SUBANG JAYA, SELANGOR, 24 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) archaeologist, Professor Emerita Datin Paduka Dr. Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid, was named the National Academic Figure 2025 at the 16th National Academic Awards (AAN16) ceremony, held with grandeur at the Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel.

As a pioneering scientist and the leading figure in Malaysian archaeology, Siti Zuraina’s discoveries since the late 1970s have revolutionised the understanding of the nation’s prehistory.

Her research in the Lenggong Valley and Niah Caves led to the discovery of the oldest Palaeolithic stone tool technology in Southeast Asia and evidence of Bronze Age cultural expansion from Thailand into Malaysia.

She also discovered the 10,000-year-old remains of the Perak Man, who had a genetic disorder, an extraordinary find that opened new dimensions in the history of medical science and genetics.

Her work contributed significantly to the recognition of the Lenggong Valley as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

Her vision led to the establishment of the Centre for Archaeological Research Malaysia at USM in 1999, which has become a key reference hub in Southeast Asia.

She also founded the Department of National Heritage (2006–2014), was instrumental in drafting the National Heritage Act 2005, and registered over 449 national heritage items.

According to Siti Zuraina, she was deeply grateful for the unexpected recognition, stating that throughout her academic career, her focus had always been on responsibility and passion for archaeology, not on rewards or accolades.

“When I first entered the field of archaeology, there were no PhD holders in the discipline in Malaysia. It was out of a sense of duty that I returned home to develop local archaeological scholarship,” she said.

For her exceptional contributions in preserving cultural heritage and advancing scientific understanding of human origins, she has received numerous international accolades, including the Women at 50 Yale Award and the Merdeka Award 2022.

She remains active as a global academic and expert consultant.

The Director-General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, had the honour of announcing the recipient of the 2025 National Academic Figure Award.

The award was presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, on behalf of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

As the recipient, Siti Zuraina received a trophy, certificate, and RM200,000 in cash, symbolizing the highest recognition for her dedication and intellectual legacy in shaping the nation’s history.

USM EXCELS – WINS THREE OTHER AWARDS

Also present was USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, who was given the honour of announcing five award categories at AAN16, celebrating excellence in publication, the arts, innovation, and teaching.

In his speech, he stated, “The National Academic Awards (AAN) serve as the highest platform to elevate scholarly excellence and recognise the outstanding contributions of our nation’s intellectuals.”

“It is a tribute to brilliant minds who have empowered national development through thought leadership, research, and unparalleled expertise,” he added.

The three awards won by USM academics were:

• Journal Article Publication Award (Social Sciences and Humanities): Awarded to Associate Professor Dr. See Kok Fong (School of Distance Education), who is internationally active in efficiency and productivity analysis and high-impact publications.

• Book Publication Award: Awarded to Professor Datin Dr. Norhayati Mohd Noor (School of Medical Sciences), a globally recognised public health expert listed among the Top Scientists in the World by Stanford University for three consecutive years.

• Innovation and Product Commercialisation Award: Awarded to Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Akbar Jalaludin Khan (School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), founder of USM spin-off company, Visionlytics Sdn. Bhd., which successfully commercialised AI industrial research valued at over RM4 million.

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

This prestigious event underscores the government’s and higher education institutions’ commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge, advancing research, and elevating academic excellence to the global stage.

The National Academic Awards, established in 2006, is a continuous initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) to honour and appreciate Malaysian academics who have elevated the nation’s name on the world stage across various fields of knowledge.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa