Michelle Yeoh Makes Malaysia Proud By Receiving America's Highest Civilian Award
The Malaysian actress has become the first Asian to be honoured with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
By Sadho Ram — 06 May 2024, 11:25 AM
US President Joe Biden has honoured Malaysia's Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh with America's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for being the first Asian to win an Oscar as Best Actress
According to Reuters, the Malaysia-born Hollywood superstar, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress last year, was part of this year's class of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
The honorees list plays special homage to "firsts" in their field.
While presenting Yeoh with the medal on Friday, 3 May, Biden said that for decades the Malaysian has "shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich and enhance American culture."
"Her roles transcend gender, culture, and language. From martial arts to romantic comedies, to science fiction, to show us what we all have in common. As the first Asian actor to win an Oscar as Best Actress, she bridges cultures not only to entertain but also to inspire and open hearts," the US President said.
Yeoh, who hails from Ipoh, Perak, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside 18 other individuals during the ceremony held at the White House
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is not limited to US citizens, is awarded to civilians and military personnel.
Watch Biden present Yeoh the medal below:
