DATUK Syed Ahmad Jamal, who passed away at 82 on July 30, 2011 will always be remembered as a great Malaysian artist who inculcated the concept of universal humanism in his works.
A devout Muslim, he internalised his faith and always described his works as driven by humankind's longing for God.
He was also a social activist who campaigned for better human rights in Malaysia.
He was the country's National Art Laureate 1995 and was cultural director of University Malaya (1979-82) and National Art Gallery director (1983-91).
Syed Ahmad received his early education in Sultan Abu Bakar College, Johor Baru. He later studied art at the University of London and the University of Hawaii.
