An official history of Malaysia almost always begins with a geographical point on the Malay Peninsula. This version of history could begin with the discovery of the oldest human skeleton (dated c. 8000 BCE) in Lenggong, Perak; the Terengganu Inscription Stone (dated c. 1303 CE) in Kuala Berang, Trengganu; or the founding of Malacca (1400 CE). National historical narratives that use these geographical data points are more than just a retelling of facts; they involve active choices made by the narrators themselves.
At Imagined Malaysia, we made the choice to probe the story from a different point altogether. We invite you to think: What would Malaysia’s past look like if our story begins neither with the Malay Peninsula, nor the Malay archipelago?
In the first half of 2025, two early career historians, Loong and Allan, will lead the public history campaign, ‘Malaysia Unbound’, to promote Malaysia’s history beyond national and regional boundaries. The campaign highlights and transcends frameworks of nation and state, which have dominated, coloured and structured the understanding and writing of our past. We want to empower you, the everyday Malaysian, to embrace your history of mobility as part and parcel of our collective history.
A crucial part of the campaign is the following interactive map, which shows the intertwined histories of Malaysia with other parts of the world. Take yourself on a transregional adventure through the following snapshot!
Program
Coming soon: Virtual Public Talks!
Have your history told!
Imagined Malaysia has always been an advocate for writing history from below. Thus, ‘Malaysia Unbound’ is envisioned as a platform to provide the Malaysian public with opportunities to actively involve themselves in rethinking and rewriting the country’s past. We want to write not only about the public, but also write with the public. We are thus open to using new historical sources (textual, visual, oral etc.), no matter how unconventional they may seem. If you’re interested in contributing any personal, family, or organisational histories to the project, please reach out to our team below.
Core Team
Loong Dien Min, MPhil (Cantab), President of Imagined Malaysia. Reach her at loong@imagined.my
Allan Pang, PhD (Cantab), Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Bristol. Reach him at allan.pang@bristol.ac.uk
Dennis Ong, MA (UM). Reach him at dennis@imagined.my
Guest Contributors
[To be updated on 19th February 2025, with the publication of our first guest contribution]
Collaborating Partners
Malaysia Design Archive (MDA)