Zohrah Sulaiman | |
|---|---|
| ذوهرح سليمان | |
| Born | Brunei |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations |
|
| Known for | Discovery of the fish species Gastromyzon venustus , Gastromyzon aeroides , and Gastromyzon cranbrooki |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biodiversity, aquaculture, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography of fishes |
| Institutions | |
| Thesis | The Fate of injected DNA in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (1994) |
Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman is a Bruneian ichthyologist and professor, currently serving as the vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). In 2006, she discovered three new species of Gastromyzon fish in the Temburong River: Gastromyzon aeroides , Gastromyzon cranbrooki , and Gastromyzon venustus . Her research focuses on molecular genetics and biodiversity, with significant contributions to ichthyology, including the identification of new fish and mussel species. Additionally, she holds patents related to biodiesel production from local paddy varieties. [1]
In 1987, Zohrah graduated with a BSc Tech (Hons) in applied biology from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology in Cardiff. She then graduated in 1988 with an MSc in food science from the University of Reading. Later, in 1994, she received a PhD in genetics from the University of Southampton. [1] [2]
In 1988, she started working as a school teacher, and in 1989, she enrolled in Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). After that, she rose to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UBD. In 2013, she moved to UTB, where she was named Vice-Chancellor in 2015. She has overseen the development of UTB into a highly esteemed organization and is the recipient of several honours and distinguished positions, such as the ASEAN Science and Technology Meritorious Service Medal and the ASAIHL Fellowship. [1]
In 2006, she discovered three new species of Gastromyzon fish in the Temburong River alongside her colleagues from the National University of Singapore: Gastromyzon aeroides, Gastromyzon cranbrooki, and Gastromyzon venustus. She and her colleagues made the discovery of new freshwater mussels in Borneo in 2021. [1]
She and her PhD student jointly held two patents related to the manufacturing of biodiesel from the local paddy known as "Laila." From 1994 to 2013, she was a genetics, population, and molecular genetics instructor at UBD. From 2013 until 2022, she gave her own time to continue educating UBD students. She was named an Honorary Professor at the College of Science at Swansea University from 2018 to 2023, an adjunct professor at UBD from 2020 to 2022, and an instructor of biology in the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, UTB since 29 October 2020. [1]
A MoU was signed by UTB Vice-Chancellor Zohrah, Brunei Shell Petroleum, and Shell Deepwater Borneo on 3 December 2020, with the aim of advancing artificial intelligence collaboration under the "AI: Gift to Nation." [3] In order to improve student exchanges, academic partnerships, and cybersecurity measures in Brunei, UTB and ITPSS signed a MoU on 20 March 2023, with her playing a significant role in the signing. [4] In her capacity as deputy chairperson, she welcomed a group from the Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB) on 23 January 2024, to talk about upcoming joint initiatives that supports talent development, innovation, and education among Borneo universities. [5]
Datin Zohrah is married to Dr. Haji Kassim bin Haji Daud, and they have a son together. [1]
Datin Zohrah has earned the following honours; [1]
Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class (DPMB; 15 July 2022) – Datin Paduka [6] Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB; 24 July 2011) [7] 
Order of Setia Negara Brunei Third Class (SNB; 15 July 2017) [8] Order of Setia Negara Brunei Fourth Class (PSB; 1 August 2006) [9] 
Excellent Service Medal (PIKB; 2001)
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