Perspectives on the Past

Their contributions were fundamental to shaping Vietnam’s early modern social, religious, and economic society, but historical scholarship has neglected their experiences for centuries.

Proactive engagement, people-to-people connections, developing mutual trust and respect is essential to protect Perth for the future.

Uncovering transnational and gendered experiences reveals a far richer and more multifaceted picture of Indonesian art and identity.

Why, after such a long hiatus, is underwater cultural heritage is once again being considered as an economic, not an archaeological or historical, resource?

For Indonesia and Australia, the salvage of Perth has put maritime heritage cooperation into the spotlight, prompting greater bilateral engagement.

For better or worse, players and game designers are part of the project of making Southeast Asian history.

A critical reflection on the emergence, dominance and legacy of Java’s historic ‘empire’.

What does world heritage inscription mean in a country where human rights abuses are ongoing?

Ann Ang discusses the historical context, origins and identity of the Straits Chinese.

Medieval artefacts and manuscripts are explored by Alex West to give insight on the deep past of Southeast Asia.

On what translation can tell us about Thai society and its perspectives on its regional neighbours.

Though Austronesians operated in networks of oceanic trading that stretched from Asia to the Mediterranean for thousands of years, both the term and cultural grouping are little known.

Nien Yuan Cheng continues her commentary on how Singapore artists are responding to the Bicentennial.

Part 2 of this 3-part series on the SG Bicentennial explores MY Bridge of Light, a community play sponsored by the official bicentennial fund.

PoP's Cheng Nien Yuan continues her commentary on Singapore's Bicentennial.

Vannessa Hearman on a Dutch exhibition on Bali that "packs a punch".

A proposal to build oil drilling rigs 100 metres from an archaeological site near Si Thep Historical Park jeopardises what may be Thailand's oldest and biggest ancient city.

Perspectives on the Past's LGBTQ+ history month continues with a reflection on queer theory's portability.

To kick off LBGTQ+ history month, Emily Donald looks at lesbian history and women’s sexuality in Thailand.

A despatch from Brisbane, where an eclectic selection of Indonesian works stands out at the APT.

On the the misuse of western historical sources in the search for Suvarnabhumi.

A personal reflection on the importance of academic freedom

On nationalism, religion, archaeology, folklore and pseudo-history.

The idea of finding the El Dorado of Asia is a continuing obsession.