The award from IWO to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was presented at the influential Asian figure’s office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
“IWO is presenting this certificate of appreciation to Tun considering that Tun is an Asian leader who remains a significant figure at the age of 100 and continues to inspire Asia and the world,” said the IWO Secretary General to Tun Mahathir while presenting the certificate.
During the meeting, Tun Mahathir expressed his concerns regarding world peace and the ongoing climate change, including in the Southeast Asian region, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
He expressed hope that wars can be prevented, ongoing conflicts can end soon, and wished for multilateral cooperation.
The 100-year-old figure also shared tips for a long life by maintaining physical and mental health.
“Thank you for the appreciation,” said Tun Dr. Mahathir in response to receiving the unexpected Asian Inspired Leader award from IWO.
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad served twice as Prime Minister of Malaysia, first from 1981 to 2003 as the 4th PM and again as the 7th PM from 2018 to 2020.
Putrajaya
Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital of Malaysia, purpose-built in the late 1990s to relieve congestion in Kuala Lumpur. It is known for its modern Islamic-inspired architecture, expansive artificial lake, and extensive greenery, symbolizing the nation’s “Vision 2020” for a progressive future.
Perdana Leadership Foundation
The Perdana Leadership Foundation is a Malaysian institution established in 2003 to preserve and promote the intellectual legacy of the nation’s former prime ministers. It operates as an archive, research center, and public policy forum, housing a comprehensive collection of documents, speeches, and memorabilia related to Malaysia’s leadership history.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a modern Southeast Asian nation formed in 1963 through the union of former British territories, though its history includes powerful ancient kingdoms like Srivijaya and Malacca. It is known for its rich multicultural society, primarily comprising Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, and for landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the historic cities of Malacca and George Town, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago nation with over 17,000 islands, historically shaped by powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit, followed by centuries of Dutch colonial rule. Its rich culture is a vibrant tapestry of diverse ethnic groups, most notably expressed through its arts, cuisine, and the world’s largest Muslim population. The nation declared independence in 1945 and is now a democratic republic known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the temples of Borobudur to the beaches of Bali.
Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Southeast Asian nation with a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which flourished from the 13th to 18th centuries. It is renowned for its ornate Buddhist temples, vibrant street food culture, and tropical beaches, and it is unique in the region for never having been colonized by a European power. The country’s culture is a distinctive blend of indigenous traditions with influences from India, China, and neighboring Southeast Asian cultures.
Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia with a rich cultural history shaped by centuries of colonization, most notably by Spain for over 300 years and later by the United States. This diverse heritage is reflected in its unique blend of Asian, Hispanic, and American influences, visible in its historic Spanish-era churches, festivals, and traditions. Today, it is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and the resilient warmth of its people.
Southeast Asian region
The Southeast Asian region is a culturally diverse area comprising 11 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Historically, it has been a significant crossroads of trade and cultural exchange for millennia, shaped by indigenous kingdoms, and later by influences from India, China, the Islamic world, and European colonialism. Today, it is known for its vibrant traditions, religious pluralism, and rapidly developing economies.
