Honoring a Legacy: Malaysia’s First Trained Archaeologist to Receive Honorary Degree

via The Star, 21 November 2023: Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Zuraina Majid, renowned for her significant contributions to archaeology, will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree at Wawasan Open University’s 14th convocation. Recognized as Malaysia’s first professionally trained archaeologist, her groundbreaking discoveries include unearthing prehistoric sites in Niah Caves and Kota Tampan, revealing Peninsular Malaysia’s role in early human migrations. Her efforts also contributed to the inscription of Melaka and George Town on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Prof. Siti Zuraina’s academic journey spans from Universiti Malaya to Yale, highlighting her lifelong dedication to archaeology

Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her contributions to archaeology in a career spanning over five decades.

WOU’s board of governors chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon described her as the nation’s first professionally trained archaeologist.

“WOU recognises her pioneering work in preserving Malaysia’s rich prehistoric past.

“She garnered acclaim for her groundbreaking discoveries.

She uncovered the prehistoric sites in Niah Caves, Sarawak, as well as the 10,000-year-old intact skeleton of the Perak Man and the 74,000-year-old palaeolithic site of Kota Tampan in Perak’s Lenggong Valley.

Source: Archaeologist to be honoured at convocation | The Star