ABOUT US

Established by colonial officials and foreign residents of the Straits Settlements in 1877, the Society has since the 1950s moved away from its imperial origins and become a valued resource for the post-colonial world. Prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, and members of royalty in Malaysia and Brunei have served as patrons, and prominent academics have been members of the MBRAS Council.

COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR
(2025 - 2026)

President

YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi bin Tengku Abdul Hamid

Vice Presidents

Dr Chey Vun Khen
Datin Dr Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian
Dr Paul H. Kratoska
Pehin Dato' Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng
Dr Loh Wei Leng

Councillors

YAM Tunku Zain Al'Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz
Ms Mary Elizabeth Cardosa
Mr Chua Siow Leng
Dr Sandra Khor Manickam
Dr Helen Ting Mu Hung

Hon. Secretary

Prof Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken

Hon. Treasurer

Dato' Henry Sackville Barlow

Hon. Editor (JMBRAS)

Dr Helen Ting Mu Hung

Associate Editor (JMBRAS)

Dr Sandra Khor Manickam

Hon. Editor (Monographs and Reprints)

Dr Paul H. Kratoska

In 1878 the newly established Society began publishing the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. It became the journal of the “Malayan Branch” in 1923, and of the “Malaysian Branch” in 1964. In December 2023, JMBRAS published its 325th issue. Past issues, going back to 1878, are a rich source of information on the Malay Peninsula and surrounding areas, and are available on JSTOR. See Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society | JSTOR.

Membership in the Society is open to anyone with an interest in the peoples and cultures of the region. Members receive copies of the journal, special offers for the purchase of the Society’s other publications, notices of talks, and invitations to participate in events organized by the Society. For a Membership Application Form, please see the Quick Links section in the footer of this page.

From the beginning, the Society has operated as an independent organisation, managing its affairs and controlling its finances and editorial policy. Although nominally affiliated with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (R.A.S.), it is completely autonomous. MBRAS members can use the library of R.A.S. and attend its meetings when in London.

IN MEMORIAM

This section recognizes recently deceased former office holders and life members of the Society. Please click on an image to see the write-up for the individual.