Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be conferred a Special Leadership Award at the 4th World Chinese Economic Forum to be held in Melbourne, Australia.

The two-day Forum, which begins on Nov 12, is organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli).

In a statement today, WCEF Chairman and Chief Excutive Officer Tan Sri Michael Yeoh said the Award is for leaders who have practised the Confucian values of benevolence and righteousness in leadership, and is a new award instituted by WCEF Patron Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

"The WCEF is honoured that the Deputy Prime Minister has kindly agreed to be the first recipient of this Special Award to recognise benevolent and righteous leadership," he said, adding Muhyiddin will be delivering his keynote address at the Forum.

Yeoh also said that world-renowned shoe maker Datuk Jimmy Choo has accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for innovation and excellence in the shoe and fashion industry.

"The WCEF recognises Choo as an international fashion icon and rightfully recognises him for his creativity, innovation and excellence in shoe making," he said.

Yeoh noted that over 100 government, business, thought and academic leaders will join 300 Australians at the Forum.

"Participants will come from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Britain, Switzerland, and the USA besides Australia," he said. Bernama