14.09.2025

The Knights Award: Upholding chivalric excellence in Season 4

From distinguished honorees to international collaborations, The Knights Award Season 4 ceremony in October 2025 is set to celebrate excellence, service, and cultural impact, offering a blueprint for contemporary nobility.

Dr. Zyro W., President of The Knights Award, at The Knights Award Season 4 Press Conference.

Photos courtesy of The Knights Award.

Words: Raja Izz

 

I still remember attending The Knights Award Season 1, when YBM Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah delivered a truly regal speech. I turned to Bon Zainal and said, “It is an honor to hear Ku Li speak alive. Among Malaysia’s finest orators, he remains unmatched.”

The same sense of composed grandeur and inspiration was evident in Season 3, when Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj addressed the audience with a speech that was profoundly beautiful.

It was there then, was I able to trace the embodiment of chivalry, the highest expression of noble character, so extensively admired over the medieval knights and the contemporary social elites.

In an age where true nobility seems increasingly scarce, The Knights Award emerges as a beacon of chivalric tradition, celebrating those who embody the timeless virtues of honor, service, and excellence.

As Season 4 commences, this distinguished recognition platform continues its sacred mission of identifying and elevating modern-day knights who serve their communities with dedication.

Forming the backbone of The Knights Award is the Council of Lords including Dr Zyro Wong, President of Council; YBM Adjunct Prof. Dato’ Sri Raja Rezza Shah Tengku Sri Kelana D’Raja, Founder and Chairman of Islamic Fashion Festival; Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj, Director of iKhasas Group; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat, President of Malaysia-China Silk Route Business Chamber; Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ghauth Jasmon, Founding President of Multimedia University (MMU); JJ Delgado, Leader Behind The Biggest International Sales Day in Amazon History; Puan Sri Datuk Dr Shariffa Sabrina, President of Women’s Sport Fitness Foundation MY; Dato Aaron Aziz, Renowned International Artiste & Producer; Dato Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, Independent Non-Executive Director of Tune Talk Sdn Bhd & Former Deputy Chief Police Officer Of Selangor; Dr Kishva Ambigapathy, Chairman of Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub; Dato Haji Ismail Nordin, Chairman of Financial Consulting Cooperative Limited; Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah, Vice President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia; Esther Hor, Partner of Naqiz & Partners; Dato Jonathan Lim, Managing Director of Systech Berhad; Dr. Jon Low, Founder of Smileway Dental Clinic; Bon Zainal, Founder of Malaysia Bumiputra Designer Association.

 

The Noble Assembly

The recent press conference at Kuala Lumpur's Boathouse marked not merely a business gathering, but a convening of contemporary knights-errant united in their commitment to societal advancement. Over three seasons, this prestigious platform has chronicled 150 exemplary tales of courage, innovation, and service - each representing the ideals of modern chivalry.

The Council of Lords, led by Dr. Zyro Wong as President, stands as a modern Round Table, bringing together distinguished figures who understand that true nobility lies not in title alone, but in one's obligation to society. From Tan Sri Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat's leadership in fostering international commerce to Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ghauth Jasmon's dedication to educational excellence, each council member exemplifies the knightly virtues of wisdom, courage, and service to the realm.

Dr. Zyro Wong, President of the Council of Lords, articulates a vision: “This year marks an exciting milestone as The Knights Award Season 4 is co-hosted with the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub, representing all 56 member nations of the Commonwealth. This collaboration strengthens our mission to position Malaysia as a global hub for entrepreneurship, culture, and sustainable growth, while creating meaningful opportunities for cross-border partnerships.”

The Knights Award proudly welcomes its partners and supporters: the Official Venue Partner, Boathouse; Official Media Partner, ASTRO; Branding Partner, JUSS; Official Automotive Partner, Millennium Autobeyond; Technology Partner, WKV Holdings; Official Event Decorator Partner, Party.Eventilicious; Supporting Organisations, Branding Association Malaysia, Malaysia-China Silk Road Business Chamber, and Malaysia Truly Asia; Legal Advisory, Naqiz & Partners; Official PR Partners, Influasia; and Official Gifting Partner, JDX Tea.

 

A Sacred Venue Befitting Champions

The October ceremony will unfold within the hallowed halls of PETRONAS Philharmonic Hall, a fitting cathedral for the ennoblement of modern champions. Like the great tournaments of medieval times, this gathering will witness the recognition of those who have distinguished themselves through valor in their chosen fields.

International Brotherhood of Excellence

This year's honorees represent the global nature of true chivalry. Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning balladeer from America, demonstrates how artistic excellence serves humanity's highest aspirations. Wayne Lai from Hong Kong and vocal virtuoso Rozette from Canada complete this international fellowship, proving that noble conduct transcends borders and cultures.

The collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub, representing all 56 Commonwealth nations, transforms this event into something approaching a modern chivalric order. One dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and sustainable progress across continents.

The Gentleman's Obligation

True to the principles of noblesse oblige, The Knights Award extends beyond mere recognition. Recipients enter an elite fellowship committed to "establishing, empowering, and enabling" - the modern equivalent of the ancient knightly vows. They pledge to establish networks that strengthen business communities, empower others toward excellence, and enable collaborations that benefit society at large.

This sacred trust reflects the fundamental understanding that with recognition comes responsibility. Like the knights of old who protected the innocent and served their sovereign, today's honorees accept their duty to elevate others and contribute to the common good.

The press conference witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) involving The Knights Award and JDX Tea.

 

The Modern Code

The Knights Award rises as a beacon of refined distinction and principled triumph. Season 4 heralds a new chapter where achievement is measured not merely in accolades, but in how it serves others, uplifts communities, and honors timeless values.

Here, the chivalric code is alive and reimagined: civic leadership and power expressed through service. Individual victories become collective legacy, and every honoree is reminded that true nobility is defined not by possession, but by the elegance, courage, and conscience with which they wield it.

 

The 4th season of The Knights Award, is open now for nomination.

For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:

PR and Media Relations

Gabriel Teo | 011 2332 3671

Akser Ang | 011 3313 0376

About the Author

Raja Izz

Raja Izz (MBA) is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Code (GC), a publication that champions elegance and refined living.

Since its inception in 2018, under Raja Izz’s leadership, GC has reached remarkable milestones, including being nominated by LUXLife 9th Annual LUX Global Excellence Awards 2025 and recognized as one of the Top 20 Digital Men’s Magazines by Feedspot in the same year.

With his signature blend of gravitas and grace, Raja Izz does not seek the spotlight. Instead, he builds the platform - for others to rise, for values to return, and for men to remember who they once aspired to be.

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