This eulogy honours the life of an extraordinary graphic artist and dear friend, Nor Azam Ahmad.
As we reflect on his journey and the profound impact he had on all of us, we are met with a deep sense of loss, but also immense gratitude for the beauty, inspiration, and joy he brought into our lives through his art and his presence.
Azam’s passing on March 23 stirred an outpouring of admiration and heartfelt tributes from those who knew him, a testament to the depth of his character and the kindness he radiated.
Throughout the past two decades, Azam has left his mark in several media agencies, including The Petri Dish.
Former Managing Editor of theSun, Chong Cheng Hai, shared these words about the unassuming artist: “He was the hardest-working layout designer I ever worked with in the Sun and Focus Malaysia. I know that he also took on other jobs.”
“Such sad news. Azam was easy to work with and truly exceptional at his craft,” echoed a former colleague, N. Shasshi Kala, from the Sun. Associate Editor,
Rash Behari Bhattacharjee added, “A lovely personality—always caring, absolutely wonderful as a colleague. No tantrums, a top-notch designer. Farewell, comrade. You live on in our hearts.”
The Petri Dish Editor-In-Chief, Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan, has this to say: “With deep sadness, we bid farewell to Azam, our brilliant designer and an integral part of The Petri Dish since its inception in 2011.
“Azam was more than just a designer—he was a visionary. His artistic touch brought life to our pages, giving our newspaper fresh facelifts time and again while seamlessly adapting to the new era of virtual collaboration.
His creativity knew no bounds, and his dedication to our not-for-profit cause was truly rare. He never sought recognition; instead, he worked out of passion for science communication, leaving an indelible mark that will forever be felt in our work.
“His untimely passing is an immeasurable loss, but his legacy lives on in every edition of The Petri Dish that he so artfully shaped. Rest in peace, Azam. Your work, your spirit, and your unwavering dedication will always be remembered.
As for me, I had the privilege of working alongside Azam for 12 years at theSun and another 13 years with him after The Petri Dish began its journey, right up until the day before he passed away.
Twenty-five years of collaboration, creativity, and unwavering dedication. His presence was a constant, his talent unmatched, and his friendship a gift I will cherish forever.
“Those who had the privilege of witnessing his craft knew that when Azam’s magic fingers hit the keyboard, creativity flourished. His innate ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary was nothing short of remarkable.
“His artistry was more than a display of skill—it was a profound reflection of his soul, with a message woven into every piece he created, resonating deeply with all who experienced it.
“Hand him a plain text, and he would transform both words and graphics into a magnum opus.”
“I once heard an amusing anecdote about a professor at Nanyang University in Singapore. Deeply engrossed in a copy of The Petri Dish, he excitedly discussed its fresh and engaging approach to science news with a colleague who had just entered his office.
“Curious, he asked, ‘Since when did Singapore start publishing a science newspaper?’ When he learned that The Petri Dish was, in fact, a Malaysian publication, he was so astonished that he nearly fell off his chair!”
“As such was Azam’s captivating and chic artwork – effortlessly drawing in readers, elevating content, and leaving an indelible mark on every page he touched”.
“Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we also carry immense gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind — the beauty he crafted, the inspiration he ignited, and the professionalism he upheld.”
Our dear friend Azam … the pages will turn, the presses will roll, but without you, the newsroom will never feel the same. May your soul be counted among Allah’s most favoured saints, as your artistry continues to live on in our hearts.
