KUALA LUMPUR: Johor unity ambassador Lim San Shien has been named the latest National Malay Language Icon by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
In a statement today, DBP said the award was presented during the recent DBP Appreciation Awards Ceremony by National Laureate and DBP board chairman, Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan.
According to the statement, Lim, a youth leader, was selected for his outstanding achievements in language, leadership, and academic initiatives. He has consistently worked to enhance the status of the Malay language, promote literature, and foster a knowledge-driven culture.
"The Language Icon recognition aims to celebrate individuals across various fields who exhibit a deep commitment to elevating and using the national language correctly, inspiring others to engage with the language and its literature," read the statement.
Other recipients of the honour include Fedtri Yahya, Roslan Madun, Haziq Rosebi, Dr Malar, and Boss James. Each recipient was awarded a cash prize of RM1,000 along with the recognition.
In the same statement, Lim, a Johor native, expressed gratitude and joy over the recognition. He attributed his passion for the Malay language to his mother, a Malay language teacher at a government school.
"My mother instilled in me the importance of the national language. It led me to write academic articles and read newspapers and magazines, which enriched my vocabulary and improved my command of the language," said Lim, who dedicated the recognition to his parents.
As the National Malay Language Icon, the legal practitioner is committed to further elevating the prestige of the Malay language as a symbol of pride and identity for all Malaysians.
"Becoming the National Malay Language Icon motivates me to showcase the elegance and poetic beauty of the language across various platforms.
"I firmly believe that the Malay language serves as a unifying force and an international language of distinction.
"It is studied worldwide, with Malay Studies Chairs established at institutions like BFSU (Beijing Foreign Studies University) in China, Ohio University in the United States, Leiden University in the Netherlands, Victoria University in New Zealand, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea," he said.
Lim, a Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate, boasts a series of impressive accomplishments.
He has served as a judge for the Anugerah Seri Angkasa Negara, won the Best Paper Award at the International Youth Law Exchange Conference, presented at the Selangor International Book Fair, and was the chief judge for the Malaysian Pharmacy Debate. Additionally, he participated as a panelist at the Malaysia Book Festival in Melaka and the World Reading Day Forum in Putrajaya.
His accolades include being recognised as the Best Student Leader by the Johor State Government, Best Debater in the UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor's Cup, and champion of the United Nations Simulation Cup.