The award was presented by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who earlier officiated the annual award ceremony.

Jomo also took home RM200,000 in cash, as well as a trophy and certificate.

Jomo, 66, a former assistant secretary-general for economic development in the United Nations, is an expert in political economy of development, especially in the Southeast Asian region.

The National Academic Figure award is presented to academics who are committed, wholly engaged and actively contributing to the discovery and development of knowledge, wealth generation and the fulfilment of the aspirations of the tertiary institution as a national development vehicle.

Meanwhile, Juan Joon Ching from Universiti Malaya received the most promising academic award which is given to affluent scholars under the age of 40.

In his speech, Mahathir voiced hope that the awards would motivate their recipients to pursue further excellence while setting a benchmark for others to follow.

“Without their support, I believe we cannot build a knowledgeable generation which is par excellence, and at the same time produce balanced individuals for the development and progress of the country,” he said.