Latest Event Updates
Welcome to the official website of Badan Warisan Malaysia!
Welcome to the official website of Badan Warisan Malaysia!
Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) 198301009532 (104789-A) is the leading national heritage NGO established in 1983, as an independent registered charity. BWM works to raise awareness of heritage issues and advocate for a conservation-friendly environment in Malaysia.
In this website, you will see updates on membership, events, news, volunteer opportunities, photos, and the fun and exciting activities we have planned for the months ahead.
More information is available from the menu or navigation bar.
Alternatively, explore by clicking on any of the buttons below or scroll down for the latest post updates on this webpage.
EXPLORE BY CLICKING THE BUTTONS BELOW
Exhibition Space @ No. 2 Stonor
.
Great news for any artists/artisans/illustrators who are looking for a space to exhibit your artworks!
The newly renovated space within our heritage Centre is located in a prime area of the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, with a large parking area, and is just a 2-minute walk from the MRT Conlay Station.
Kindly submit your proposal to heritage@badanwarisan.org.my or contact us for more details.
360° Virtual Tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
Behind the scenes: the video shooting for the Rumah Penghulu Virtual Tour.
Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is proud to launch the 360° Virtual Tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, made possible by funding from Yayasan Sime Darby. We are very grateful for this kind support that enabled us to document and preserve our Heritage Asset as well as share this lovely traditional timber Malay house with people from all walks of life around Malaysia and the world.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ekuiti Nasional Berhad for sponsoring the restoration and repair programme of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman for the year 2022.
The virtual tour project began in early June this year and was completed in early December 2022. We aim to engage with our potential future visitors – both local and international – by bringing part of the traditional Malay house’s vernacular architectural and cultural experience into the comfort of their home, digitally. The virtual tour will allow visitors to experience a self-guided tour of our Rumah Penghulu and access information on selected display items.
With the official launch of this virtual tour, we hope to educate on items of architectural and cultural significance, the importance of a traditional Malay house as well as increase awareness and appreciation for Malaysian heritage.
Click to the link HERE to experience the virtual tour of the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman.
Click HERE to watch a video of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, located at Badan Warisan Malaysia’s headquarters at No. 2 Jalan Stonor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Please check our website for visiting hours.
Virtual Tour Tips
- There are two (2) language options – English and Bahasa Malaysia – for the tour narration. You may choose the language at the start of the tour.
- Click on the white arrow to navigate around the house and move your cursor around to explore the 360° views of the house and each section.
- Look for the ‘i’ icon in red for more information on selected display items.
Preloved Clothes Fair
.
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at our Preloved Clothes Fair.
Join us on Friday & Saturday, 16–17 January 2026, from 10.00am to 5.00pm at the Badan Warisan Heritage Centre.
Discover quality pre-loved clothing while supporting Badan Warisan Malaysia’s work in heritage conservation.
Entry: RM10 (free for children below 12 years old)
#preloved #handpicked #thrifting
2025 Season’s Greetings
As we approach the end of the year, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank our members, donors, volunteers, and friends for your continued support throughout 2025. Your encouragement and commitment play an important role in sustaining our work in heritage advocacy and conservation.
Please note that our Heritage Centre will be closed during the year-end break. We look forward to welcoming you again in the new year.
Season’s greetings and best wishes for the year ahead. Terima Kasih for your continued support!
BWM Talk Series : Reincarnation of Johor Bahru Prison
.
Organised by Badan Warisan Malaysia
Session 1: Identity Reinterpretation of Johor Bahru Prison as a Difficult Heritage Site
Session 2: The Journey of KotaJail
Date : 24 January 2026 (Saturday)
Time : 10.30am
Location : Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee: RM20 per person (non-members), Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register.
About the Talk
“Difficult heritage” refers to sites or buildings that are challenging to preserve due to their complex cultural, social, and historical significance, or the sensitive issues they represent. These sites often involve polarizing themes with negative connotations that can spark public debate and opposition, especially when they relate to trauma, death, war, or tragedy.
A prominent example of “difficult heritage” in the Malaysian context is the Johor Bahru Prison, built in 1883. The site has witnessed the development of the modern Johor administration, the World Wars, the Japanese Occupation, the formation of Malaya, post-independence eras, and eventually its closure in 2005. In the case of difficult heritage buildings specifically, demolition has often been seen as the easiest option, as places associated with national or communal trauma can be distressing and are sometimes perceived as things better forgotten.
Through these two consecutive talk sessions, Muhammad Khusairi will invite the audience to explore the thought processes, philosophical concepts, conflicting opinions, and global perspectives surrounding how “difficult heritage” is often overlooked and gradually forgotten. Together with Zul Abas, they will share the journey of transforming the abandoned Johor Bahru Prison into what is now known as KotaJail, Johor Bahru’s first heritage prison.
About the Speakers
Muhammad Khusairi is a practicing architect and a PhD researcher in the built environment, specializing in heritage and conservation. His interest in the concept of “difficult heritage” began during his Master’s research at Universiti Malaya in 2022, where he explored sustainable adaptive reuse strategies for such heritage sites, using the then-abandoned Johor Bahru Prison as his case study. In early 2025, through mutual acquaintances, Muhammad Khusairi connected with Zul Abas, a former power plant engineer who has been running a creative agency under the JOHO brand in Johor Bahru since 2009, focusing on Johor’s potential in art, creativity, and tourism. Sharing a common vision for heritage preservation, they began collaborating to rethink the future of Johor Bahru Prison, now known as KotaJail. Their collaboration aims to shape a thoughtful direction for the conservation of the prison complex, ensuring its historical identity is preserved while embracing meaningful, community-driven reuse.
BWM Talk Series : Folklore Lives: The Soul, Story, and Spirit of Our People by Ninot Aziz
.
Organised by Badan Warisan Malaysia
Date : 10 January 2026 (Saturday)
Time : 10.30 am
Location : Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee: RM20 per person (non-members), Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register.
About the Talk
In a time of rapid change, folklore stands as the living memory of a people — holding within it the soul of the Malays, the Kadazan, the Iban, and all indigenous voices of Malaysia. These are not mere tales from the past, but vessels of priceless, untapped knowledge — rich with cultural identity, ancestral wisdom, and values that shaped our land.
This talk explores why oral traditions must be honoured and safeguarded, not only as cultural artefacts but as living legacies vital to Malaysia’s dignity, diversity, and future.
About the Speaker
Ninot Aziz is a Malaysian award winning author, poet, and cultural advocate celebrated as Srikandi Kesusasteraan or the Hikayat Lady for reviving Malay legends and oral traditions. With over 50 titles penned, the Hikayat Fandom Founder and President of PERSALINA is renowned for her international collaboration. With works translated to Italian, German and more recently Persian, her poetry and book DRAGONLORE, part of NASA’s Lunar Codex, now rests on the Moon – a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Malay world.
The Official Launch of Heritage Kampung Garden in the City
.
On 30 November 2025, we shared a meaningful morning at the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman as Badan Warisan Malaysia officially launched the Heritage Kampung Garden in the City. Officiated by the YBrs Puan Hanum Ain Binti Zainal, Director, Project Implementation & Building Maintenance Department, DBKL. The event highlighted the transformation of this hidden heritage gem into a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of KLCC.
Badan Warisan Malaysia extends our warmest appreciation to SLB as a Legacy Sponsor. Their commitment to the environment supported the development of our production garden around our Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, strengthening the revitalized larger heritage garden’s biodiversity and long-term sustainability. A special thank you also to Inchscape, our landscape architect and Legacy Sponsor, whose creativity shaped every path, planting layer and viewpoint in the Heritage Kampung Garden in the City. Inch Lim’s thoughtful design has transformed the grounds of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman into a calm and peaceful, inviting space that feels both traditional and contemporary. Finally, we appreciate the support of Yayasan Hasanah, our Eco Sponsor, whose support enabled us to kickstart our journey to develop the Heritage Kampung Garden in the City.
The newly revitalised garden that surrounds the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman at No. 2 Jalan Stonor is now officially open! Complete with colourful plantings, a tiered pond and bridge, and a production garden of traditional medicinal plants, this garden not only enriches the site’s heritage value, but also supports BWM’s cultural and educational outreach. Free to visit during BWM’s operating hours, the garden invites everyone to explore, learn, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind green space in central KL.
Visitors may also plan their visit to coincide with our guided tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, available daily at 11.00am and 3.00pm. Guided tours are complimentary for Badan Warisan Malaysia members, as well as members of National Trusts within the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) network. Click HERE for more information on the INTO Places Scheme.
#INTOPlaces
Council 2026
We are pleased to have held our 42nd Annual General Meeting today, 6 December 2025.
We are delighted to have Rob Morris re-elected as our Honorary Treasurer and Datuk TPr. Ismail Ibrahim re-elected as Council Member.
This year, we bid farewell and extend our heartfelt thanks to our retiring Council Members – Ar. Anand Krishnan, Habsah Abang Saufi, Johan Razak, and Datin TPr. Noraida Saludin. We also express our deep appreciation to our long-standing Vice President, Dato’ Zahim Albakri. We thank them for their dedication and support throughout their tenure, which strengthened our organisation and mission.
Thank you to all who attended, we’re happy to enjoy another opportunity to catch up and reconnect.
As we move forward, we remain committed to champion built heritage, fostering awareness, increasing our education efforts and outreach on heritage so that our architectural legacy continues to inspire future generations.
.
BWM Christmas Fair 2025
.
Get into the festive spirit with our annual BWM Christmas Fair! Celebrating its fifth year, this much-loved fundraising event is back with charming holiday surprises and heartwarming community vibes. Discover delightful seasonal edibles & treats, browse unique creations from local artisans, and enjoy fun games suitable for all ages, perfect for a cheerful day out with family and friends.
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Time: 10am – 5pm
Venue: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Entry: RM10 per person (#ShopForACause)
BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA: 42nd AGM ON 6 DECEMBER 2025, 10AM
To All Voting Members of Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM),
1) NOTICE FOR BWM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM):
Badan Warisan Malaysia 42nd AGM 2025
Date : Saturday, 6 December 2025
Time : 10am
BWM AGM will be held at the Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur.
2) Council Members Retiring
In accordance with Article 35, one half of all Council members retire annually. They are:
- Dato’ Zahim S. Albakri Bin Ikmal Hisham Hariri, Vice President
- Robert Armor Morris, Honorary Treasurer
- Anand Krishnan, Council Member
- Habsah Abang Saufi, Council Member
- Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Council Member
- Johan Ariffen Razak, Council Member
- Datin Noraida Saludin, Council Member
3) Nomination Form for Candidates on Council
If you wish to nominate any candidate to serve on the Council, please use the attached Nomination Form. The candidate can be a member of BWM or a non-member.
Reminder: A Council Member is also a Company Director; documentation and compliance with relevant regulations will be required.
The form must be completed and signed by a proposer & a seconder (both of whom must be BWM members) and also signed by the nominee indicating his/her agreement to stand for election.
In order to be included in the Notice for the Annual General Meeting that will be held at 10.00am on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the completed form must be received by the office of Badan Warisan Malaysia at No. 2 Jalan Stonor Kuala Lumpur, or by email to membership@badanwarisan.org.my no later than 5.00pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
Thank you.
Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim
Honorary Secretary
Badan Warisan Malaysia
198301009532 (104789-A) (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
No. 2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Office Tel: +60 3 2144 9273
Email: heritage@badanwarisan.org.my
Website: http://www.badanwarisanmalaysia.org
‘Muzik Rakyat – Melaka Edition’ by Kugiran Baba Melaka
.
Organised by Badan Warisan Malaysia
Date : 8 November 2025
Time : 2.30 pm
Location : Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee : RM20 per person (non-members), Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register.
About the Event
Kugiran Baba Melaka is a multi-ethnic group of Baba, Portuguese, Malay, and Chetti musicians showcasing music of the diverse communities in Melaka. Performing traditional genres such as Joget, Dondang Sayang, Ronggeng, and Keroncong, interspersed with explanations of the different forms as well. Audiences are invited to interact with us by dancing and singing along!
About the Band
Kugiran Baba Melaka comprises Baba Daniel Ang (guitar), Senhor Martin Theseira (ukulele), Baba Victor Yeo (percussion), Along Asraf Tan (vocals), and Cassel Krishnan (violin). Between the five, they display more than a century of unique Melakan musical heritage from Malay, Baba Nyonya, Portuguese, and Indian influences.
BWM Talk Series: Stilt Houses — The Floating World of Kampung Baru by Leon Leong
.
Organised by Badan Warisan Malaysia
Date: 15 November 2025
Time: 10.30 am
Location: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee: RM30 per person (non-members), Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register.
About the Talk
Stilt Houses—The Floating World of Kampung Baru is an art project by Leon Leong that chronicles Kampung Baru’s history and the momentous changes it faces at this critical juncture. The work traces how lived environments are altered over time—by policy, by people, and by survival—offering visual meditations on how communities adapt, rebuild and remember. In the talk, Leong will share about the making of the series, and also his investigations into the informal architecture in Kampung Baru and the evolving nature of shelter.
About the Speaker:
Leon Leong is a Malaysian artist and author whose work bridges built environment and human histories. He has exhibited widely, with notable presentations at Ilham Gallery, the Kuala Lumpur Biennale, the Tashkent International Biennial, and was featured in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 20/20 Forum. His literary work, including Beautiful Things (2006), has garnered acclaim across Asia
© 2025 BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA. All rights reserved. 