FOR Kota Marudu native Ekin Kee Charles, a simple introduction as an indigenous filmmaker at the Merdeka Award Borneo Talk Series has sparked something profound — a renewed determination to bring the stories of her home and heritage to the world.
The 28-year-old told the audience she was surprised that outsiders were captivated by her documentary, which depicted the everyday lives of her family in rural Sabah.
I had never left my hometown until I was 19, when I enrolled in a public university. So, to hear people call my film about my siblings in a pickup truck 'special' was surprising — these are just our everyday scenes," she said
Now based in Kuala Lumpur with six years of experience in filmmaking, Ekin was among four speakers at the session, held on Dec 3, which marked the series' second edition in Sabah.
The others were graffiti artist Kenji Chai, contemporary artist and Finas board member Yee I-Lann (also with Forever Sabah), and fashion designer Nancy Jullok, founder of P'LO Borneo Fashion Design.
Despite receiving admiration for her work, Ekin admitted to moments of self-doubt about her cultural knowledge.
However, she emphasised that hesitation would only allow ancestral stories to fade away: "Our ancestors were the original storytellers, and storytelling is second nature to us. If we don't create our own renditions, these stories risk disappearing."
She highlighted the importance of platforms like the Merdeka Award, which give young creatives the opportunity to share ideas and support the next generation.
"We need to make art accessible everywhere — in cities and villages — because it generates critical thinking and broadens perspectives," she added.
Held nationwide since 2019, the Merdeka Award Talk Series, organised by the Merdeka Award Trust, provides a platform for thought leadership, intellectual exchange, and the pursuit of excellence among Malaysians.
The Merdeka Award Trust, founded by Petronas and Shell in 2007, honours individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to Malaysia across various fields.
Meanwhile, Kenji said Sabah's natural and cultural heritage remains central to his work, which often features Sabah's wildlife to represent his roots. He added that modernising traditional motifs is key to helping younger audiences connect with and appreciate their culture.
"We need to modify traditional elements into something fusionised so the younger generation can connect with it and feel it's cool. Even small touches — on a shirt pocket, a cap, or a single motif — can spark appreciation for culture without overwhelming them."
Kenji said initiatives like the Merdeka Award provide powerful national recognition, affirming the value of creativity in arts, culture, and innovation.
"For Sabahan creatives, this recognition validates our stories, inspires young talent, and helps put Sabah on the national and international map," he added.
He noted that Petronas' founding role in the Merdeka Award Trust demonstrates strategic vision and commitment to national development.
"By recognising the value of culture, creativity, and local voices, organisations open doors to programmes, mentorships, and opportunities. For young Sabahan creatives, this support validates their work and expands what's possible," he said.
MERDEKA AWARD HIGHLIGHTS SABAH'S HERITAGE
Sabah's rich cultural heritage represents the diversity that strengthens Malaysia and forms the inspiration behind this year's focus of the Merdeka Award Trust.
Its secretary, Kerina Fauzi, said the Merdeka Award Trust, founded on Aug 27, 2007, by Petronas and Shell, was established to commemorate the true spirit of independence and unity, transcending the conventional definition of national sovereignty.
"That is why we chose the theme 'Inspired by Ancestors, Driven by Dreams: You Are the Next Story' — as a reminder that Malaysia's progress is rooted in the wisdom, artistry, and resilience of those before us. In Sabah, this connection is especially profound, with its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions.
"By grounding the theme in Sabah's heritage, we honour how communities preserve age-old customs while embracing modern aspirations and affirm that Malaysia's story is incomplete without Sabah's creativity and spirit," Kerina said during the recent Merdeka Award Borneo Talk Series 2025 in Kota Kinabalu.
She added that the theme highlights that young Sabahans have a vital role in shaping the nation's future.
Furthermore, through the new Humanities, Arts & Sports category, the Trust aims to show that their artistic expression, cultural heritage, and ideas are valuable and deserving of national recognition.
One of the Trust's signature initiatives is the Merdeka Award, which recognises individuals and organisations whose impactful, sustained contributions have strengthened Malaysia in fields such as education, environmental stewardship, humanities, science, innovation, and community development.
Another is the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, which supports young Malaysians aged 22 to 35 in pursuing short-term research or collaborative programmes with world-renowned institutions.
The grant allows them to expand their knowledge, deepen their expertise, and return with global insights beneficial to the country.
As a founding member of the Merdeka Award Trust, Petronas recognises that national transformation extends beyond the energy sector, focusing on who it empowers and what it preserves.
By championing progress across education, science, arts, environment, and community development through the Merdeka Awards, the company invests in Malaysia's full spectrum of talent. Its participation reflects the principle that sustainable growth requires resilient communities with strong cultural identity and space for innovation.
The foundations laid by past generations, including Sabah's communities, highlight the need to equip young Malaysians with the resources, recognition, and platforms to carry this legacy forward.
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