13 Feb – Malaysia-born Chinese actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, one of the biggest Asian stars, has been granted France's "Officier des Arts et des Lettres" award by the French government. The award was presented by French Ambassador to Malaysia Christophe Penot at the French embassy yesterday. According to Bernama, Yeoh is the first Malaysian to receive the award. French Ministry of Culture has chosen Yeoh for the award due to her outstanding contribution to the movie industry. "Michelle has worked with a lot of French directors and actors, besides promoting some of the best French brands," said Penot. "So for all these reasons, the French government wants to pay tribute to what she has achieved as an actress." This is not the first time Yeoh receives recognition from France. In 2012, she received France's highest civilian honour, the medal of a Knight of the Legion of Honour, from the previous French Ambassador to Malaysia, Alain du Boispean.