In Malaysia, some of the highest honours, including the Datuk title, are awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact in fields such as public service, business, the arts, entertainment, or charitable work.
While these awards are usually for Malaysians, they’re sometimes handed out to non-Malaysians too, as a way of recognising their contributions to the country. Here’s a look at some of the people who’ve earned these prestigious titles!
1. Datuk Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing, a Chinese celebrity credited with boosting Malaysian tourism, made a notable impact after her visit to Melaka last year. She’s so well-loved that a mural of her now graces Jonker Street, quickly becoming a popular Instagram spot for both locals and visitors.
Fan Bingbing
In recognition of her efforts to promote Malacca as a tourism destination, she was awarded the “Datuk Kehormat” (Honorary Datuk) title at an investiture ceremony on 24 August this year, held during the birthday celebrations of Melaka’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
2. Datuk Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar we all grew up watching on TV, became the first Indian actor to be conferred the “Datuk” title.
According to the Times of India, he received the prestigious honour from the Governor of Malacca in 2008. The state awarded the title in recognition of his films shot there, which helped boost tourism in the historic region.
Shah Rukh Khan
3. Datuk Jackie Chan
Another legend on the list is Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan, who was awarded the honorary title of Datuk by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah on 1 February 2015 at the National Palace, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
According to China Daily, the kung fu superstar was among 356 recipients of various awards and medals that day. He also received the title of Knight Commander, joining 70 other accomplished individuals recognised for their contributions.
Jackie Chan
4. Datuk Seri Rossa
Indonesian singer Rossa was awarded the Datuk title by the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, on 24 October 2013.
According to Antara News, she received the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) during the state honours ceremony held for the Sultan’s 83rd birthday.
Rossa
Fast forward to 2018, Rossa was conferred the Darjah Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) on 24 October, the highest state honour in Pahang, during the Sultan’s birthday celebrations in Pekan. This prestigious award carries the title Datuk Seri, as reported by Harian Metro.
5. Datuk Adi Putra
Singaporean actor Adi Putra was conferred the Datuk title by the Sultan of Pahang. He shared his joy on his social media back in 2017, offering birthday wishes and blessings to the Sultan.
Adi, whose real name is Mohamed Hadi Putera Halim, is known for films like Anak Halal, Akhirat, Langgar, Hanyut, and the Bollywood movie Don 2, as reported by Malaysia Gazette.
Adi Putra
6. Datuk Aaron Aziz
Singapore-born actor Aaron Aziz was awarded a prestigious title through the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) during the Sultan of Pahang’s birthday celebrations at Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan on 16 December 2017.
His Dampak co-star, Farid Kamil, who is Malaysian, also received the Datuk title. Both Aaron, whose full name is Aaron Mustapha Aziz, and Farid Kamil were honoured with the DIMP, which carries the prestigious Datuk title, as reported by Berita Harian.
Aaron Aziz
7. Datuk Jean Todt
Jean Todt, former CEO of Ferrari’s Formula One team and long-time partner of Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, was awarded a prestigious title by the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, on 20 July 2006.
Local media reported that he received the Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu (DPMT) during the Sultan’s 44th birthday celebrations in Kuala Terengganu. The honour, which carries the prestigious Datuk title, was one of 379 awards handed out that day.
Michelle Yeoh and Jean Todt
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