B. C. Shekhar

His efforts in setting up central processing units throughout the country and spearheading smallholder support and development systems lead to their achieving impressive levels of performance and viability while contributing substantively to the nation's economy.

Sekhar also oversaw the development of stimulants to paint on rubber trees to double and in many cases triple latex yields.

He was directly involved in the invention and subsequent development of the Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) process whose final product allowed for grading to buyers' specifications to a very high level of consistency.

His able and effective advocacy of the strength and stability of natural rubber carved a "niche" for him in the international elastomer industry.

Sekhar was a tireless champion for the rights of Malaysian plantation workers and their progeny, mostly ethnic Indians, and made it an important part of his life's work to make sure that they received a monthly wage and due recognition from the government for their contributions to the economy of the nation.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) and Government of Malaysia, in recognition of his excellent service to the nation, bestowed upon him the title of 'Tan Sri'.