Kota Kinabalu: The Merdeka Award Trust’s prestigious Grant for International Attachment programme for 2025 is now open for Malaysian innovators aged 22-35 to pursue a three-month fully-funded attachments at leading global institutions.
The biennial grant, now in its tenth cycle, aims to connect promising Malaysian talent with world-renowned experts and institutions across various fields, from sciences to humanities.
Applications will be accepted from January 1 to May 1, 2025.
“Aspiring Malaysians looking to gain exposure, experience and guidance from global scientific, humanities and academic leaders in their fields of interest are highly encouraged to apply,” said Merdeka Award Trust Secretary Kerina Fauzi in a statement, here, Saturday.
The programme has already enabled nearly 30 individuals to study at prestigious institutions, including MIT, Harvard Business School, University of Cambridge and Kyoto University.
Past recipients have included professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as geneticists, indigenous artists, wildlife biologists and astrophysicists.
Kerina said the 2023 cycle attracted approximately 200 applications across various disciplines, including sports, financial sustainability, bioelectronics and stem cell research.
To mark the tenth cycle, the Trust plans to conduct nationwide roadshows promoting the programme.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support covering travel and accommodation during their three-month attachment.
The selection process involves multiple assessment stages, including committee interviews and video submissions to the Board of Trustees.
Candidates must propose research projects or study plans that align with the Merdeka Award’s mission of promoting excellence in fields contributing to Malaysia’s development.
The Trust emphasises that applicants should dedicate sufficient time to preparing their submissions, as the application process may take up to a month to complete.
For more information about eligibility criteria and application guidelines, interested candidates can visit the Merdeka Award website at www.merdekaaward.my
