KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister’s Science Advisor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid was named as one of 10 recipients of the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes awards in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN.
Zakri, who is the co-chairman of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), received the award in Manila, Philippines, today.
Known as biodiversity expert, Zakri has contributed his expertise in various developments of biodiversity and ecosystems in the country including environmental rehabilitation and preservation.
“I would like to thank the Malaysian government, especially the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry for all the trust and support that have been given to me,” said Zakri who established the Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources mechanism in the country when he was the chairman of the National Task Force in 1998.
From 2000 to 2005, Zakri, along with Sir Robert Watson, co-chaired the United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, one of the world’s largest-ever scientific collaborations involving over 2,000 leading scientists from 95 countries.
The ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes award, administered by the ASEAN Biodiversity Centre in the Philippines, aimed at recognising individuals from ASEAN countries who have contributed to the preservation of biodiversity.––BERNAMA
