Chef Akmal Anuar and social worker Zulayqha Zulkifli receive accolades for their extraordinary contributions to their respective fields.
On October 25, 2024, Chef Akmal Anuar and Zulayqha Zulkifli were awarded Berita Harian’s prestigious Achiever of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year awards, respectively, at a ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
Chef Akmal, an internationally acclaimed chef and entrepreneur, has built a successful culinary career, with 10 restaurants across the UAE and New York, including a Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai. His journey began at a family-run nasi padang stall in Singapore and led him to a thriving career in fine dining, where he is now recognized as a pioneer in halal, modern cuisine. His success story challenges the stereotypes about Malay Muslim chefs and serves as an inspiration to others in the community.
Zulayqha, 30, co-founder of Project Hills, received the Young Achiever of the Year Award for her impactful work supporting low-income families. Raised in a rental flat, Zulayqha’s personal experiences fueled her passion for social work. Her initiative, Project Hills, provides weekly support to families, distributing essential goods and offering meals. With 150 volunteers, she continues to expand her services to underprivileged communities across Singapore, including Queenstown, Bukit Merah, and Tiong Bahru.
Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung, the guest of honor at the event, praised both awardees for their resilience, hard work, and dedication, emphasizing the importance of supporting and respecting all professions in society.
