NEW YORK: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor today received an UN-backed recognition for her contribution to early childhood education and gifted children development in Malaysia.

The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who received the STEM Heroes Award at a ceremony at the UN headquarters here, paid tribute to the Permata students for making it possible.

The award was given out at the international launch of the Global STEM Alliance, an initiative of the New York Academy of Sciences and in partnership with governments, companies, non-governmental organisations and schools.

The alliance was formed to spearhead the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education around the world, seen key in generating the “fuel” needed to advance science and technology-driven global economy.

Najib, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and New York Academy of Sciences President Ellis Rubinstein spoke at the event.

Some 35 Permata Pintar students studying in Malaysia and in the U.S. also attended the event.

-NST