She is the first Malaysian to receive the award, which was inaugurated in Singapore last year.

Jemilah, 60, received a trophy and a cash prize of US$20,000 from Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha and Asean secretary-general Lim Jock Hoi during the opening ceremony of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summit here today.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other Asean leaders witnessed the award ceremony.

Jemilah is a member of the senior leadership team at the International Federation of Red Crescent, representing the organisation’s interest and the secretary-general when required

The Asean Prize aims at acknowledging the inspiring and outstanding achievements of an individual or organisation in fostering the Asean identity, promoting the Asean spirit and championing the Asean way.

Last year, the prize went to the former chairman of the Asean Autism Network, Erlinda Uy Koe, from the Philippines.