Yusnor Ef named Lifetime Achiever at 24th Berita Harian Achiever of the Year awards

TO commemorate the Malay language daily Berita Harian’s (BH) 65th anniversary this year, the Lifetime Achiever of the Year award was given to Malay music veteran Mohamed Noor Mohamed Yusofe, better known as Yusnor Ef, at the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year 2022 Awards. (see amendment note)

In a press statement on Thursday (Nov 3), SPH Media, which publishes BH, said the latest award honours and recognises individuals for their lifetime accomplishments.

Popularly known as the “grandfather of Malay songs “, 85-year-old Ef has penned hundreds of Malay songs for music created by the likes of Kassim Masdor, P. Ramlee and Zubir Said. The Cultural Medallion recipient has throughout his career worn many professional hats, including being an educator, comedian, actor, TV producer, entertainment historian, screenwriter, and film expert. 

“I feel honoured and very happy with this recognition. I hope to set an example to the younger generations through my works, to always remember the past, create the present and inspire the future,” Ef said.

Meanwhile, 64-year-old Associate Professor Hadijah Rahmat, head of the Asian languages and cultures academic group at the National Institute of Education, was named this year’s Achiever of the Year for making significant contributions to the literary community throughout her 35-year career.

“My philosophy is to just do and try my best to help others and the society without expecting anything in return. This award is a pleasant surprise. I feel humbled and grateful for it,” Rahmat said.

The Young Achiever of the Year Award, recognising individuals aged 30 years and below, was given to Lee Syafiq Muhd Ridzuan Lee, for his perseverance to sustain and expand his hawker business during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. He owns six gourmet burger outlets in Singapore and an outlet in New York.

“It is an honour to be able to receive it (award) and to represent the younger generation of entrepreneurs who are working hard to achieve their goals and ambition especially in a hawker setting,” Lee said.

The awards ceremony was held at Four Seasons Hotel on Thursday evening and saw Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong as guest of honour. Organised by BH since 1998, the awards celebrate Malay-Muslim individuals for their achievements in their chosen field.

SEE ALSO

Incoming IMF CIO and late batik artist named Berita Harian Achiever of the Year 2021

“The awards honour inspiring individuals who empower our next generation and they have displayed the grit and tenacity to become role models in their respective fields,” noted BH editor, Saat Abdul Rahman.

Amendment note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the Lifetime Achiever of the Year award was given for the first time, when it was in fact not the first time.