KUCHING – The Sarawak Museum Department hosted a special talk this morning at the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) themed “Interpreting Borneo in Britain and Sarawak.”
The session featured distinguished speakers from the British Museum, namely Dr Jennifer Morris, Borneo Research Fellow and Henry Ginsburg Curator for Southeast Asia, and Dr Alexandra Green, S.P. Shaw Curator for Southeast Asia.
Both scholars shared insights on how Borneo’s cultural heritage is researched, preserved and interpreted in Britain, while also highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts with Sarawak.
The discussion explored the richness of Borneo’s diverse traditions and material culture, stressing the importance of cross-cultural dialogue between institutions in Southeast Asia and Europe.
The speakers elaborated on how artefacts and historical materials from Borneo are presented in British collections, and how these narratives can be strengthened through closer partnerships with local museums and communities.
The talk also highlighted BCM’s role as a hub for cultural exchange, offering Sarawakians the opportunity to engage with international scholarship while reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage.
YB Karim Hamzah, who attended the event, emphasised the value of such collaborations in reinforcing Sarawak’s cultural identity and ensuring its stories are shared on a global platform.
He expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Museum Department for organising the programme, which brought together local and international expertise.
The event forms part of BCM’s ongoing efforts to position Sarawak as a centre for cultural research and education, while fostering stronger ties with global institutions such as the British Museum.
