Mahadzir Lokman, A Malay To Be Proud Of.

Multi-linguist and TV personality, Mahadzir Lokman will be conferred Ordre Les Palmes Academiques (Order of Academic Palms) from the French government for his contribution to expansion of French culture outside the country. The French Embassy said in a statement here Friday, the award would be presented by its Ambassador to Malaysia Alain du Boispean this Tuesday at the ambassador's residence.

Mahadzir, 49, managing director of Dale Lokman Associates has a Masters degree in Business Administration from University of Ohio, USA. He joined private television station, TV3, in 1984 as presenter for English and Malay news.

Mahadzir who is proficient in English and French, has served as emcee for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm), 16th Commonwealth Games, 13th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Meeting, meetings of G15 nations, Asean Ministerial Meetings and Pacific Basin Economic Co-operation Meeting held here.

The Palmes Academiques is an order founded by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in a move to appreciate the importance of education in the 1800's, and had established the honorary titles of Titulaire, Officier de I'Universite and Officier d'Academies as award for devotion and accomplishment in the areas of teaching scholarship and research in 1808.

"These arts and sciences awards have been cherished for almost two hundred years. The form of the award has changed, as has the organisation, which administers it," the embassy said.

-- BERNAMA