Changing Worlds #25 — Dr Azhar Ibrahim

Topic: Singapura from the Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu) Challenges What We Know
Speaker: Dr Azhar Ibrahim
Date: Tuesday, 20th August 2019
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Venue: The Agora, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

During this presentation, the discussion will revolve around the Singapura episodes within Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), considered one of the most esteemed Malay literary-historical texts on record. This portion of history has been a point of contention among Malay scholars, as it has led to various historical assertions and claims, linking Singapura’s past to Malay indigeneity and significance. This holds particular importance since contemporary dominant narratives of Singapore’s history have rarely emphasized or recognized Sejarah Melayu’s interpretation of our historical past and memories.

In the present day, with an increasing emphasis on Singapore’s history predating the establishment of the city in 1819, Sejarah Melayu becomes a vital source, among others, aiding historians in reevaluating and constructing a more accurate historical narrative.

Exploring the means and extent to which this can be achieved forms an engaging topic for discussion and evaluation, offering fresh insights into Singapore’s pre-colonial history.

Speaker:
Dr Azhar Ibrahim serves as the Head of the Department of Malay Studies at the National University of Singapore. His research interests span religion and society, deviance and social control, and sensory studies.