Sultan Nazrin Shah Conferred ASEAN Lifetime Achievement Award

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Sultan of Perak (Ruler of Perak), Sultan Dr Nazrin Shah (centre) was Sunday conferred the ASEAN Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished contribution to ASEAN studies and Southeast Asia research. His research was in the areas of economics and political development in Southeast Asia. The award was presented by ASEAN Leadership Forum Chairman and Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) Chief Executive Officer Michael Yeoh in conjunction with the 26th ASEAN Summit chaired by Malaysia. Sultan Nazrin holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University, a Masters in Public Administration and a PhD in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. In his speech, the Sultan who appeared extremely pleased to have been honoured with the award, said his roles as Crown Prince, Regent, and currently Sultan of Perak, have given him the opportunity to contribute at the national level. However, Sultan Nazrin noted that ASEAN, which would approach the 50th year of its establishment in 2017, had a lot more to do to promote solidarity and cooperation. "The ASEAN Community must be an increasing and ever-present reality, relevant to its people from all walks of life that can enjoy tangible benefits from its existence," he said. He said ASEAN in all its facets, was indispensable not only for the present, but for the future well-being of the region. To secure the future of ASEAN, Sultan Nazrin said the 10 member countries must pay attention to their future leaders. He said ASEAN leaders in every field of endeavour, from politics to business and society, should be birthed, mentored and empowered with a true 'ASEAN spirit' — one of fraternity, mutual trust, respect and cooperation. "Indeed, it is important that our leaders be made acutely aware of the fragile and volatile circumstances from which ASEAN emerged, and that our security has to be a collective one. "It is only when the future of ASEAN rests in their good capable hands that we can really say that the future of the region is truly secure," he said. The Sultan said that through his engagements, he had also made some small contribution to the cause of Southeast Asia's peace, security and prosperity, which he described as "something that I have a deep and abiding commitment to." On the award, he said: "Although a Lifetime Achievement Award might still seem a bit premature at this stage, I accept it gratefully and as a spur to my efforts to see Malaysia and Southeast Asia not only as a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality, but also one of progress and prosperity." Two other recipients of the award were Singapore's former Prime Minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew, and former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA