Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Sharifah Azah Syed Mohammad Alsagoff, also known as Azah Aziz, and more commonly recognized as Mak Ungku (21 August 1928 – 9 July 2012), was a prominent figure in Malay culture within Malaysia. She was notably the spouse of Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid and the mother of Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who served as the 7th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia.
Early Life
She entered into marriage with Ungku Abdul Aziz bin Ungku Abdul Hamid, resulting in the birth of their daughter, YM Tan Sri Dato’ Ungku Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who previously held the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia. Azah Aziz passed away on July 9, 2012, at the age of 84.
Career
Between 1941 and 1951, Azah Aziz dedicated her efforts to the Johor Bahru Welfare Department. Subsequently, she held the position of Secretary in the Social Department at the University of Malaya in Singapore. She continued to serve as Secretary in the Malay Studies Department at the University of Malaya.
Art
Azah Aziz is renowned as a ‘Tokoh Budayawan Melayu,’ denoting her as a distinguished figure in Malay culture. This recognition stems from her pursuits and interests in collecting traditional textiles, jewelry, conventional clothing, and traditional Malay handicrafts. Starting from the 1950s, she embarked on endeavors involving lectures and writings centered around Malay culture and arts. Moreover, she introduced dance drama attire at the Asean University Arts Festival.
Beyond this, she showcased her prowess as a skilled poet, and her ‘pantun,’ a poetic form native to Malay literature, was showcased in Mastika magazine.
Death & Tribute
On July 9, 2012, Azah Aziz passed away at 84 due to a stroke. On 21 August 2003, a Google Doodle was created to celebrate Azah Aziz’s 94th Birthday.
