Kuala lumpur: Successful individuals from Melaka who have excelled in various fields should become strategic partners of the state government by sharing their experience, expertise, and networks to create more opportunities for the younger generation, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, through the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) initiative, the state government aims to document and share the achievements of Melaka talents as inspiration for more people in the state, rather than allowing these to remain mere personal milestones. Ab Rauf emphasized the importance of leveraging the experience and networks built by these successful individuals to create a lasting legacy, stating that the success of one Melaka-born individual should pave the way for others, thus becoming a source of strength for the state and future generations.

Ab Rauf highlighted that the Anugerah Seri Melaka (ASM) awards contested four categories: Public Service, Corporate, Sports, and Arts and Culture, with more than 200 nominations received. Each nomination reflected the candidates' life journeys, marked by hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, demonstrating Melaka's capacity to produce outstanding individuals who bring pride to the state.

At the ASM Gala Night, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, TRX City Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Azmar Talib received the prestigious ASM award, winning the Corporate category. Other recipients included national badminton player Aaron Chia for the Sports category, performing arts director Lokman Abd Ghani for Arts and Culture, and Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) director-general at the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zamri Misman for Public Service. The Special Category award was presented to international medical science researcher Dr Saiful Anuar Singar.

The ASM award recipient received RM20,000 in cash and a trophy, while winners of each category were awarded RM10,000 and a trophy.