BEIJING, Sept 30 – Language and literature icon Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan was awarded the Chinese Government Friendship Award in conjunction with the republic’s 75th National Day on Monday.
He was among 73 recipients from 26 selected countries worldwide to receive the award at an official state ceremony at the People’s Assembly Hall here.
Awang was chosen for the award due to his active role in promoting understanding between the people of Malaysia and China through language, education, and culture.
Awang expressed his gratitude and pride in receiving the award from China, a global superpower.
“China appreciates the 30 years of effort to elevate the Malay language and culture on the international stage as a bridge of understanding between the people of Malaysia and China,’ he told Bernama.
Awang became actively involved in this effort in 2000 when he was Director of the Language Department at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
His involvement expanded significantly when he was appointed by the Ministry of Higher Education as the first holder of the Malaysian Government Chair in Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in 2007.
He was reappointed to the chair in 2016 after completing his term as the Director General of DBP.
