International Workshop on the Malay Diaspora

Date: 29-31 March 2007
Location: NUS, Singapore

• Co-organizers: A/P Hussin Mutalib & A/P Tim Bunnell

Globalization and the desirability of multi-disciplinary research have seen a rekindling of serious interest by quite a few universities and institutes on diaspora studies in many parts of the globe. Thus far, Singapore has taken the initiative in producing the Encyclopedia of Chinese Overseas and Encyclopedia of the Indian Diaspora, both of which have received positive response. It is time to complete this initiative by focussing our attention to the dispersed ethnic Malays in many parts of the world.

Hence, this International Workshop, which will deliberate on conceptual, definitional, geographical and other pertinent issues of import to an understanding of the ways and means by which 'Malays' live in different parts of the world.

More than 15 scholars from overseas have confirmed their participation in this "by invitation" only workshop. Another 15 or so places are reserved for NUS-based scholars whose expertise will be tapped to complement the Papers and other views from the invited scholars.

This workshop is only the beginning of what is envisaged to be a long process of further deliberations, research and study that, with adequate scholastic support and funding, would hopefully lead to the serious task of producing the Encyclopedia.

Among the issues to be discussed in the workshop include:

• Coming to terms with defining the 'Malays' and 'Malay diaspora'.
• Locating the Malay diasporas in the Malay World of Southeast Asia and beyond - to places such as South Africa, Yunan, Madagascar, Cocos Islands, the Arabian heartland, Europe and the Americas.
• Taking a closer look at the Chinese and Indian Encyclopedias to see their applicability to this proposed Malay Encyclopedia.
• Sharing existing studies and slides about Malays in different countries.
• Sharing views and expertise about the best ways of producing the Malay Encyclopedia - from content, scope and approach, to funding sources, to editorial and consultancy matters.
• Discussing possibilities of joint sponsorship of the Encyclopedia with reputable academic institutions

REGISTRATION

As this workshop is only open to invited guests, please RSVP by 21 March 2007 to Ms Sin Harng Luh at email:  fasshl@nus.edu.sg indicating your name, email, designation, organisation/affiliation and contact number.