On July 9, 2007, a purple, hybrid orchid was named Dendrobium Tuanku Zara Salim in honour of her visit to the 7th Ipoh International Orchid Festival.
She is the current Chancellor of the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), and was proclaimed on 1 January 2012.
She has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in April 2014 in recognition of her interest in the continued improvement of Malaysia's education and academic performance.
She then was made as the first Royal Patron of the IChemE in Malaysia in October 2016. On accepting the honour, Tuanku Zara said that chemical engineering can be a challenging career, but rewarding as well. Chemical engineers are highly employable, have wide and diverse career options, and can make a big impact in society and the environment. She intends to, as Royal Patron of the IChemE, do her part to inspire the younger generation to consider chemical engineering as a viable career choice.
She is also a patron of the Family Health Society of Perak, Convent Girls Alumni and Perak Girl Guides.