Gamuda Inspiration Award

Yayasan Gamuda
Celebrating everyday Malaysians who positively impact the people and planet

Ready to be the next social changemaker hero?

Submit your application here.

Our Story

We believe in acknowledging and rewarding organisations who make a positive impact on society, laying the foundation for creating changemakers from all walks of life across the nation. Starting in 2024, Yayasan Gamuda is marking a new chapter in its commitment to social impact and community development by leading the Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA).

The GIA is dedicated to honouring everyday Malaysians who have contributed across various realms, including supporting Indigenous communities, raising awareness and funds for autism, contributing to wildlife conservation, providing education to underprivileged students, and other impactful initiatives.

Before 2024, the GIA was administered through joint initiatives between The Star Foundation and Yayasan Gamuda, with a partnership history dating back to 2016.

Past GIA winners include Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (2023), The MareCet Research Organisation (2023), Iskul Sama diLaut Omadal (2022), Crisis Relief Services and Training (2021), Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia (2021), PWD Smart FarmAbility (2020), Seven Tea One (2020), Sujana Mohd Rejab (2019), UmieAktif (2018), Barefoot Mercy (2017) and Kedai Jalanan (2016) 

2024 Winners

Gamuda Inspiration Award

From wildlife and education to human rights, meet the three Gamuda Inspiration Award winners who are taking their impact to the next level with RM300,000 each in funds.

Langur Project Penang

Fostering harmony between people and wildlife in Penang through conservation innovation.
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Kelab Alami

Grassroots organisation in Mukim Tg Kupang, Johor that works to empower our fishing community to participate in and benefit from the development around them.
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Canvas Art

Revealing Sarawak’s hidden cultures through art and storytelling.
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Gamuda Impact Fund

Five recipients of the Gamuda Impact Fund were awarded a RM500,000 prize pool.

Gamuda Empowerment Award

Six winners of the Gamuda Empowerment Award were awarded a RM50,000 grant each, collectively representing hope and positive transformation across Malaysia.
Advancing sustainable solutions for Malaysia’s future with BuzzLoop digital app.
Building emotional resilience for a brighter future among Malaysia’s vulnerable youth.
Securing Malaysia’s tapirs through community-driven conservation in Selangor.
Providing education and nutrition access for Malaysia’s underserved communities.
Amplifying marginalised voices through food, dialogue and community in Johor.
Empowering Sabah’s youth to lead in peace-building and rights advocacy.

About Gamuda Inspiration Award

Every year, Gamuda proudly champions and empowers changemakers through our annual initiative, striving to cultivate a legacy of hope and transformation that bridges communities and transcends borders. Our next chapter in 2025 will continue this journey, empowering those who dare to dream, act, and inspire.
Focus Categories
Awards & Prizes
Selection Criteria
FAQ

Focus Categories

Environment & Wildlife

Our environment and wildlife are essential for a sustainable future. This award honors those who protect natural habitats, preserve biodiversity, and promote eco-friendly practices. Their dedication ensures a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

Education & Community Empowerment

Education is the cornerstone of progress and empowerment. By providing quality education and fostering community development, we unlock individuals' and communities' potential to create sustainable, positive change. This award honors those dedicated to educating and empowering communities, helping them break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting self-sufficiency.

Human Rights

Human rights are the foundation of justice and equality. Protecting these rights ensures dignity for all, including migrant workers, indigenous communities, and stateless individuals. This award honors those who champion human rights, fighting for the freedoms and protections everyone deserves, and striving for a just and equitable world.

Awards & Prizes

Prize: RM300,000
One winner per category

Recognising organisations with significant impact, the GIA awards RM300,000 to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and created scalable, lasting solutions in their field. This award celebrates dedication and achievements, providing resources to further their groundbreaking work.

Prize: RM 500,000 (pool)
Project-based open seeding fund to all three categories

Open to all categories, unlimited number of winners winning the fund cap. A half a million fund supporting innovative, project-based initiatives. This fund provides financial support for projects with clear objectives, detailed cost breakdowns, and defined durations, fostering creative solutions and sustainable progress.

Prize: RM50,000
Two winners per category

Targeting organisations with remarkable potential, this award offers RM50,000 to support and scale initiatives. This grant empowers organisations to amplify their impact and become catalysts for positive change.

What Are We Looking For?

What are we looking for?

Locally registered non-government organisations, community-based organisations, and social enterprises.

Your work or project helps to elevate, empower and inspire the community that you are working with.

The organisation has a strong sustainability plan beyond funding.

Not affiliated with political organisations.

Judges

Datuk Mohamed Shah Redza Hussein

Conservationist
Shah Redza Hussein, an economist by training and conservationist by passion, has over 25 years of experience in nature conservation. He left the corporate sector in 1997 to join WWF Malaysia and later became the Executive Director of the Malaysian Nature Society. He is the immediate past Director of the Perak State Parks Corporation, overseeing protected areas like the Royal Belum State Park. Currently, he is the CEO of Enggang Management Services, focusing on protected areas and tiger conservation. Shah was awarded the 2020 Dr. Rimington Award for Tiger Conservation and serves on the International Executive Committee of Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
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DR. Jane Goodall (United Kingdom)
DR. Jane Goodall (United Kingdom) English primatologist and anthropologist
Jimmy Pham is the founder of Know One, Teach One (KOTO), a leading not-for-profit social enterprise based in Vietnam. KOTO provides at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam an opportunity to undertake a 24-month holistic hospitality training program to end the cycle of poverty. Over the last 21 years, KOTO has changed 1000 street kids and disadvantaged lives in Vietnam. Jimmy was recognised as a World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader in 2011, appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the community through KOTO in 2013 and received South Korea’s POSCO TJ Park Prize in 2017. He has been featured on CNN, BBC, LA Times and The New York Times and is currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Jimmy Pham (Vietnam)
Jimmy Pham (Vietnam) Founder & CEO of Know One, Teach One (KOTO)
Shah Redza Hussein, an economist by training and conservationist by passion, has over 25 years of experience in nature conservation. He left the corporate sector in 1997 to join WWF Malaysia and later became the Executive Director of the Malaysian Nature Society. He managed the Perak State Parks, overseeing protected areas like the Royal Belum State Park. Currently, he is the CEO of Enggang Management Services, focusing on protected areas and tiger conservation. Shah was awarded the 2020 Dr. Rimington Award for Tiger Conservation and serves on the International Executive Committee of Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
Datuk Mohamed Shah Redza Hussein
Datuk Mohamed Shah Redza HusseinConservationist
Irshad Mobarak is a master storyteller and one of Malaysia’s most prominent naturalists, with 30 years of experience. He is best known for his poetic descriptions of the natural world, inspiring people with his evocative language. Irshad has appeared in several international documentaries, including National Geographic Channel’s 'Mysteries of the Malaysian Rainforest', which first filmed the courtship ritual of the Great Hornbills. He was also featured in a vignette on Discovery Channel’s 'The Wedding Ceremony of the White Bellied Sea Eagle'.
Irshad Mobarak
Irshad Mobarak Naturalist, Conservationist & Advocate
Michelle Yesudas is a Malaysian lawyer and human rights activist, known for her work with Lawyers for Liberty and Amnesty International. She has defended activists like Ali Abd Jalil and Bilqis Hijjis, known as the Yellow Balloon girl. Michelle is renowned for her dedication to defending human rights, particularly in challenging cases. She has campaigned against the 'war on drugs' in the Philippines and focuses on protecting human rights defenders in Southeast Asia. Michelle, along with Eric Paulsen, N. Surendran, and Latheefa Koya, is part of a prominent group advocating for civil liberties in Malaysia.
Michelle Yesudas
Michelle YesudasProminent Human Rights Lawyer (Amnesty International & Lawyers for Liberty)
Anne Lasimbang is the Founder and Executive Director of PACOS Trust, a community-based organization supporting indigenous communities in Sabah. Since 1993, she has established 23 learning centers in rural areas, enhancing educational opportunities for children. PACOS Trust focuses on capacity building, providing seed money for micro-enterprises, and educating communities on managing natural resources. These efforts help generate income through traditional agriculture. To date, PACOS Trust has supported 3,500 families, 3,000 women, 3,000 youth, 2,000 primary students, and 47,000 preschool and kindergarten children.
Anne Lasimbang
Anne LasimbangIndigenous Rights Advocacy
Heidy Quah is a passionate advocate for refugee rights, demonstrating empathy and dedication through her work with Refuge for Refugees. She has ensured access to education and healthcare for refugees and established a comprehensive center offering education, vocational training, and advocacy. Balancing her activism with personal achievements, including a degree in accounting and finance, Quah exemplifies determination. Her efforts were recognized with the Queen's Young Leader Award, making her the first Malaysian recipient. Additionally, she serves as an associate professor and supervisor, blending practical activism with education. Quah's work inspires others, particularly youth, to engage in humanitarian efforts and positive change.
Heidy Quah
Heidy QuahFounder, Refuge for the Refugees
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Frequently Asked Questions

The application is open to organisations.

Three categories, as follows:

  1. Environment & Wildlife
  2. Education & Community Empowerment
  3. Human Rights

The funding amount is up to RM 300,000.

The application is open from the 20th of August 2024 to the 11th of October 2024.

The application is open to organisations.

Three categories, as follows:

  1. Environment & Wildlife
  2. Education & Community Empowerment
  3. Human Rights

The funding amount is up to RM 300,000.

Award ceremony will be held in November.

Submit via the form provided at ‘Submit Your Application’ in your preferred language (English or Bahasa Malaysia).

For more information, please email to gia@yayasangamuda.my.

Lead the change.
Make a bigger difference.

Interested? Drop your details here and we will keep you updated on GIA 2025.



The MareCet Research Organisation and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, winners of the Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA) 2023.

We believe in acknowledging and rewarding individuals who make a positive impact on society. This serves as a foundation for creating more changemakers from all walks of life across the nation. Our (SGHA) is a collaborative initiative by The Star and Yayasan Gamuda, dedicated to honouring everyday Malaysians who have demonstrated making positive impacts on people and the planet, while fostering unity.

These are individuals who have made significant contributions across several realms, including supporting Indigenous communities, raising awareness and funds for autism, contributing to wildlife conservation, providing education to underprivileged students, and other impactful initiatives.

Annually, 10 outstanding individuals or groups are chosen as award winners of the SGHA. For the year 2023, 10 winners received RM15,000 each as a token of recognition for their exemplary contributions in making a positive impact on the lives of others and the environment.

The highly sought-after Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA) by Yayasan Gamuda was presented to two exceptional social changemakers, namely the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and The MareCet Research Organisation, with both receiving grants amounting to RM150,000 each.

The past GIA winners are Iskul Sama diLaut Omadal (2022), Crisis Relief Services and Training (2021), Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia (2021), PWD Smart FarmAbility (2020), Seven Tea One (2020), Sujana Mohd Rejab (2019), UmieAktif (2018), Barefoot Mercy (2017) and Kedai Jalanan (2016).

The Star Golden Hearts Award honours and celebrates the work of unsung Malaysian heroes who go the distance helping those in need, irrespective of race, culture and religion – values that we hold dearly as an organisation.

And that's why we've been supporting the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) since 2016: to encourage more Malaysians to rise and become better citizens.

Each year, ten individuals or groups are chosen as award winners. Out of the ten, a Star-Gamuda Inspiration Award winner is chosen to receive RM50,000 for their cause.

The winner for 2019 is Sujana Mohd Rejab. Past winners are UmieAktif (2018) , Barefoot Mercy (2017) and Kedai Jalanan (2016) .