BANGKOK: The recipient of the Asean Prize 2019, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, has pledged to donate her US$20,000 (RM83,000) prize money to the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS). Dr Jemilah, who is Mercy Malaysia founder, said the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation was registered in August to promote educational assistance and eradicate poverty, along with improving diplomacy and human security. The foundation was set up by the eldest son of the late Surin Pitsuwan, former Asean secretary-general and the country’s foreign minister. The Asean Prize is an award handed out to recognise contributions by individuals or organisations with regard to inculcating the spirit and identity of this region towards the development of an Asean community by 2025. Last year, the Asean Prize was awarded to former Asean Autism Network chairman Erlinda Uy Koe from the Philippines.

Source: New Strait Times November 03, 2019 10:41 UTC