Page 45 - MBRF PR REPORT - May 2024

5/23/24, 9:59 AM MBRKA: Celebrating leaders in knowledge development
Winners of MBRKA in 2015

Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, a scientist and developer of sensing devices and interactive robots, Ahmed
Al Shugairi, a prominent media personality and motivator for Arab youth, as well as the National
Geographic Society, the renowned research and exploration organization, were given the Mohammed

bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award in 2015.

Professor Ishiguro earned the MBRKA for his outstanding contributions as a seasoned scientific
researcher, having published more than 300 research articles. His research focuses on distributed
sensing systems, verification tools, interactive robotics, and android science. His discoveries have

significantly contributed to the field of humanoid robots.

The insightful and motivational content presented by Ahmed AlShugairi throughout the episodes of his
famous television program ‘Khawater’ that aired for over 11 years earned him the MBRKA in 2015, owing
to its significant positive impact on the Arab youth audience. In addition, he has authored several books,
including the book ‘Khawater from Japan’. According to a study published by Arabian Business, he was

listed among the top 500 most prominent and influential personalities in the Arab world.

For more than 130 years, the National Geographic Society has funded the best and brightest individuals
dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.

The Society’s historic commitment to dauntless exploration dates back to its founding in 1888, when 33
prominent scholars and scientists established an organization dedicated to the “increase and diffusion of

knowledge.” This led to being chosen as one of the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge
Award in 2015.

Winners of MBRKA in 2016

In 2016, Melinda Gates won the MBRKA for her noble humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions.
She is one of the co-founders of the nonprofit organization – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – which

combats global poverty and diseases. She has been able to significantly improve the health and well-
being of families and communities, provide more educational opportunities and access to information
technology globally, and empower countless women and girls through her unwavering pursuit and
committed efforts.

Masdar, a leader in renewable energy and clean technologies, and a fully owned subsidiary of Mubadala
Development, received the MBRKA in 2016. The company aims to achieve the Abu Dhabi Economic
Vision 2030 by creating new revenue streams and advancing knowledge-based economic sectors in the
Emirate. With its emphasis on the essentials of clean energy project development and sustainable urban
development, it is among the global leaders in the clean energy sector.

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