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
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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.
Meet the Author: Potret Kenangan: Johor’s History through the Lens of Photographs and Memories by Ahmad Fadhli Syed Hassan
Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee: RM20 per person (non-members), Free for BWM members
Click HERE to register!
Programme
9.30am: Registration
10.00am: Opening Speech by Dr. Habibah Ashari, Former 14th Holder of the Tun Abdul Razak Chair, Ohio University
10.15am: Introduction and Talk by Ahmad Fadhli Syed Hassan
10.45am: Q&A session
11.00am: Book signing
11.30am: End of event
About The Book
Potret Kenangan takes the audience on a journey back to one of the most significant occasions in Johor’s history—the celebration of the 82nd birthday of the late Sultan Ibrahim and the Diamond Jubilee marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s reign as the Sultan of Johor on 17 September 1955.
Drawing largely from the author’s personal collection of historical photographs, the book goes beyond presenting images of the past. It brings together photographs, memories, personalities, and historical accounts to reconstruct the atmosphere and significance of this remarkable celebration.
In this talk, the author will share the story behind the making of Potret Kenangan, including the inspiration for the book, the process of researching and identifying historical photographs, and the challenges of transforming visual materials into a meaningful historical narrative.
The talk will also highlight the importance of preserving old photographs and personal collections as valuable historical sources. Ultimately, Potret Kenangan demonstrates how photographs can connect present and future generations with the past while strengthening appreciation for Johor’s Sultanate history, heritage, and identity.
About The Author
Ahmad Fadhli Syed Hassan is an author born in Johor Bahru who currently serves as an Administrative Officer (Publishing) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He is an active writer with a particular interest in the history of the Modern Johor Sultanate, prominent Johor personalities, and the preservation of the state’s historical heritage.
His published works include ‘Almarhum Sultan Ismail Johor 1894–1981’ (2018), which received the 2019 National Book Award for Best General Book (Royal Biography); ‘Taat dan Setia: Almarhum Sultan Ismail Johor dalam Kenangan’ (2020); ‘Sebelum Senja Berlabuh: Kenangan di Johor Bahru’ (2022); ‘Transformasi JPS: Melestari Alam Bercitra Global’ (2022); and ‘Ahmad Perang: Meluru Laju di Rel Waktu’ (2025).
His latest work, Potret Kenangan, continues this endeavour by bringing together historical photographs and narratives surrounding the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the late Sultan Ibrahim of Johor in 1955.
Siri Ceramah BWM: Warisan Pelayaran Melayu: Pencarian Identiti Nakhoda Yang Dilupakan oleh Uthman Zaik & Wan Ainun Radzi
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Mari menyelusuri dunia pelayaran Melayu bersama Uthman Zaik dan Wan Ainun Radzi, dan mengenali semula peranan nakhoda yang bukan sekadar kapten kapal, tetapi juga pemimpin, diplomat perdagangan dan penjaga ilmu maritim. Daripada kemahiran navigasi menggunakan alam kepada adat, etika dan undang-undang laut, warisan nakhoda mencerminkan kehebatan tamadun maritim Nusantara.
Melalui karya Nakhoda, Uthman Zaik dan Wan Ainun Radzi mengangkat kembali kisah dan ilmu pelayaran Melayu yang semakin dilupakan.
Lokasi: Badan Warisan Malaysia, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Tarikh: Sabtu, 5 September 2026
Masa: 10.00 pagi
Bayaran: RM20 | Percuma untuk ahli BWM
Sesi ini akan disampaikan dalam Bahasa Malaysia. Jamuan ringan disediakan.
Pendaftaran: https://forms.gle/X8QmGXw3wxCr2Xrq5
Penceramah:
Uthman Zaik ialah penulis dan penyelidik bebas yang memberi tumpuan kepada perahu dan sejarah pelayaran Melayu. Berasal dari Terengganu, beliau banyak mengkaji warisan maritim tempatan dan meneroka kisah serta identiti nakhoda yang sering terlepas pandang dalam sejarah arus perdana. Beliau merupakan penulis buku Nakhoda: Kepimpinan Dalam Pelayaran.
Wan Ainun Radzi ialah penulis bersama Nakhoda: Kepimpinan Dalam Pelayaran yang menggabungkan sejarah, budaya maritim, kepimpinan dan kerohanian dalam mengetengahkan konsep kepimpinan yang holistik. Beliau juga merupakan Pengasas, Pengarah dan Perunding Utama AINSIGHT RESOURCES PLT, dengan pengalaman luas dalam pembangunan organisasi, kepimpinan dan pembangunan bakat.
EXPLORING THE CITY CENTRE: Uncover the hidden stories beneath and around our city
Special Fundraising Heritage Talk
Organised by Badan Warisan Malaysia
Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 2.30pm
Location: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Fee: RM20 per person
A private heritage sharing session organised for the tour guiding community. All proceeds will support the conservation of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman.
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register!
About The Talk
Discover a different side of Kuala Lumpur’s historic city centre with veteran journalist and author Lam Seng Fatt.
In this engaging talk, Lam will reveal several fascinating “hidden secrets” of the city, including the only surviving Colonial Shield in Kuala Lumpur and the little-known underground power station that once operated beneath the iconic clock tower at Old Market Square. Drawing from years of research and storytelling, he will uncover overlooked landmarks and forgotten stories that continue to shape the city’s rich heritage.
Whether you are a heritage enthusiast, history lover, or simply curious about Kuala Lumpur, this talk offers a unique opportunity to see the city from a fresh perspective.
About The Speaker
Lam Seng Fatt is a veteran journalist with decades of experience in Malaysia’s leading newspapers, including The Malay Mail, New Straits Times, and The Star. He currently writes part-time for The Edge. Lam is the author of four books, the latest being Secret Kuala Lumpur, published by Jonglez Publishing, which explores the city’s hidden history and lesser-known heritage.
BWM Talk Series: The Ocean Remembers by Dr. Nia Deliana
Join us for a talk by Dr. Nia Deliana as she uncovers the forgotten history of seafaring Indian merchants and settlers who helped shape the cultural and commercial landscape of the Indo-Malay Archipelago.
This lecture will explore a vibrant world of maritime connections, cultural exchange, and shared heritage—before colonial rule dismantled these networks and transformed a once-respected identity into a racial slur. Drawing on extensive archival research from across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Türkiye.
Location: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 10.00 AM
Fee: RM20 (non-members) | Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to register!
About The Speaker
Dr Deliana is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Islam International Indonesia, and author of The Ocean Remembers: Indians and the Tide of Empire (2026).
Notice of Conservation Works at Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
A new chapter begins for Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman.
This month marks the start of essential conservation works on one of Kuala Lumpur’s finest examples of Malay vernacular architecture. The first phase focuses on the Rumah Tengah, identified as the area requiring the most immediate attention. The conservation work will officially begin next week and will be undertaken by our appointed contractor in collaboration with JWN-registered conservation architect Ar. Azim A. Aziz of ATSA Architects.
Every aspect of the conservation has been carefully planned to safeguard the house’s authenticity, exceptional craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Using traditional materials and time-honoured building techniques, the work will strengthen and conserve the structure while honouring its original design.
Conserving places like Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is about more than preserving a building. It protects the stories, skills, and architectural traditions that shape Malaysia’s cultural identity, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Follow along as we share progress updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the conservation journey.
While this phase addresses the most urgent priorities, much more remains to be done. You can help secure the future of this remarkable heritage site by supporting our conservation efforts. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to preserving this irreplaceable landmark.
Scan the QR code or click HERE to donate.
BWM Talk Series: Revisiting the Guthrie Dawn Raid by Prof. Nicholas J. White
Malaya (as it was then known) at the time of its independence in 1957 was the world’s largest producer of tin and rubber. However, these industries were mostly foreign (i.e. British) owned. Unlike some developing countries, Malaysia did not seize or nationalise colonial assets by force. Instead, we did it in the most gentlemanly manner possible – we went to the London Stock Exchange to acquire these assets at full market prices!
The Guthrie Dawn Raid in 1981 remains a watershed in Malaysian corporate history. It paved the way for the localisation of and cessation of foreign control in plantation and trading companies which were previously established under colonial rule in Malaya such as Sime Darby, Boustead, Harrisons & Crossfields, Guthrie and many others.
Location: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 4 July 2026
Time: 2.30 PM
Fee: RM20 (non-members) | Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
About The Speaker
Prof Nicholas J. White of Liverpool John Moores University, UK will share fascinating insights from his extensive research and work on this topic. We look forward to seeing you at the talk!
Click HERE to register!
BWM Talk Series: MEDAN PASAR: The Old Market Square of Kuala Lumpur by Robert Powell
How much do we really know about the origins of Medan Pasar?
Join us for a fascinating journey into the history of Medan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur’s historic Old Market Square and once the home of Yap Ah Loy, the 3rd Kapitan China of Kuala Lumpur. Based on his forthcoming book MEDAN PASAR: The Old Market Square of Kuala Lumpur, Robert Powell will explore the people, places, and events that shaped the heart of the city.
The talk will also highlight key moments in the history of Medan Pasar, from early leadership and settlement to architectural developments and ongoing conservation efforts. It reveals how its story reflects the wider history of Kuala Lumpur.
Location: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, No. 2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 27 June 2026
Time: 2.30 PM
Fee: RM20 (non-members) | Free for BWM members
Light refreshments will be served.
About the Speaker:
Robert Powell is an architect, city planner, artist, and writer with over 45 years of experience across Asia and beyond. He has authored and edited more than 40 books and has long been committed to conservation and environmentally responsive architecture. To learn more about his work, visit: www.robertpowell-architect.com.
Click HERE to register!
The Klang Wars by Khoo Salma Nasution
The Klang Wars (1866-1873) were non-communal wars based on multiracial allegiances and business joint ventures in the pursuit of profit.
Nevertheless, thousands of lives were lost in this war, the most consequential civil conflict in the Malay Peninsula in the nineteenth century, and one which changed the course of Malayan history and paved the way for formal British intervention in Malaya.
Do join us to rediscover this explosive chapter of history through the eyes of those who defended early Kuala Lumpur.
Admission is free, Click HERE to register. Limited seats left with limited walk-ins available. Please arrive early, entrance and seating is on a first come first served basis.
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
Sutan Puasa and Abdullah Hukum by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis
Was Sutan Puasa the Founder of Kuala Lumpur? Abdur-Razzaq Lubis will make a case for it and enlighten us about Abdullah Hukum, another pioneer whose name is well known among KL dwellers by virtue of the train station bearing his name.
This talk will examine the intersecting lives of Sutan Puasa and Abdullah Hukum, two pivotal Sumatran migrants who shaped the socio-economic foundations of 19th-century Kuala Lumpur. It will provide a rare, indigenous perspective on the transition from a frontier mining outpost to a colonial capital, highlighting the vital role of Sumatran leadership and infrastructure in the birth of Kuala Lumpur. We look forward to seeing you at this fascinating talk!
Admission is free. Click HERE to register. Limited seats left with limited walk-ins available. Please arrive early, entrance and seating is on a first come first served basis.
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)
Asal Usul Orang Asli Kuala Lumpur oleh Shereen Ajani, Batin Ulang Sipang dan Mahat China
Tahukah anda bahawa antara penduduk terawal di Kuala Lumpur ialah masyarakat Orang Asli Temuan, yang telah lama mendiami kawasan sekitar Jalan Melaka, Bukit Nanas hingga ke kawasan yang kini dikenali sebagai KLCC?
Sertai sesi perkongsian ini untuk menelusuri sejarah awal Orang Asli di Kuala Lumpur melalui riwayat, memori dan kisah yang diwariskan turun-temurun oleh komuniti mereka sendiri. Para penceramah juga akan berkongsi tentang budaya, kesenian, aspirasi serta cabaran masyarakat Orang Asli dalam mempertahankan identiti dan warisan mereka di tengah-tengah arus pembangunan moden.
Sesi ini akan disampaikan dalam Bahasa Malaysia.
Kemasukan adalah percuma. Sila daftar kehadiran anda di SINI. Tempat adalah terhad dan hanya sebilangan kecil tempat disediakan untuk walk-in. Sila hadir awal kerana kemasukan dan tempat duduk adalah berdasarkan siapa cepat, dia dapat.
Tempat: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (MRT terdekat: Conlay)
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