USM PENANG, 18 February 2020 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) recently strengthened ties with the Department of Museums Malaysia (DMM) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

USM was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, while the Director-General of DMM, Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim signed the MoU on behalf of the department.

Faisal said that the signing of the MoU is a significant move resulting from the exchange in research and expertise in areas of conservation.

According to him, USM and DMM are in the midst of aligning research in areas of archaeology, museum management and efforts in the management and conservation of collections.

“USM through CGAR and DMM have had a long history together since 1987, with the study done at Kota Tampan and Gua Harimau in Lenggong, Perak, and through continuous, active research at Gua Tambun in Ipoh, Perak.

“This MoU continues the ties established earlier to focus on other areas such as the identification and re-evaluation of the human skeleton and fauna collections at DMM, along with those of pottery and lithic. CGAR will be providing assistance with its available expertise, laboratories and other facilities.

“Results from these efforts would bring added value and would be documented in a systematic manner, to allow for presentations in future seminars or forums for curators,” he said in adding that the cooperation includes the conservation work for the Fort Cornwallis cannons and the safekeeping of archaeological records.

Meanwhile, Kamarul Baharin said that the MoU would serve to further strengthen the efforts towards the development of professionalism and high standards in related areas. DMM additionally has engagements with other higher educational institutions in the country.

“We will always be committed in our engagement with the academia, society and other relevant agencies, as we continue to ensure that conservation efforts would be done efficiently and effectively with regard to the nation’s heritage, historical and natural items,” he added.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director of CGAR USM, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mokhtar Saidin and DMM Deputy Director-General (Policy), Mohamad Shawali Hj. Badi.

Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin