Malaysia’s first female education D-G Asiah Abu Samah dies at 89

A condolence message to the family of Tan Sri Dr Asiah Abu Samah from Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadlina Sidek.

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 1:16 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Renowned education figure Tan Sri Dr Asiah Abu Samah died at a private hospital in the capital today. She was 89.

Asiah, the first woman to serve as Malaysia’s director-general of education, died at 5 am.

According to a circulated notice, funeral prayers will be held after Zohor prayers at Masjid At-Taqwa in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, followed by burial at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery here.

Born on March 1, 1937, in Parit, Perak, Asiah made significant contributions to the development and advancement of Malaysia’s education system.

She studied at Universiti Malaya in Singapore, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Diploma in Education before beginning her teaching career at Penang Free School in 1961.

She later served as a language lecturer at an institute in Lembah Pantai before being appointed principal of Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) in Seremban, a position she held from Dec 1966 to Sept 1970.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek described Asiah’s passing as a major loss to the nation’s education sector, particularly given her contributions to the development of the national education system.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah, former director-general of education.

“As the first woman to hold this position, she paved the way for women to take on leadership roles in the country’s education sector. Her contributions will always be remembered by those of us who continue the responsibility of educating Malaysia’s children,” she said in a Facebook post.

Fadhlina also extended her condolences to Asiah’s family on behalf of the Education Ministry.

“May her family be granted strength and patience as they cope with the loss of their loved one. May Allah SWT forgive her sins, bless her soul and grant her a place among the faithful.

“Thank you, Tan Sri, for your dedication and invaluable service to the nation’s education sector,” she said. — Bernama