According to a report by Malay Mail, she won the Commendation Award in the Best Actress category at the Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival, which was scheduled to be held in the UK but was canceled because of the pandemic.

An Olympic dream

Maya picked up the award for playing Mak Cik Fatimah in the local sports film ‘Olympic Dream’.

The 40-year-old said in a statement quoted by the news portal that she is "honoured and thankful to the judges of the Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival for this recognition which I least expected."

She revealed that she was attracted to the role of Mak Cik Fatimah because she is a compassionate and brave woman.

“I guess the character I played gave an impact to both judges and viewers," she said in the statement.

Maya added that the award is a major incentive for her to continue giving her best in future films.

'Olympic Dream', which was shot in Penang, tells the story of a nine-year-old orphan named Anna Wong who dreams of becoming a badminton champion and represent her country in the Olympics.

The local production also featured real-life Malaysian badminton legends such as Rashid Sidek, Cheah Soon Kit, and Ong Ewe Hock.