At the “SAM Gala” Ceremony held last night in the Sava Center, attended by nearly 400 of the most prominent business and public figures, the Serbian Association of Managers awarded the Special Award to Miodrag Kostić for an exceptional personal act. The jury awarded the strategic importance and lasting value that the Miodrag Kostić Endowment will leave to society by donating to Serbia the Palace of Science, the first science center in our country and the largest in the region. The uniqueness of this act is also reflected in the fact that this endowment undertaking, worth 25 million euros, is the largest in modern Serbian history. The award was received on behalf of his father by Aleksandar Kostić, Vice President of the MK Group Company and member of the Board of Directors of the Endowment.
The Palace of Science will cover 5,500 m2 in the very center of Belgrade. In cooperation with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Belgrade, activities will take place in 19 research centers in this area, which will enable young scientists to work in top-quality conditions. At the same time, it will be a place for the popularization of science to the general public, especially children, through an exhibition area with numerous educational and interactive contents.
Along with this Special Award, the Serbian Association of Managers has traditionally awarded the Annual SAM Awards in the permanent categories: Best Manager and Young Manager, Employer and Socially Responsible Company of the Year. Through 15 years of existence, the Serbian Association of Managers has established itself as an organization dedicated to the promotion of the best business practices, leadership and individuals who deserve to be distinguished as the best example in society.
Miodrag Kostić has been recognized by the public as one of the most successful businessmen in the region, but also a great humanist and philanthropist. He realizes numerous socially responsible activities, and with this act and the desire to leave lasting value to society, he deserves the title of a Modern Benefactor.
The Palace of Science – The Miodrag Kostić Endowment is the second endowment that Miodrag Kostić started. Ten years ago, he handed over his family home in Novi Sad, as the “Kostić Family Endowment”, to the “Institute for Health Care, Children and Youth of Vojvodina” for the needs of more humane treatment in cooperation with the NURDOR association.
Through his companies MK Group and AIK Bank, in the last five years he donated around five million euros for philanthropic activities, primarily aimed at supporting children and young people.
