French award for Naza CEO
George honoured with National Order of Merit for contribution to France’s auto sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd’s (Automotive Group) chief executive officer has been awarded the National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mrite) by the French government.
The award is in recognition of Datuk Samson Anand George contributions to the French automotive industry.
French Ambassador to Malaysia Frederic Laplanche presented the award during a ceremony at the Residence of France here yesterday.
George said he was “honoured and humbled” by the award.
“Our (Naza) association with France began with the Peugeot 206 CKD project in 2006 and this partnership has since culminated in a joint venture that both Naza Group and Groupe PSA have forged to make Naza Automotive Manufacturing in Gurun its Asean manufacturing hub. We look forward to enhancing business opportunities and greater collaboration with French companies in the automotive industry,” he said.
The National Order of Merit French was introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and restored by a decree in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle.
Awarded by the president of the French Republic, it rewards distinguished men and women for their civil or military achievements.
Laplanche in his speech said that the award was meant to recognise George’s contribution to the promotion of bilateral ties between France and Malaysia.
Naza Group of Companies group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin was also present at the event.