Past Recipient of Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee Award

Academician Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee was a firm believer in academia and life-long learning, where at the 69, he earned his seventh university degree (Masters of Science in Environment Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia). He also holds a PhD in virology from the University of Queensland, Australia, and three honorary doctorates from University of Queensland, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. He was the first President of the Veterinary Association Malaysia (VAM) and through his initiative, merged the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Malaysia (AVSM) and Malaysian Veterinary Association (MVA) on 27th November 1987, and subsequently registered VAM on 23rd January 1989. Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee was a Foundation Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), and is highly regarded for his love for nature and outstanding contribution towards the biological sciences and academic advancement of the veterinary profession. The passing of Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee on 30th April 2019 is a great loss to Malaysia and the veterinary world.
 
The Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee Award is given to outstanding members of the Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association in recognition for significant and meritorious achievements towards the advancement of science in the veterinary profession through academic contribution and continuing professional development. The Award honours Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee's memory, his long and successful career, and his outstanding contribution to the profession and the country.
 
Defi​nition
The veterinary profession in Malaysia broadly represents the practice of veterinary medicine and allied sciences as a profession by a veterinarian who has graduated from an accredited university and follows a set of rules comprising the code of ethics, professional conduct, and integrity, as stipulated by the national veterinary governing body (Malaysian Veterinary Council) in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1974.
 
Age Limit
There is no age limit for the application.
 
General Criteria for Application of the Award
Applicants will be considered eligible for the MAVMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (MLAA) if they fulfil the following criteria:
             i. Is a registered MAVMA member of good standing with no arrears in subscription for more than 2 years
             ii. Has contributed significantly towards the development of the Association and the veterinary profession at large
             iii. The proposer and seconder of the applicant must be a good standing MAVMA ordinary member for at least 10 years or a life/fellow member.
 
The following information is required for the application:
             1. Personal and Membership Information
             2. Position and activities pertaining to their:
                          a) Contribution to Academia and Veterinary-related Research.
                          b) Contribution to Continuing Professional Development including organizing Conferences, Seminars, Webinars, Workshops.
                          c) Contribution and engagement with Government/NGOs for policy and legislation development.
                          d) Veterinary Services and Engagement with Society.
 
Eligibility and Judging Criteria
The judging criteria shall be as follows: -
 
No. Category Contribution No. of Points awarded
1. Contribution to Academia and Veterinary-related Research
  • Significant and original basic and/or applied research in the area of veterinary science, animal husbandry
  • Publications in journals, monographs, books, and other forms of academic media
  • Facilitating academic development of the future veterinary workforce (undergraduate/postgraduate students)
  • Academic mentorship for student industry placements /internships /clinical practice
40 Points
2. Contribution to Continuing Professional Development
  • Organizing conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops
  • Invited speaker or facilitator for conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops
30 Points
3. Contribution and Engagement with Government/NGOs for Policy/Legislation Development
  • Contribution towards policy /legislation development
  • Advisory/ expert panel for international/ national bodies (Government, NGOs, Associations)
20 Points
4. Veterinary Services and Engagement with Society
  • A person of high regard by their peers in the profession
  • Has undertaken their professional duties ethically
  • Has demonstrated outstanding integrity in performing their professional duties
  • Has contributed significantly to society and community
10 Points
 
The Application Process​
Each applicant must:
  1. Complete the application forms (FORM 1 to 6), signed off by the proposer and the seconder
  2. Attach a passport-sized photograph (JPEG format) 
  3. Provide an Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  4. Complete a probity declaration
  5. Other supporting documents (e.g., achievements certificates, awards, honours, media coverage)
  6. Any other documents as requested by the Awards Committee

The Awards Committee
The Awards Committee is responsible to screen the applications, and invite the applicants for an interview, if necessary, to verify the submitted information and documents before the selection is finalized. The committee is not obliged to disclose the evaluation process and all decisions made are final.
  1. Membership of the Committee
    The Award Committee comprises a chairperson and four (4) members of the veterinary fraternity, where at least two (2) members were former recipients of the award themselves. The MAVMA Executive Committee may select and appoint the Chairperson and four (4) members recommended by the Chairperson. The appointment of the committee shall be made in writing by the President of MAVMA.
  2. Term of Office
    The terms of office shall run for two years, concurrent with the presiding MAVMA Executive Committee.
  3. Quorum and Decision-Making
    The quorum for the Committee meeting shall be three (3) members, and the decision of the Committee shall be made by simple majority votes of the members present.
 
Award to Recipients​​
  1. The award shall consist of a plaque, medal and a certificate, signed by the President/Patron and the Honorary Secretary.
  2. The recipient’s citation shall be read during the annual MAVMA Annual Congress or at any other occasion decided by the presiding MAVMA Executive Committee. The citation shall be published either in the congress programme book or in the Association’s official journal, website, or any publications, as decided by the MAVMA Executive Committee.
  3. Maximum of 3 awards will be granted yearly.
 
Privileges
The recipients: -
  1. Would receive a waiver on the registration fee of the MAVMA Annual Congress on the year of receiving the award.
  2. Would be invited for the Gala dinner with their spouse/plus one, on the year of receiving the award.
  3. Would be considered for a discount of the registration fee for the subsequent MAVMA conferences, seminars, and activities, as deemed appropriate and approved by the presiding MAVMA executive committee. All requests for discount shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary.
Application Form
Applications are accepted throughout the year by completing the forms attached. The complete documents should be submitted to the Honorary Secretary, at least 6 weeks before the MAVMA Annual Congress, Annual General Meeting, or when announced by the Honorary Secretary. All applications must be submitted to:
            1. Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association
            No. 10-1, Jalan Sierra 10/2
            Bandar 16 Sierra
            47120 Puchong
            Selangor
            2. Or emailed to secretary@mavma.org.my
            Kindly contact MAVMA office at 012-6127101 for any inquiries.

APPLICATION FORM_TAN SRI AHMAD MUSTAFFA BABJEE AWARD