KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has received the highest honour of the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Joe Biden at a formal ceremony at the White House here today.
The medal is the US' highest civilian award.
The medal was awarded for the 61-year-old star's achievement as the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' at the 95th Academy Awards last year, Reuters reported.
During the medal presentation ceremony, Biden said Yeoh successfully broke down stereotypes and enriched American culture.
"Yeoh's role transcends gender, culture, and language. From martial arts to romantic comedies, science fiction, it all shows the commonality we all share.
"As the first Asian to win an Oscar, Yeoh connects cultures not only to entertain but also to inspire and enlighten many to this day...Congratulations," he said.
Yeoh, who hails from Ipoh, Perak, received the medal alongside 18 other individuals who currently occupy the ranks of the highest civilian award recipients in the US.
They include Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky, the assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers and television host Phil Donahue.
Yeoh made history when she was named Best Actress at the Oscars for her role in the film Everything Everywhere All At Once (EEAAO).
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to civilians and military personnel, not limited to US citizens.