the achievements of Melaka talents to be documented and shared as inspiration for more people in the state, rather than remaining as personal milestones.
“We hope that all of you can become strategic partners to the state government. Use the experience, expertise and networks you have built to create more opportunities for the people of this state, as this is the legacy we want to develop through Anugerah Seri Melaka (ASM).
“We want the success achieved by one Melaka-born individual to pave the way for others to succeed, becoming a source of strength for the state and future generations,” he said in his speech at the ASM Gala Night held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh here tonight.
Ab Rauf said four categories were contested under ASM, namely Public Service, Corporate, Sports, and Arts and Culture, with more than 200 nominations received.
He said each nomination reflected the life journey of the candidates, built through hard work, sacrifice and perseverance, proving Melaka’s ability to produce outstanding individuals who bring pride to the state.
At the ceremony, TRX City Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Azmar Talib received the prestigious ASM award and won the Corporate category.
Other recipients were national badminton player Aaron Chia for the Sports category, performing arts director Lokman Abd Ghani for Arts and Culture, and Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) director-general at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zamri Misman for Public Service.
The Special Category award went to international medical science researcher Dr Saiful Anuar Singar.
The ASM award recipient received RM20,000 in cash and a trophy, while winners of each category received RM10,000 and a trophy.
-- BERNAMA