Browse Items (93 total)

Raffles was awarded the Order of the Golden Sword by the Sultan of Palembang as a gesture of honor and diplomacy. The award symbolized mutual respect and recognition between Raffles and local rulers during his efforts to expand British influence in…

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Tall Tales from Terengganu II presents a collection of local stories and legends from Terengganu, capturing the region's rich oral traditions and cultural heritage. These tales, passed down through generations, reflect the values, beliefs, and…

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Munshi Abdullah’s Arab teachers had a strong influence on his education and thinking, especially in the areas of religion, language, and literature. Through them, he gained a deep understanding of Arabic and Islamic teachings, which shaped his later…

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Sir Stamford Raffles had a deep interest in natural history and played a key role in promoting its study across Penang, Singapore, and Indonesia. He supported the collection and documentation of local plants, animals, and geological features, often…

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The Kedah succession crisis from 1879 to 1882 involved disputes over the rightful heir to the throne after the death of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. Competing claims led to political tension and intervention by neighboring powers like Siam…

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Karayuki-san were Japanese women who came to Singapore between 1877 and 1941, often working as migrant workers or in the sex trade. Their stories reveal the hardships they faced, as well as how they adapted to life far from home. Their presence…

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Elephants and water played important symbolic and practical roles in seventeenth-century Acheh’s feasting ceremonies. Elephants were a sign of power and status, often featured in grand celebrations, while water rituals helped bless and purify events.…

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David Sherman Bassett, aged 85, passed away on September 13, 2024, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. Born on July 9, 1939, in Massachusetts, he was a devoted member of Ardmore Baptist Church and actively volunteered at the Shriner Hospital and…

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Anglo-Kedah relations between 1688 and 1765 were shaped by trade interests, diplomacy, and shifting regional power. The English East India Company sought access to Kedah’s resources and strategic ports, while Kedah’s rulers tried to balance foreign…

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W. W. Skeat is remembered for his major contributions to the study of Malayan ethnography, particularly through his detailed observations of local customs, beliefs, and social structures. His work combined careful field research with a deep respect…

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At the turn of the 20th century, Patani was viewed by many in Malaya as a culturally rich but politically troubled region under growing Siamese control. Malay observers saw the decline of Patani’s autonomy with concern, as it affected their shared…

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Jawi literature in Patani has played a key role in preserving Islamic teachings and cultural identity in the region. Through religious texts, poetry, and legal writings in the Jawi script, local scholars maintained a strong connection to Islamic…

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Abd al-Ra’ūf’s Tarjumān al-Mustafīd, a Malay tafsir (Qur'anic commentary), draws heavily from earlier Arabic sources, particularly the works of al-Baydawi and al-Khazin. By adapting these texts into Malay, Abd al-Ra’ūf made Islamic teachings more…

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The Chewong, also known as Siwong, are a small indigenous group in Peninsular Malaysia with unique beliefs, especially about nature and the spirit world. Their way of life is deeply tied to the forest, with customs that emphasize harmony, sharing,…

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The London Missionary Society kept detailed records of its work in spreading Christianity, especially through education and printing. Its missionaries played a key role in producing religious texts and school materials in local languages across Asia.…

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Penghulus in Perak and Selangor once held important roles as local leaders, responsible for maintaining order, settling disputes, and managing village affairs. Over time, their influence declined due to colonial restructuring, the rise of modern…

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Sir Arthur Young played a key role in shaping policies toward the Chinese community in Malaya and the Straits Settlements during the early 20th century. He focused on maintaining order and controlling secret societies, often using strict surveillance…

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During Rama II’s reign, a Malay mission traveled to Bangkok aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and negotiate political matters. The mission highlighted the close but sometimes complicated relationship between the Malay states and the Siamese…

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Dutch records from Malacca, dating from 1685 to 1835, are preserved in the India Office Records at the British Library in London. These documents, transferred from Malacca in 1927, include materials from the Orphan Chamber and the Council of Justice,…

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Murray Ross Henderson played a key role in shaping botanical research in Malaya during the early to mid-20th century. Starting as a botanist at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1921, he became curator in 1924 and later served as Director from 1949 to…

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Between 1821 and 1885, Kedah faced a period of turmoil marked by Siamese invasion, the Sultan’s exile, and efforts to regain the throne. The struggle involved political negotiations, shifting alliances, and local resistance. Despite setbacks, the…

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Succession in the Perak Sultanate follows a unique and complex system based on seniority and rotating titles among royal family members. Rather than direct inheritance from father to son, the system promotes individuals through a ranked structure,…

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Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan of Brunei, also known as the King of Boni, died in 1408 while visiting the Ming court in Nanjing. Honoring his wish to be buried in China, the Yongle Emperor arranged a royal funeral and had him interred at Shizi Hill, just…

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Pakpak Batak communities in North Sumatra have been navigating cultural shifts influenced by modernization, migration, and changing religious identities. While many still uphold traditional customs and social structures, younger generations are…

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The Hervey Malay Collection at the Wellcome Institute holds a wide range of materials on Malay culture, gathered by D.F.A. Hervey in the early 20th century. It includes manuscripts, dictionaries, and notes on customs and medicinal plants from regions…

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German travel books from the 17th and 18th centuries offer valuable insights into how Europeans viewed the East, including Southeast Asia. These writings reflect curiosity, misunderstandings, and sometimes admiration for local cultures, while also…

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A power struggle between Governor Guillemard and Chief Secretary Maxwell shaped British Malaya's administration between 1921 and 1925. The conflict was marked by clashing views on governance, leadership style, and control over policy decisions. Their…

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Trade and politics in the western part of the Malay Archipelago are explored during the early European arrival. The article shows how local rulers managed commerce, alliances, and rivalries, balancing traditional practices with new pressures from…

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The article looks at a legal issue in Jelebu involving Adat Perpateh, a matrilineal custom practiced by the Minangkabau. It highlights the tension between traditional adat laws and modern legal systems, showing how local customs still play a strong…

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A fresh reconstruction of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace in Malacca offers new insights into Malay royal architecture and historical design. Based on archaeological findings and historical records, the study gives a clearer picture of the palace’s…

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Rawa and Rinchi are explored as distinct ethnic groups with unique cultural traits, languages, and histories. The note provides more details about their origins, migration patterns, and traditional customs, showing how they have maintained their…

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The excavation at Kampong Ipoh in Negeri Sembilan uncovered a row of ancient megalithic stones, giving insight into prehistoric rituals and community life in the area. The findings help us understand the region’s early history and how people used…

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A checklist of English-language fiction linked to Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei is presented, covering works by both local and foreign writers. It serves as a useful guide for those interested in how these countries have been portrayed through…

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Nora Chatri in Kedah is explored as a traditional dance-drama with deep roots in local culture and ritual. The report gives an early look at its performance style, stories, and social role, showing how it remains an important part of Kedah’s cultural…

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This article looks at the Peranakan Chinese community in Northeast Kelantan, showing how they blended Chinese and Malay traditions in daily life. It highlights their unique culture, language, and social roles, as well as how they maintained their…

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This article explores the famous painting of Prince Dipanagara’s capture by Raden Saleh, showing how the artwork reflects both resistance to colonial rule and the artist’s personal perspective. It contrasts with Dutch versions of the event, offering…

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This short piece explains the meaning and use of the word "Kongsi," which refers to Chinese partnerships or associations, especially in Southeast Asia. It highlights how the term was linked to trade, community support, and even self-governing groups…

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This study looks at a Sanskrit inscription written in ancient Brunei script, offering clues about early cultural and religious influences in the region. By decoding the text, the research shows connections between Brunei and wider Indian traditions,…

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Sir Hugh Clifford’s stories paint a picture of Malaya during British colonial times, focusing on village life, local customs, and the relationship between the British and Malays. His writing reflects both admiration and a colonial mindset, giving…

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Chinese writings from the 18th and 19th centuries describe the Malay Peninsula as a place full of trade, different cultures, and natural resources. These accounts show how Chinese travelers and officials viewed the region, focusing on its people,…

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Ahmat Majanu’s tombstone at Pengkalan Kempas is very old and special. It has writing in two scripts which is Jawi and Kawi which shows a mix of Islamic and older local cultures. The tomb belongs to a man named Sheikh Ahmad Majnun, and the writing…

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The Hakkas is about a group of Chinese people called the Hakka. They moved a lot and settled in different places, including Malaysia. The book talks about their hard work, strong spirit, and how they kept their own language and culture. It also shows…

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Sandakan is a town in Sabah, Malaysia. It tells how the town started, grew, and changed over a century or approximately 100 years. Sandakan was important for trade, especially timber, and many people from different places came to live there. The book…

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A special letter was written by a missionary who knew Munshi Abdullah personally. He quoted that Munshi Abdullah was a smart man who loved reading and writing. The letter helps us learn more about his life, thoughts, and how he worked with people…

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The Baba Malay dialect is a special way of speaking used by the Baba Nyonya people, who are part Chinese and part Malay. It mixes Malay, Chinese, and a little bit of English. This dialect started a long time ago when Chinese people came to live in…

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It appeared that there was a conflict between the hospital and the colonial government. The colonial government refused to help the hospital when they were caught in debt despite the hospital serves the colonial needs apart from the poor Chinese…

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Pak Pandir is a literary adaption that first appeared in the Cherita Jenaka in 1908, produced by a Malay writer in the palace tradition. The story has been passed down through generations and became a folklore. There are various version of the story…

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