SPECIAL AWARDS IN HONOUR OF M'SIAN WOMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has high regard for women’s achievements and their contributions to the nation’s development.

The government has set up various initiatives giving due recognition to the achievements and contributions of women of various ages and from all walks of life.

Indeed, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) recently launched the Prime Minister’s Woman Entrepreneur 2011 Award and Woman Social Activist 2011 Award.

The two prestigious awards were announced by the Prime Minister during the recent 2011 National Women’s Day celebrations.

According to Director-General Wan Hasmah Mohd of the Department of Women Development, both awards that have been introduced this year will be a regular feature at future National Women’s Day celebrations.

"The ministry feels these awards are commensurate with the ministry’s 10th anniversary this year," she said.

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF WOMEN

The ministry is of the opinion that it is time to acknowledge the struggles and contributions of those women who champion issues relating to women in general, and society in particular, and that they be accorded formal recognition, Wan Hasmah said.

The awards serve to recognise and honor women’s participation and
contributions towards the socio-economic development of the country.

It also aims to instill a sense of pride and inspiration in women
entrepreneurs and social activists for the success and achievement obtained through their sheer determination and the sweat of their brows.

"The awards will provide ample publicity on certain social issue, and this in turn would encourage others to chip in either in form or in kind, she elaborated.

EVALUATION PROCESS

Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Woman Entrepreneur 2011 Award will be evaluated based upon how successfully a candidate managed to balance her life and career commitments, her ability to spark similar passion and enthusiasm in others, and her suitability as a role model, she explained.

Additionally, the candidate should be able to explain and elaborate on how her attitude and skills had contributed to her success as an entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, nominations for the Prime Minister’s Woman Activist 2011 Award will be evaluated based on personality, the impact that her social activity has on the public, and its contribution toward the betterment of society in general.

Candidates will be judged on the basis of their commitment and leadership skills, how they maintain a healthy balance between career and personal life, how they initiate a social issue, its uniqueness and relevance, the level of achievement thus far, and legacy or awards received, either from within or outside the country, she added.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION

According to Wan Hasmah, the nominees for the Prime Minister’s Award for Woman Entrepreneur must be Malaysian citizens or permanent residents and be able to provide audited financial statements from the past three years (2008–2010).

Also, the business carried on by the candidate must be registered, operated, developed, and expanded in Malaysia. The candidate must hold the position of a chief executive responsible for the daily operations of the company and for realising the company’s vision.

For the Woman Social Activist Award, candidates must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, and if she is a member of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) it must be registered in Malaysia.

Further, the candidate should have played an active role in bringing about social change in Malaysia and such involvement must conform to our national values, Wan Hasmah said.

According to her, the ministry has appointed a company as consultant and independent auditor in the nomination assessment process.

It will do the screening, assessing and short-listing, and ultimately determine the rightful winner.

THE PRIZES

The winners from each category will take home a cash award, a trophy, and a certificate of appreciation.

They will also be able to participate in the Matrade-sponsored Women Exporters Development Programme (WEDP). This will enable them to enhance their knowledge and skills in export know-how.

Among the incentives provided at the programme include services and guidance from an experienced officer who will assist the company in promoting its products and services abroad.

The participants in the programme will also receive financing for
international promotional activities and free admission to seminars, training, and workshop sessions conducted at the Matrade headquarters, apart from a one year waiver on exhibition booth fees at the Malaysia Export Exhibition Centre.

However, these incentives are subject to the results of the audit on the readiness of the entrepreneur or company to export their product or services.

The winners of the Prime Minister’s Woman Entrepreneur 2011 Award and Woman Social Activist 2011 Award will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held on Sept 25, 2011.
-- BERNAMA