BANGKOK: Mercy Malaysia founder Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood is the recipient of the 2019 Asean Prize.
Dr Jemilah, 59, is the first Malaysian to receive the award which was introduced last year.
She was selected based on her contributions in humanitarian aid as well as disaster management in Asean.
The award comes with a trophy and a cash prize of US$20,000 (RM83,310) and was presented by Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha at the opening ceremony of the 35th Asean Summit and related summits at the IMPACT Convention and Exhibition Centre, here.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was present to witness the prize giving ceremony.
The Asean Prize is an award handed out with the aim of recognising contributions by individuals or organisations with regard to inculcating the spirit and identity of this region towards the development of an Asean community by 2025.
Last year, the Asean Prize was awarded to former Asean Autism Network chairman Erlinda Uy Koe from the Philippines.