Gamuda Inspiration Award

Celebrating everyday Malaysians who positively impact the people and planet

PWD Smart FarmAbility

Seven Tea One

The Star Golden Hearts Award and Gamuda Inspiration Award a joint initiative by The Star, Star Foundation, and Yayasan Gamuda to celebrate the work of unsung heroes who go the distance in helping those in need irrespective of race, culture and religion. Since 2016, we have contributed more than RM4 million to the annual cause that is reflective of the values we hold dear as an organisation to galvanise and recognise an entire ecosystem of humanitarian and inclusive initiatives.

Every year, the number of nominations received increases double fold. In 2020, more than 500 nominations were received. This is a reflection of the growing humanitarian ecosystem in Malaysia over the years when we received 100 nominations when SGHA first started in 2016. The nominations cut across all categories ranging from individuals, NGOs, social enterprises and companies. The range of benevolent, public-spirited and altruistic causes include education, environment and social purposes.

The charitable initiatives involve employment, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, digital literacy, waste management, nature conservation, urban agriculture, ecotourism, community welfare for the homeless and urban poor, disabled with special needs, water and sanitation in rural and indigenous communities, and animal welfare.

Each year, 10 outstanding individuals or groups are chosen as award winners and among them a Gamuda Inspiration Award winner will be selected to receive a grant of RM50,000 in contribution towards their cause. This resonates with our goal in empowering community-building efforts that leave a positive impact on the lives of others through socioeconomic development.

This year, the coveted Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA) by Yayasan Gamuda was awarded to two out of the pool of 10 winners.

The winners for 2020 are social enterprises - PWD Smart FarmAbility and Seven Tea One. Past winners are Sujana Mohd Rejab (2019), UmieAktif (2018) , Barefoot Mercy (2017) and Kedai Jalanan (2016) .

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)

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: 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.

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.

What Are We Looking For?

What are we looking for?

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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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.

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).

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'.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply?

The application is open to organisations.

2. How many categories do we have?

Three categories, as follows:

Environment & Wildlife
Education & Community Empowerment
Human Rights

3. What is the funding amount?

The funding amount is up to RM 300,000.

1. What is the duration of the application?

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

2. Who can apply?

The application is open to organisations.

3. How many categories do we have?

Three categories, as follows:

Environment & Wildlife
Education & Community Empowerment
Human Rights

4. What is the funding amount?

The funding amount is up to RM 300,000.

5. When will the selected project or projects get awarded?

Award ceremony will be held in November.

6. How do I submit an application?

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) .