Sarawak Series 6

Organized by Badan Warisan Malaysia.

Live Webinar Details
Date: Thursday, 7 July 2022
Time: 5:00 PM (Kuala Lumpur, GMT+8)
Topic: Sarawak’s Endangered Heritage
Speaker: James Yong
Moderator: Puan Sri Elizabeth Moggie
Venue: Virtual – Zoom Webinar
Free Admission

About The Talk

Heritage has been described as: what we have inherited from our predecessors, to value and enjoy in the present, and to safeguard and pass on to future generations. This talk will explore some of Sarawak’s key heritage assets – tangible, intangible and natural. From historical and cultural sites to the natural wonders of Sarawak’s mountains and rivers, James will explain the values ascribed to them, from many different perspectives and what makes Sarawak special. Globally and locally, it has been observed how heritage can contribute to economic and social development – through tourism, promotion of culture, arts and crafts, and re-energising communities and places.

Through examples and extrapolation, this talk will provide us with the status of heritage management in Sarawak, highlighting present and future threats. There will be an outline of the dangers ahead if action is not taken to preserve these assets and the importance and collective responsibility it is to defend and ensure the conservation and safeguarding of Sarawak’s heritage. Only when government, private sector and the local community work together, can the nation achieve sustainable heritage management.

James will also deliberate on the Sarawak Heritage Society’s vision for the future and how we can all play a role.

About The Speaker

James S L Yong is currently President of the Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS). SHS is a non-government, non-partisan and non-profit organisation, focused on raising awareness of Sarawak’s heritage and advocating for its sustainable conservation and safeguarding. James is a member of the Sarawak Heritage Council, which was formed to advise the Government on matters of policy, strategy or plan of action relating to the administration and management of heritage and conservation areas in Sarawak. He is presently researching for a book on the history of Padungan, an important heritage area in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. He also facilitates a UNESCO Masterclass on heritage site management. His FB group “Kuching – Then and Now” has more than 25,000 members. He is an advocate for sustainable heritage management, animal rights and Sarawak history education.

When not working on heritage matters, James Yong runs JYGlobal Associates, an independent consulting outfit which focuses on strategy, tech management, business models and process streamlining for organisations. Prior to this, he spent a decade in Cisco Systems (USA), as Director, Public Sector Programs (ASEAN). He oversaw Cisco’s transformational and strategic accounts. His corporate experience also includes stints in HP, Shell, Cap Gemini and SingTel Group. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Business Systems Analysis & Design, both from the City University, London, UK. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Accounting & Finance and has attended executive programs at Harvard Kennedy School of Government and London Business School.

About The Moderator

Puan Sri Datin Amar Elizabeth Moggie was born and educated in New Zealand. She has a B.A. degree in History and Political Science from University of Auckland. She was a History and English teacher at St. Joseph’s Boys’ Secondary School in Kuching, Sarawak in 1968-1976.

She is married to Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, former Member of Parliament for Kanowit and Federal Cabinet member. They have five children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Her main interests are 20th Century Malaysian history, particularly the World War Two period and its aftermath; the history of Sarawak; and the conservation and preservation of Malaysia’s built heritage. She also enjoys classical music, art and craft appreciation, reading and walking. 

Puan Sri Elizabeth is a Life Member of Badan Warisan Malaysia, member of Malayan Volunteers Group, member of Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, and is a supporter of the Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.