National Poet Dato’ Usman Awang Posthumously Receives Top Cultural Honour at “Malam Puisi Mengukir Bangsa”

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 October:  Malaysia’s legendary national poet, Allahyarham Dato’ Usman Awang, has been posthumously honored with the “Tokoh Mengukir Bangsa (Penyair Tersohor),” or “Mengukir Bangsa Icon Award (Distinguished Poet),” during the Malam Puisi Mengukir Bangsa, a prestigious literary celebration held in conjunction with the National Decade Celebration Month.

The award pays tribute to the late Dato’ Usman Awang’s lifelong contribution to Malay literature, poetry, and national identity. His daughter, Puan Haslina Usman, accepted the award on his behalf, expressing gratitude for the nation’s continued recognition of her father’s enduring legacy.

Dato’ Usman’s works were praised for their profound reflection of compassion, unity, and humanity, qualities that continue to inspire Malaysians across generations. His poetry, written in the beauty of the Malay language, remains a timeless symbol of the nation’s spirit and cultural harmony.

The event also honored two other distinguished figures: YBhg. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohamed Thariq bin Haji Hameed Sultan, Director of UPM Press, received the Mengukir Bangsa Icon Award (Writing and Publication) for his pioneering role in advancing Malay language academic publishing in Scopus-indexed journals.

YBhg. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jessica Ong Hai Liaw from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) was awarded the Mengukir Bangsa Icon Award (Language and Unity) for her impactful initiatives in fostering unity and inclusive communication through language, education, and the arts.

The awards were presented by YB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia’s 9th Prime Minister, during an elegant ceremony at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, an evening dedicated to celebrating the richness of the Malay language and the nation’s artistic heritage.

Held under the theme “Bahasa Melayu Mengangkat ASEAN” (The Malay Language Elevates ASEAN), the event was organized by the Aspirasi Bahasa Melayu Malaysia Organization (PABMM), in collaboration with several regional and academic institutions, including Ikhtisas Kepimpinan Kamarazaman (IKK), Asia Lecturers and Teachers Community (ALTC) Indonesia, Thai Global Business Administration Technological College (TGBC), Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUTT) Thailand, Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM), UPM Press, and the Office of the 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Earlier the same day, the International Symposium on the Aspirations of the Malay Language (SAABM 2025) brought together scholars, policymakers, and educators from across ASEAN to strengthen the role of the Malay language on regional and international platforms. The symposium concluded with a shared resolution to elevate the Malay language as a bridge of unity, knowledge, and diplomacy throughout Southeast Asia.