SHAH ALAM: Minister of Plantation, Industries and Commodities Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is a strong advocate for women empowerment, was recognised for her efforts with two overseas awards.
During her recent working trip abroad, she was first awarded a golden emblem from the Bangladesh University of Information Technology and Science (UITS).
She received the award from UITS Board of Trustee member and PHP Family managing director, Mohammed Iqbal Hossain, in Dhaka, where she was as part of her official visit.
In presenting the award to Zuraida, the university urged the government to facilitate higher education opportunities for its students and also highlighted Bangladesh's steady progress, not only in the manpower sector, but also in other fields.
The university also said Zuraida was a role model for women given her track record in pushing for the female agenda.
During the award ceremony, Zuraida said she would escalate UITS' request for more of its students to pursue their studies in Malaysia under government scholarships.
She also expressed satisfaction over the close bilateral ties between both nations and was optimistic the relationship can be further enhanced.
Zuraida is also the founding president of the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (Comwel).
She later received a "Gender Equality (Women Empowerment)" Award from Dhaka-based University of Asia Pacific.
In her keynote address "Gender Equality in The Work Place and Impact on Covid-19", she said as a woman politician, she would continue to fight for gender equality, including in policy-making.
Zuraida's visit to Bangladesh is to enhance bilateral ties, including opening up more markets for Malaysian commodities, including palm oil.
She had also paid a courtesy call on Bangladeshi Prime Minister H.E Sheikh Hasina Wazed at the Ganobhan Palace on Friday.
