USM, PENANG, 23 March 2017 – The Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has launched the USM Archaeotourism Package in conjunction with its 30-Year Celebration.

According to the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, two well-known archaeological sites, the first in Lenggong, Perak and the second in Sungai Batu, Kedah have been chosen to be included into the USM Archaeotourism Package.

He said, items offered in the package include guided tours, hands-on excavation activities, experiments in crafting stone-age tools, production of bricks and earthenware, iron-smelting, and the reproduction of artifacts and ecofacts replica based on the concept of a ‘Living Culture Gallery’.

He further explained, the two galleries launched were the ‘Orang Asli’ Mini Gallery that is filled with the latest research updates by CGAR and the Archaeobiology Gallery, which exhibits the human skeleton from research spanning 30 years conducted by USM, and is located next to the current USM Archaeology Gallery.

Meanwhile, the Director of CGAR USM, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Mokhtar Saidin said that beginning from 1 May 2017, the complete archaeotourism package would be fully available and visitors would be charged an entrance fee.

"We are also offering job opportunities to graduates who are still unemployed to become professional tourist guides and will equip them with an in-depth knowledge of history," explained Mokhtar.

The ‘CGAR 30 Years’ celebration was to recognise and appreciate all those who have contributed for past 30 years in the development of data on the prehistoric period in Malaysia, and to serve as a reminder to the staff of CGAR in completing the nation’s archaeological records as well as to give global prominence to USM and the country in the field of archaeology.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin