Archaeology Expert Siti Zuraina Receives National Academic Figure Award

SUBANG JAYA, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Archaeology expert Prof Emeritus Datin Paduka Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), who discovered the remains of Perak Man, was named the National Academic Figure at the 16th National Academic Awards (AAN) ceremony today.

The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

As the recipient, she received a trophy, a certificate, and RM200,000 in cash.

The pioneering scientific discoveries made by Dr Siti Zuraina since the late 1970s have transformed the understanding of Malaysia's prehistory through her research in Lenggong Valley and Niah, as well as her findings on the oldest Palaeolithic stone tool technology in Southeast Asia and the spread of Bronze Age culture from Thailand to Malaysia.

She also uncovered the 10,000-year-old Perak Man skeleton, which had a genetic deformity, significantly contributing to the fields of medical and genetic science history.

Her discoveries led to Lenggong Valley being recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, confirming its role as part of the migration route of early humans from Africa to Australia and contributing to global theories of human history.

Dr Siti Zuraina, who has received various international recognitions, including the Women at 50 Yale Award and the Merdeka Award, remains active as a heritage and academic consultant, continuing her legacy of research and global leadership.

Established in 2006, the National Academic Awards features seven prestigious categories with 15 awards, though this year only nine winners met the stringent selection criteria.

The Teaching Award was won by Dr Manraj Singh, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), for the Health Sciences cluster; Prof Dr Haslinda Ibrahim from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for the Pure Sciences cluster; and Dr Rahimah Jamaluddin from UPM for the Applied Arts and Social Sciences cluster.

The Arts and Creativity Award went to Ts Dr Mohamad Fitri Mohamad Haris from UUM for the Performing Arts cluster, while Assoc Prof Dr Gan Wee Chen from Xiamen University Malaysia received the Journal Article Publication Award for the Science field, and Assoc Prof Dr See Kok Fong from USM for the Social Sciences and Humanities field.

Meanwhile, the Book Publication Award was presented to Assoc Prof Dr Norhayati Mohd Noor from USM, and the Innovation and Product Commercialisation Award went to Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Firdaus Akbar Jalaludin Khan, also from USM.

Each winner received a trophy, certificate, and RM50,000 cash prize.

In his speech, Zambry expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all academics who have played an essential role in the nation's development process.

He said the higher education system must undergo shifts and transformation to remain relevant and continue contributing to the achievement of national goals.

-- BERNAMA