Malaysia bags first gold award at Expo 2020 Dubai Pavilion Award

The category recognised the Pavilion's (for those smaller than 1,750 m2) interpretation of the Expo 2020 Dubai's theme, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', with sub-themes of 'Sustainability', 'Mobility' and 'Opportunity'.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in a statement today said the Pavilion is evaluated on the effectiveness of its communication to the world on efforts to solve the urgent and pressing challenges connected to the themes.

Bearing the theme of 'Energising Sustainability', the Malaysia Pavilion aims to tell the story of how socio-economic progress can happen without being at the expense of the environment, as the rakyat builds forward towards a sustainable future.

According to the statement, Malaysia was also awarded an honourable mention for the Best Sustainable Design in the EXHIBITOR's Magazine's World Expo Awards, which saw the Austria Pavilion taking first place.

Commenting on the achievement, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said this was also a momentous win for the nation as Malaysia won its first ever Gold Award at the World Expo that reflects the country's success in telling the world on the nation's commitment towards sustainability by maintaining biodiversity.

"We are very proud of this accolade by the Expo 2020 Dubai organisers. We hope that we have left a positive impact on our visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion to inspire change in any capacity that they can.

"As the lead ministry spearheading Malaysia's participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, we extend our heartiest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our Pavilion's success in telling our Malaysian story," he said.

Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan said this award was a testament to the creative minds of Malaysians as the purposefully designed pavilion is environmentally sustainable with everything from construction to the sourcing of raw materials, and to its energy source.

"Our efforts also earned us the recognition as the first Net Zero Carbon installation at the Expo 2020 Dubai," he said.

Expo 2020 Dubai concluded yesterday after a six-months run since Sept 1, 2021.

The quinquennial historic event is recognised as the third most attended event in the world, following theFIFA World Cup and Olympics.

The next World Expo will be hosted in Osaka, Japan in 2025.