by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic by TMR FILE

MINISTER of Plantation, Industries and Commodities Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin (picture) has received two overseas awards for her women empowerment contributions.

In her recent working trip abroad, she was awarded a golden emblem from the Bangladesh University of Information Technology and Science (UITS).

She also received the award from UITS Board of Trustee member and PHP Family MD Mohammed Iqbal Hossain in Dhaka, part of her official visit.

Zuraida is also the founding president of the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (COMWEL).

Zuraida said she will escalate UITS’ request for more of its students to pursue their studies in Malaysia under Malaysian government’s scholarships.

She also expressed satisfaction over the current close bilateral ties between both countries and was optimistic the relationship can be further enhanced.

Zuraida’s visit to Bangladesh also aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, as well as expanding markets for Malaysian commodities such as palm oil.

On the same day, Zuraida also received another “Gender Equality (Women Empowerment” Award from Dhaka-based University of Asia Pacific.

She received the award after delivering a keynote address “Gender Equality in The Work Place and Impact on Covid-19”.

She added that as a woman politician, she will continue to work for gender equality, especially in policymaking, based on her experience in the private sector and her involvement in humanitarian missions in countries such as Afghanistan and Indonesia.

Zuraida’s visit to Bangladesh also aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, as well as expanding markets for Malaysian commodities such as palm oil.

She also paid a courtesy call on Bangladeshi Prime Minister H.E Sheikh Hasina Wazed at the Ganobhan Palace on Friday.