Dato' vs Datuk

You must have hear a lot about 'Dato'' and 'Datuk' title around Malaysia. Let me list a few famous celebrities for your reference.

Dato'

Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak (Existing Malaysia Prime Minister)

Dato' Michelle Yeoh Choo-Khen (International actress, a Malaysian)

Datuk

Datuk Lee Chung Wei (World No. 1 badminton player, a Malaysian)

Datul Nicole Ann David (World No. 1 Squash player, a Malaysian)

'Datuk' in Malay actually stands for 'grandpa'. 

So when you are older, you can upgrade to be a 'Datuk' too! 

Do you know what is the difference between both awarded titles? From wikipedia, Dato' is conferred by hereditary Royal ruler, which are Sultans in Malaysia, such as from Johor, Pahang, Perak, etc. Where Datuk is awarded by Yang Di Pertuan Agong, or a state ruler without a Sultan, like Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak. Both titles also can be awarded to foreigners.

So it sounds like the same from the information above. What if your company invited an VVIP and the MC mistakenly announced his name from 'Dato'' becomes 'Datuk'? Will it becomes a big deal? 

Okay, my fault, what a boring day to learn about award title.