The State Government of Sarawak has conferred its highest recognition, the Maal Hijrah Personality Award, on Associate Professor ChM. Ts. Dr. Norzahir Sapawe, a distinguished academic from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
This prestigious award acknowledges his excellence and significant contributions in the field of Research and Development (R&D). Dr. Norzahir not only excels in his area of expertise but is also recognised for his commendable character, integrity, and role as a positive influence in the community.
The award ceremony was officiated by His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, during the State-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration held at Dewan Suarah Bintulu on Friday, 27 June 2025, corresponding to 1 Muharram 1447H, under the theme “Ummah Maju Makmur”.
A native of Kampung Lintang, Kuching, Dr. Norzahir has brought pride to Sarawak through his outstanding achievements in research at both national and international levels.
He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (Advanced Materials – Catalysis Technology) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), awarded in 2013. He began his academic career as a Senior Lecturer at UniKL in 2014 and now serves as an Associate Professor, a Chartered Chemist (ChM.), and a Professional Technologist (Ts.).
He also currently holds the positions of Deputy Dean at the UniKL Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Deputy President of the Malaysian Analytical Sciences Society (ANALIS).
Dr. Norzahir’s research spans advanced materials and nanotechnology, particularly in catalysis chemistry and adsorbent material technology for wastewater treatment. His work also includes research in renewable and sustainable energy, natural product chemistry, and animal feed formulation, all aligned with green technology and environmental sustainability.
To date, he has published 158 articles in high-impact journals, authored 11 books, and secured 40 intellectual properties, including patents and copyrights.
His innovations and discoveries have had a significant impact on the advancement of the ummah, the nation, and the Islamic faith, addressing contemporary challenges through science and technology.
Dr. Norzahir’s excellence has earned him numerous accolades at the state, national, and international levels. Among his most notable awards are:
Dr. Norzahir’s excellence has earned him numerous accolades at the state, national, and international levels.
Among his most notable recognitions are the Top 2% Scientist in the World award by Stanford University and Elsevier (2021–2024), the Young Scientist Award by GC-DEM and NUS Singapore (2024), the MARA Scientist Award (Top 2%) (2024), the Young Chemist Scientist Award by ACS Malaysia Chapter and ANALIS (2015), the MARA Excellent Educator Award (2023), and UniKL’s Most Cited Author & Top Scientist Award (2024).
These recognitions reflect his continued commitment to advancing knowledge and uplifting society through impactful research.
