Kuala lumpur: Weststar Group founder and managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim has been named the recipient of the 2026 national-level Tokoh Perdana Maulidur Rasul Award. Syed Azman earned the recognition for spearheading Weststar's growth in the energy support aviation sector, with its fleet of more than 40 helicopters playing a key role in oil and gas operations and its services extending across the Asia-Pacific region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, his active involvement in community welfare has also seen Syed Azman contribute to infrastructure development and disaster relief efforts, support orphanages, and help fund the construction and maintenance of suraus and mosques in several areas. Many of these initiatives are undertaken without fanfare, reflecting Syed Azman's preference for working behind the scenes.
The award was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the national-level Maulidur Rasul 1448/2026 celebration here today. Meanwhile, former deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay received the Maulidur Rasul Award in the Tokoh Wira Negara category in recognition of his contributions to national security, particularly in combating terrorism during his service with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Other recipients of the Maulidur Rasul Award included religious teacher Abdul Hamid Chin (Tokoh Agamawan); head of the Disability Services Unit, Office of the Deputy Rector (Student Development and Community Engagement), International Islamic University of Malaysia, Prof Dr Ruzita Mohd Amin (Tokoh Wanita MADANI); and former Malaysian Palm Oil Board director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir (Tokoh Saintis/Inovatif Kreatif).
Also honored with the Maulidur Rasul Award were Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin (Tokoh Belia Harapan); Laman Yasim (Tokoh Keluarga Mithali); and social media influencer Muhammad Mikhael Sathyah (Tokoh Khas - Saudara Baru Cemerlang).
Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference, Syed Azman said he was deeply honored to receive the Tokoh Perdana Maulidur Rasul Award this year and continue contributing to society through various charitable initiatives. 'The Weststar Group companies are active not only in the country but also abroad. To me, helping the less fortunate through charitable activities is the responsibility of every Muslim,' he said.
Ayob Khan said the honor he received was not only a personal recognition but also a tribute to the sacrifices made by PDRM personnel in serving the country.