NUS emeritus professor and renowned archaeologist John Miksic dies at 79
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Professor John Miksic died on Oct 25 at the age of 79. He was emeritus professor of South-east Asian studies at the National University of Singapore.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – Renowned archaeologist John Miksic, who was the first to conduct an archaeological dig in Singapore in 1984, died of pneumonia on Oct 25 at the age of 79.
His wife Goh Geok Yian, an associate professor of history at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said he had been battling melanoma, a type of skin cancer, for the past four years.
The couple have no children, but a cat that Dr Miksic loved.
Dr Miksic is survived by two children from his first marriage – Mr Ezra Miksic and Ms Vonya Miksic Eisinger – as well as four grandchildren: Geneva Eisinger, Vienna Eisinger, Elyana Miksic and Seona Miksic.
Other family members include his brother Stephen Miksic, niece Emily Miksic and nephew Jesse Miksic.
Dr Miksic was emeritus professor of South-east Asian studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a senior research fellow at NTU.
He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2023 for his contributions to Singapore.
His fields of research included archaeology, anthropology, historical studies, geology and geophysics.
Dr Goh, who married Dr Miksic in 2018, said her husband loved his work and continued working “even when he was having difficulty writing”.
She added that Dr Miksic also wanted to continue talking to his students despite his illness.
“He was devoted and committed to being an archaeologist and being a scholar,” she said. “I want him to be remembered for what he loved the most.”
His love for archaeology was nurtured during his growing-up years on a farm in the United States, where his grandfather would often find arrowheads of the Native American Iroquois.
He first came to Singapore in 1968 while serving with the Peace Corps in Kedah, Malaysia, and spent some years in Indonesia.
He was later invited to Singapore to conduct the country’s first archaeological test excavation, according to an article on the NUS website. The excavation took place at Fort Canning in 1984.
In 1987, he settled down in Singapore and became one of the foremost experts on its history.
In a Facebook post on Oct 31, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong called Dr Miksic “a seminal figure in the field of archaeology in South-east Asia”.
Mr Lee added that Dr Miksic “inspired generations of scholars and students to delve into the history and cultures of ancient South-east Asia”.
He said: “My deepest condolences to Dr Miksic’s family and his loved ones. He will be remembered for his enduring contributions to the study of Singapore’s history and heritage.”
In a social media post on Oct 25, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo said Dr Miksic was a “towering figure in the field” and “shaped our understanding of pre-colonial Singapore and South-east Asia”.
Referring to Dr Miksic’s archaeological excavation at Fort Canning Hill, Mr Neo added: “His discoveries led us to revise our secondary school history curriculum.
“His passion and belief will continue to guide and inspire for generations to come.”
Dr Miksic was also involved in other archaeological excavations after that, which revealed more about Singapore hundreds of years before Sir Stamford Raffles set foot on the island in 1819.
National Heritage Board (NHB) chief executive Chang Hwee Nee said Dr Miksic has “left an indelible mark on Singapore’s heritage landscape”.
“His work laid the foundations for Singaporeans to appreciate Singapore’s early history and connections to the region,” she said in a statement.
“Artefacts uncovered from his excavations are featured in our museums, heritage institutions, universities and public parks. NHB is committed to honouring Professor Miksic’s legacy and will continue efforts to strengthen outreach and public education on archaeology in Singapore.”
His extensive fieldwork also extended across the region and included major excavations at the world-renowned Borobudur in Indonesia and Angkor in Cambodia.
Dr Miksic was the first head of the archaeology unit at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s Temasek History Research Centre, from 2011 to 2014.
In 2018, he became the first person to win the NUS Singapore History Prize
Dr Miksic won the prize for his book, Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800.
The book, based on archaeological evidence, examines Singapore’s pre-colonial history in the larger Asian context.
Dr Miksic and Dr Goh, along with fellow historian and archaeologist Kwa Chong Guan, were consulted on the design of the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery, which opened in 2022
Mr Kwa, who is chairman of NHB’s Archaeological Advisory Panel and senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU, had been friends with Dr Miksic since 1970.
He told The Straits Times that Dr Miksic’s “systematic and careful excavations on and around Fort Canning” recovered a treasure trove of 14th-century artefacts, which made “14th-century Temasek the best archaeologically documented port-settlement in the Straits of Melaka”.
He added: “John Miksic has helped make archaeology a central programme in our efforts to preserve our heritage.”
In a Facebook post, educator Durairajoo T. paid tribute to Dr Miksic, saying his life was “forever changed by (Dr Miksic’s) guidance, expertise, and generosity”.
“His passion for archaeology was contagious, and his vast knowledge inspired me to pursue a career teaching history,” Dr Durairajoo wrote.
“Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Miksic was a kind and supportive mentor, always willing to lend a helping hand. His love for archaeology was matched only by his love for sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, including mine.”
NUS’ South-east Asian Studies department head Vatthana Pholsena highlighted Dr Miksic’s contributions in a tribute on the university’s website.
“Dr Miksic’s courses on archaeology, art, history and cultural resource management, as well as his supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research, educated generations of historians and archaeologists and inspired many students to take up the study of ancient Southeast Asia,” she wrote.
“He was a beloved teacher, admired for his generosity, kindness and vast knowledge. He will be deeply missed by his students and colleagues.”
Dr Miksic’s wake is being held at the multipurpose hall at Block 660E Jurong West Street 64.
The funeral service will take place on Oct 29, before the cremation at Mandai Crematorium on the same day.
A memorial service is also being planned in his home town of Canadice, New York, in the summer of 2026, according to his daughter Vonya.
