Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr. Siti Zuraina binti Abdul Majid, FASc

Recipient of Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement 2022

Malaysia’s first world-renowned archeologist.

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Carrying the title of the first archaeologist in Malaysia, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Siti Zuraina binti Abdul Majid FASc has been building the groundwork for archaeology as a field of study in Malaysia since the 1970s.

Her well-known discoveries include the Palaeolithic site of Kota Tampan and the Palaeolithic skeleton of the Perak Man, which was the first-ever disclosure of a Palaeolithic burial ceremony in Southeast Asia, enriching the historical records of Malaysia. Her research established that early man’s migratory route from Africa to Australia was through Peninsular Malaysia, thus putting Malaysia on the archaeological map of the world.

Excavation of the Perak Man, Gua Gunung Runtuh, Lenggong, 1990

Discoveries that made Malaysia culturally richer

In 1991, Prof Siti Zuraina discovered the 74,000-year-old Palaeolithic stone tool site in Lenggong, Perak, and the world-famous 11,000-year-old Perak Man, which is the oldest human skeleton discovered in Malaysia.

Her groundbreaking discovery not only offered the earliest evidence of a rare birth defect, Brachymesophalangia Type A2, making a significant contribution to medical history but also led to the unprecedented revelation of a Palaeolithic burial ceremony in Southeast Asia, enriching the historical records of our country and the region.

Besides her outstanding excavation and exploration into the nation’s past, Prof Siti Zuraina drove efforts for Lenggong Valley to be recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2012. These discoveries allowed her to secure many national and international scholarships, fellowships and grants for the research.

She also managed to obtain UNESCO inscriptions for the historical Melaka and George Town, Penang, and played an instrumental role in obtaining the Memory of the World inscription for Batu Bersurat, ultimately bringing Malaysian heritage to the forefront.

Defending the nomination of Lenggong as a UNESCO World Heritage site in St Petersburg in 2012

Laying the foundation for the development of archaeology in Malaysia

The impact of Professor Dr. Siti Zuraina’s findings eventually led Universiti Sains Malaysia to set up the Centre for Archaeological Research Malaysia to further advance archaeology as a discipline in Malaysia.

She personally mentored Master’s and PhD students at USM with the goal of raising the profile of archaeology in Malaysia through training the next generation.

She was later asked to head the newly formed Department of National Heritage in 2006, following the new National Heritage Act passed by the Malaysian Parliament in 2005. Upon her appointment, she put in place the administrative procedures to protect and preserve all types of heritage, tangible and intangible, while creating public awareness on heritage conservation.

Valuing a lifetime of contribution

Through the years, Professor Dr. Siti Zuraina has received numerous accolades and honors for her contribution to Malaysia’s historical and cultural heritage,

Including the Women at 50 Yale 150 Award in 2020 and Research Excellence Award from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2001.

Additionally, she served as Heritage Advisor to HRH Sultan Selangor, was inducted into the Academy Science Malaysia (FASc) in 2017 and selected as Malaysia’s Head of Delegation at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from 2011 to 2015.

Professor Dr. Siti Zuraina's research and expertise have had a profound impact on the understanding and appreciation of Malaysian history and culture. Her work has helped to preserve and promote the country's rich heritage for future generations.

Teaching USM students in the field

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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