Humanities and Social Sciences

Anthropology Program

Staff Directory

Publications

I have published three books and numerous papers based on my ethnographic research on Malaysian Aborigines (Orang Asli). The books include Malaysia and the Original People (1997, Allyn and Bacon) (which I co-authored with Robert Dentan, Kirk Endicott and Barry Hooker), Looking for Money: Capitalism and Modernity in an Orang Asli Village (2004, COAC and Transpacific Press), and Modernity and Malaysia: Settling the Menraq Forest Nomads (2007, Routledge). My publications has been primarily on the social, economic and ecological implications of commoditisation, government-sponsored development programmes, and modernity for the Malaysian Aborigines (particularly the Semai and the Menraq who are also known as Semang or Negritos) and indigenous/tribal communities in general. I have also written several articles and book chapters on issues related to cultural identities and cultural politics based on my research and personal reflections on Goa in India and on Malaysia. I am currently working on two publication projects: (1) an edited book (with Lim Teck Ghee, Azly Rahman, and Syed Husin Ali, as co-editors) titled Multiethnic Malaysia: Past, Present and Future; (2) a book outlining my ideas for an AlterNative Development guided by the principles of ESP (Equality, Sustainability and Peace). See www.espeace.org, the website of a mainly student-based organisation drawing on my concept of ESP for an AlterNative Development.

List of recent publications

Teaching

I currently teach two undergraduate subjects within the anthropology program: an introductory anthropology subject called ‘Culture and Globalisation’ (ANT1CAG) and a 2nd/ 3rd level subject, ‘Development, Globalisation and Culture’ (ANT2/3 DGC). These are also core subjects in the International Development Program.

In the past I have taught several other subjects including ethnographic methods, anthropological theory, and social ecology.

In 2003 I taught two courses titled ‘Modernity and Identities in Southeast Asia’ and ‘Ecology and Society’ as a visiting professor at the Social and Cultural Anthropology Department at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Graduate Supervision

List of current topic areas

Research Grants

List of research grants

Research Projects

List of research projects

Professional Involvements

List of professional involvements