Advancing the Spirit of Rizal Through Education and Cultural Diplomacy
The Knights of Rizal Malaysia Chapter was recently held their 2nd Investiture Ceremony on 22 August at OWWA Kuala Lumpur, under the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Malaysia, with the support and presence of the Philippine Embassy.
The ceremony received strong support from representatives of Malaysia’s political, business, professional and diplomatic circles. Her Excellency Maria Angela Ponce, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Malaysia, attended and delivered a speech in the ceremony.
The Order of the Knights of Rizal is an international civic, patriotic and cultural organisation dedicated to honouring the life, ideals and legacy of Dr. José P. Rizal, the National Hero of the Philippines.
Founded in 1911, the organisation was formally granted a legislative charter by the Philippine Congress on 14 June 1951 through Republic Act No. 646, signed by then Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, and was established as a body corporate with juridical personality.
Under Republic Act No. 646, the Knights of Rizal is dedicated to studying, disseminating and practising the teachings and ideals of Dr. Rizal, while promoting patriotism, chivalry and social responsibility.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was conferred the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) by the Knights of Rizal in 1997 in recognition of his contribution towards strengthening friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines. In March 2023, he was further honoured with the Rizal Pro Patria Award, one of the highest honours of the order, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, contributions to nation-building and efforts to promote international cooperation.
Four distinguished individuals from the Malaysian business and professional sectors were conferred the knighthood by the Order of Knights of Rizal during the recent investiture ceremony, further strengthening the professional composition and social influence of the Malaysia Chapter.
The investiture ceremony was presided over by Sir Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, Supreme Commander of the International Headquarters of the Knights of Rizal; Sir Pieter Nootenboom, Past Regional Commander for Asia of the Knights of Rizal; and Sir Dr. Chiam Tzeh Yew, Commander of the Knights of Rizal Malaysia Chapter.
In a Gala Dinner held to commemorate the milestone event, the Knights of Rizal Malaysia Chapter made a sponsorship cheque presentation for RM10,000 to Penang STEM as sponsorship to recognise 25 Most Outstanding Students under the Technical Skill Learning (TSL) pilot programme for Upper Secondary students was conducted by Penang STEM in partnership with Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN) Pulau Pinang and Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK).
Students under the TSL underwent the 2-year programme in 2025 (Form 4) and 2026 (Form 5) and will receive the Sijil Penyata Pencapaian from JPK, subject to them passing the final assessment.
Penang STEM will be conducting the TSL Certification & Appreciation ceremony on September 26, 2026 at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) during which around 260 students from 12 participating schools will receive their TSL completion certificates.
The 25 Most Outstanding students would be selected based on full attendance for the 2-year (52 sessions) programme and periodic assessments conducted by the participating training institutions.
For further information, kindly contact Dr Chiam Tzeh Yew at 012-3318501
Photos Enclosed:
Investiture Ceremony with Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, Her Excellency Maria Angela Ponce (Centre)
Cheque presentation by Knights of Rizal members led by Commander of Malaysia Chapter, Sir Dr Chiam Tzeh Yew (left, holding cheque) to Penang STEM CEO, Datuk Richard Chung
