Borneo Perantis
Co-Research Initiative

Borneo Perantis logo © Goethe-Institut Malaysia

Previously known as Borneo Microcosm (2021-2022), Borneo Perantis is a long-term research project initiated by Goethe-Institut Malaysia.

By accessing digital primary sources which is enhanced with AI technology, a team of local and international researchers work together to explore different narratives and interpretations of Borneo's history - providing new insights into how history shapes the culture and identity of its people.

The project plans to share its findings in non-traditional research output with targeted impact groups and communities.

Project Objectives

Investigate the history of Borneo through primary historical records to uncover new information and explore alternative narratives.
Create a collaborative research platform for interdisciplinary exchange and cooperations.
Present the research findings in non-traditional research outputs through the creative and innovative works.
Mainstream the project output through digital and social media.

History Researchers

Also known by his pen name Kumis Kumis, Shari has authored several journals and books on North Borneo's history, including "1788 Sejarah Simbulan" and "300 Years of North Borneo Treaties," and contributes historical articles to local newspapers. As a private collector of North Borneo artifacts, Shari founded Borneo History and the research team Menjejak Sejarah Borneo to engage young people and history enthusiasts in Sabah's rich cultural heritage. He is an active member of the Malaysia Historical Society and The Sabah Society, dedicated to preserving and promoting the region's history and cultural heritage.
Avtar was born in Kota Kinabalu and was educated overseas in Singapore, Western Australia and in Seattle, United States, of America. Avtar began historical research in 2015 and has presented historical talks in various areas of history relating to South East Asia and Borneo which include the Battle of Midway, Early Sikh History in North Borneo, Why Sabah could not attain real independence in 1963, as well as Piracy in Borneo Waters in the 17th to 19th Centuries. His most recent project was extensive in-depth research into the False Narratives of the Sulu Sultanate in their Claims over Sabah. Avtar has his own Borneo History channel where he shares key events ini Sabah History and is the great-great grandson of Bhagat Singh, the first Sikh Constable to have arrived in North Borneo to serve as a policeman in 1868.
Also known as Shadel or Adel, is an independent historical researcher specializing in the history of Sabah, North Borneo. With academic credentials in Public Administration and Commerce, Shadelina's career is marked by her extensive work in data collection and historical research. She maintains over 80,000 files, both physical and digital, related to North Borneo's history. Shadelina has contributed significantly to historical projects and publications, including editing and preparing books like "North Borneo Sabah History and Timeline" and creating project presentations showcased at historical events.
He is a blogger from Malaysia who writes about the cultural heritage, traditions, and history of the Iban people of Sarawak. Mawar's blog is a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the Iban people's way of life and their rich cultural heritage. Through his blog, Mawar has helped preserve and promote the Iban culture. His dedication to this cause is commendable, and his work has earned him recognition and respect among the Iban community and beyond.
With a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Anthropology and diplomas in Music Production and Digital Applications, he has worked as a teacher, writer, researcher, producer and sound designer in various fields such as theatre, film & television. As an Art Department coordinator, he has worked on the historical movies Niihau (WW2 Japanese story based in Hawaii) and Rajah (James Brooke the 1st White Rajah of Sarawak) which was filmed recently in Sarawak in 2019. Currently, Chris is teaching Sound for Theatre at Taylor’s University, volunteering as a docent at Muzium Negara, as well as focusing on expanding and adapting his storytelling to a documentary series that will premiere on both Youtube & Podcast featuring first-hand accounts of events in Sarawak’s past.

AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT

Watch & listen

Podcast series with Chris Pereira

'What's the Story of Our History'

This series of 10 one-hour videos is made with photographer and music producer Chris Pereira and experts on Sabah history. It includes discussions with researchers and cultural experts exploring forgotten parts of Borneo's history, uncovering untold stories and new research by Eyes And Ears Production in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

© Eyes and Ears Production © Eyes and Ears Production
Video series with Avtar Singh (2023-2024)

Sabah & North Borneo History

In collaboration with independent history researcher Avtar Singh Sandhu from Sabah, the Goethe-Institut Malaysia produced 12 short documentary videos on Sabah history. This series presents research findings, untold stories, and alternative historical narratives of Borneo.

© Avtar Singh © Avtar Singh
Soundscape archive by Yii Kah Hoe & William Kok

Gema Bumi

This project preserves Malaysia’s vanishing natural and cultural sounds, focusing on Borneo. It archives high-quality ambient recordings to capture its rich sonic environments. Hosted on an interactive site by ZZZOOO Network, it blends cultural and geographical data to safeguard Borneo’s heritage. The platform also welcomes contributions from field recordists, sound artists, and enthusiasts.

© Goethe-Institut Malaysia © Goethe-Institut Malaysia

Upcoming activities

Graphic Novel on retracing the footsteps of Alfred Russel Wallace in Sarawak with artists Chang Yoong Chia and Teoh Ming Wah
Content development of a new publication on North Borneo with German researcher Dr. Bianca Gerlich in partnership with Borneo History Centre
An artificial intelligence film produced by artist Eddie Wong based on oral history of Sarawak
Short documentary film production on North Borneo history with Borneo History Centre
Publication support for Xántus and Borneo: A Hungarian Naturalist in 19th-century Sarawak, in partnership with Sunway University Press, Prof. Tamas Kiss, Balázs Venkovits, and Christopher Higgs.

Borneo Perantis
Co-Research Initiative

Project Objectives

History Researchers

AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT

'What's the Story of Our History'

Sabah & North Borneo History

Gema Bumi

Upcoming activities

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Borneo Perantis Co-Research Initiative

Cultural identities of Borneo

History as the Palimpsest

Project Objectives

History Researchers

SJ Shari Jeffri Team Leader, Kota Kinabalu

AS Avtar Singh Kota Kinabalu

SS Shadelina Shari Kota Kinabalu

GN Gregory Nyanggau Miri

CH Christopher Higgs Kuala Lumpur

AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT

Upcoming activities

For further reading

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Borneo Perantis
Co-Research Initiative