Merdeka Award

DickW

Member
As many cavers are aware, Andy Eavis was one of the 2018 Merdeka Award recipients. 

The Merdeka Award was established in 2007 by its founders, PETRONAS, ExxonMobil and Shell, to celebrate Malaysia?s independence. It is an award that aims "to recognise and reward Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have made outstanding contribution to the people of Malaysia in their respective fields". Andy received the Award ?For his pioneering works in the areas of geomorphology and cave survey through the Mulu Cave Project leading to extended research on rainforest habitats and ecosystem, and establishing international collaborations for scientific and nature expeditions." 

The Award, of RM300,000, is currently held in a Malaysian bank account. Andy has no intention of keeping any of it himself because the Award represents an acknowledgement of the work of 174 cavers of various nationalities who have participated in 26 expeditions that have taken place in Mulu over the last four decades and which have contributed hugely to the study and management of this stunning UNESCO world heritage site. This is a series of expeditions now organised under the banner of the Mulu Caves Project, a collaborative initiative to promote the study of the Mulu caves. The money is currently being held in a Malaysian account while any tax implications of moving it to Britain are explored and discussions take place between Andy and other key Mulu Caves Project personnel about various options for its use.

Dick Willis
Mulu Caves Project
 

David Rose

Active member
It's a great achievement - and one that is only possible because so many others who have worked so hard to make the Mulu project a success: among them Matt Kirby, Mark Brown, Tim Allen (aka Badlad), Hugh St Lawrence and, of course, yourself, Dick W.  I think it's a pity that the award cittaion singles out Andy - a collective award to the project would have been more appropriate, especially given the fact he wasn't on many of the expeditions. But I'm sure Andy will have given full recognition to others' contributions when he accepted it.   
 
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