About

Dr. Raymond Majumah @Azlan Shafie Abdullah

Is a distinguished educator, researcher, and literary figure from Sabah, Malaysia. Born in Kampung Guomon, Matunggong Kudat, he has dedicated his life to the preservation and celebration of indigenous Rungus culture through education, literature, and community engagement.

With academic roots in psychology, communication, and creative arts, Dr. Majumah holds a PhD in Creative Arts from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. His career spans decades in the Malaysian education system, where he has served as a teacher, headmaster, and School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+) in Kudat. His leadership and pedagogical expertise have earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang from the Ministry of Education.

As a prolific writer, Dr. Majumah has published numerous works under various pen names—including Irwan Nur, Azlan S.A., and Putera Pena. His literary portfolio includes poetry collections, short stories, cultural essays, and critical analyses. Notable titles include Takdir Laut, Terbang Tinggi Nan Jauh, Laut Sudah Kering, and Rungus: Peribumi Momogun Sabah. His writings reflect a deep reverence for the Rungus worldview, often exploring themes of identity, tradition, and transformation.

Dr. Majumah is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on bahul, the traditional oral poetry of the Rungus people. His seven-year ethnographic study unearthed rare poetic forms and rituals once used to communicate with spiritual entities, offering profound insights into the philosophical and ethical frameworks of his community. His work has been featured in national and international seminars, and he continues to advocate for the preservation of indigenous languages and oral traditions.

Beyond academia and literature, Dr. Majumah is an active cultural ambassador. He frequently serves as a judge and trainer in competitions involving poetry, pantun, pidato, and traditional performance arts. His commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting cultural literacy has made him a beloved figure in Sabah’s educational and artistic circles.

In recent years, Dr. Majumah has also contributed to interfaith and linguistic initiatives, including efforts to translate the Quran into the Rungus language—an unprecedented milestone in indigenous language preservation and spiritual outreach.

Through his scholarship, storytelling, and service, Dr. Raymond Majumah continues to inspire a new generation to embrace their heritage, think critically, and build bridges across cultures.