By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Mar 17: Singer and sape player Alena Murang, Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James and young animator duo Macgres Sawet and Nabiatul Dania Zulfiqa Mohd Zulfadhli were among Sarawakian women recognised for their achievement during the state-level International Women’s Day held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
The others who were recognised for the achievement at the global level by the state government were Associate Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman, Joanne Lai Ing Jing, Abigail Kee Zing Ning, and Professor Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi.
Sharifah, who specialises in chemical engineering, had won the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Woman in 2016 and was listed as the top 100 ASEAN scientists in 2017 and AASEAN rising scientist in 2018.
Meanwhile, Ida, a lecturer at an institution of higher education won the UN Women Asia Pacific WEPS Awards last year and has contributed to the area of research and training on the global stage.
Lai, a video and film producer, was a nominee for the International Thai Film Festival 2020 (ITFF).
Apart from them, Kee, a Lun Bawang female and a Form Five student is an arm wrestling champion in Malaysia and Asia.
Furthermore, Macgres and Nabiatul, who are primary school pupils won the “Best Film By Popular Jury” award at the Brazil-based Alvorada International Schools Film Festival end of last year for their short animation film, ‘Batuh Bijanji’ also known as “The Promised Stones”.
The award recipients received a trophy, a certificate and cash each.
The awards were presented by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a simple ceremony held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
Among those who attended the state-level International Women’s Day celebration were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and invited guests. —DayakDaily
