[Emploi] Junior Professorship (Assistant Professor, W1) in Southeast Asian Studies - Goethe Univ. Frankfurt.

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" The Faculty of Linguistics, Cultural and Civilization Studies, Art Studies, Goethe University Frankfurt, invites applications for the following position :

Junior Professorship (Assistant Professor, W1) in Southeast Asian Studies

We are looking for a candidate with expertise in one or more of the following fields: the languages, literatures, media, modern and contemporary history of insular Southeast Asia (mainly Indonesia and /or Malaysia).

We expect an outstanding doctoral thesis, methodologically sound expertise on modern insular Southeast Asia evidenced by relevant publications and teaching experience, very high proficiency in Indonesian / Malay, English, and ideally German as well as the willingness to engage in cooperative research and teaching activities including the Interdisciplinary Center of East Asian Studies (IZO) at Goethe University.

The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed for another three years upon positive evaluation. The designated salary for the position is based on "W1" of the German university scale or equivalent. Goethe University is an equal opportunity employer which implies that applications from women are specifically encouraged.

For further information regarding the general conditions for professorship appointments, please see : http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/aktuelles/ausschreibung/professuren/index.html.

Applications including a CV, a list of publications and taught courses, a copy of the doctoral diploma and up to three research articles should be sent until 31 March 2011 to Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Dean of the Faculty of Linguistics, Cultural and Civilization Studies, Art Studies, Mertonstr. 17-21, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, E-Mail : Dekanat-FB09[at]em.uni-frankfurt.de. "

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[Article] Digging up South-east Asia's oldest ruins.

Govt hopes to get World Heritage listing for Kedah site that's 1,900 years old

Jan 7, 2011  | The Straits Times | By Carolyn Hong, Malaysia Bureau Chief

Students excavating the structures discovered in Bujang Valley. Two years ago, a team from Universiti Sains Malaysia and government departments uncovered man-made structures dating back 1,900 years. -- PHOTO: MOKHTAR SAIDIN

KUALA LUMPUR | Two years ago, Malaysian archaeologists working in the coastal plains of south Kedah struck an amazing find when they uncovered man-made structures that turned out to be the oldest in South-east Asia.
The team of 30 from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and various government departments found iron ore smelters complete with furnaces and iron slag that dated back 1,900 years to AD110.
They also dug up a brick structure believed to have been used for ritual purposes and a roofed brick platform jetty near Sungai Batu - both dating from the early part of the second century AD.
USM archaeologist, Associate Professor Mokhtar Saidin, realised then that they had found remnants of the old civilisation referred to in many historical texts.
'It's the most complete evidence of a civilisation - the port, industries and rituals, and they were the oldest monuments in South-east Asia,' he told The Straits Times this week.
The discoveries brought visitors flocking to the site located about 90km from Kedah's capital Alor Star. It is part of the Bujang Valley archaeological site where ancient temple ruins have been excavated since the 1840s.
'We have put on a small exhibition as people keep arriving by the busload. We recently had a group of Singapore museum volunteers visit us too,' said Dr Mokhtar.
The tourism aspect has aroused the interest of the federal government, with Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim recently saying it hopes to get the site on the Unesco World Heritage List.

[ ... Read the full article here ... ]

[Article] Grave discovery for heritage advocates.

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 | Sun2Surf | By Himanshu Bhatt

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GEORGE TOWN (Jan 10, 2011) : Penang's heritage advocates are distressed to learn that more than 70 graves related to a pioneer family from the 1800s in Batu Lanchang have been dug up.
The graves include the century-old tomb of Koh Seang Tatt, a philanthropist who died in 1899. Koh's family helped develop the island during its early years under colonial rule.
The tomb at the Batu Lanchang Hokkien cemetery, which held the remains of Koh and his wife, was broken into, and the bones and other ceremonial possessions within removed.
Heritage activist Tan Yeow Wooi decried the incident and said the tombs bore much of the island's precious heritage. He expressed deep concern especially about the fate of the main tomb, belonging to Seang Tatt's grandfather, the pioneer kapitan, Koh Lay Huan, who died in 1826, and his wife which lies on a hillock in the cemetery.
State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the site this evening, said the farmers around the sprawling cemetery had said more than 70 graves were dug up. Some of the remains were found placed in bins and left inside a columbarium.

Empty... Chow peers into the century-old tomb of Seang Tatt whose
family helped develop Penang island during the 1800s.

[... Read the full article ...]

[Article] US Embassy Invites Applications For Ambassadors Fund For Cultural Heritage Restoration.

December 05, 2010 | Bernama.com

MELAKA, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- The United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur is calling on organisations in Malaysia to apply for its Ambassadors Fund for Cultural reservation, a grant to preserve cultural heritage all around the world.
Its counsellor for Public Affairs, Scott Rauland, said the grant which started in 2001 had been given to 640 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries.
"This represents a contribution of nearly US$26 million," he told Bernama, here, Sunday.
Earlier, he accompanied Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Judith McHale, on a tour of the restored No 8 shoplot in Hereen Street, here.
McHale who had just arrived here from Jakarta, Indonesia spent more than one hour touring the shoplot, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple nearby, Jonker Street and Jalan Tokong.
This was her first visit to Malaysia and she was fascinated by the preservation work done in the area. Tomorrow, she will be meeting several goverment officals, including at the Education Ministry, before leaving for Singapore on Tuesday.

[... Read the full article here ...]

[Article] A fresh look for the National Museum.

July 31, 2010 | The Star | by Louisa Lim

The souped-up interior of the ‘new’ National Museum

How do we turn the most banal of subjects into exciting ones? After decades of trial and error, the National Museum might finally have found the answer.
Sniggers and smirks — these are two of the most common reactions when I tell people I’ve just returned from the National Museum. To them I ask: When was your last visit?
A decade, maybe two, ago?
Since its opening on Aug 31, 1963, our National Museum has undergone various tweaks and transformations. But its latest facelift in 2006 has proved to be the most successful one yet, with many history lovers and pseudo-intellectuals finally taking notice.
“Yes, we realised how old and worn the museum was getting,” says Datuk Ibrahim Ismail, director-general of the Department of Museums in Malaysia. “People visit once, and they don’t come back. We want to change that.”
Four years and RM20mil later, the transformation is complete. The museum, still retaining its old shell, was relaunched without much fanfare. Life for those in it went on pretty much as usual, albeit with one difference.

[ ... Read the full article ... ]

[Article] Jewel of Muscat arrives in Singapore.

Channels NewsAsia | 3 July 2010 | By Saifulbahri Ismail


The Jewel of Muscat has arrived in Singapore. A replica of a 9th century Arabian dhow, it is a gift from the Sultanate of Oman to the Government and people of Singapore.
After more than four months at sea, its journey has been described as a triumph of the human spirit.
The ship set sail from Oman and called at ports in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia on its way to Singapore. When it finally docked at the Marina Keppel Bay on Saturday, the crew were greeted by Omani dancers, and Singapore's own welcoming party.
At the welcome ceremony, President S R Nathan congratulated the crew for their successful journey. The ship will be housed as a centrepiece of Resorts World Sentosa's upcoming attraction, the Maritime Xperiential Museum.
President Nathan said: "Being at the crossroads between east and West, Singapore is a fitting place for the Jewel to be based. "Historically, ships from Arab destinations stopped in Singapore or in ports nearby to await the change of the monsoons, before continuing their journey eastwards to China or the other way."
The 18-metre long ship was built using traditional materials. Not a single nail or screw was used, and the crew stayed as true as possible to ancient sailing methods.
Saleh Said Al Jbri, captain, Jewel of Muscat, said: "She sailed fast when she wished, and she is slow as well when she so likes. "But she was keen to reach Singapore, carrying noble meaning and values, and beautiful memories of her hometown Oman."
The Jewel of Muscat project will be remembered as a testament to the excellent ties between Singapore and Oman. - CNA/ms

More informations :

- Jewel of Muscat to be housed at RWS' Maritime Xperiential Museum | Channel News Asia | By S Ramesh | 1 July 2010

- Jewel Of Muscat To Become Centrepiece Of Sentosa Maritime Museum | Bernama | By Zakaria Abdul Wahab | 1 July 2010

[Article] Malacca’s founding date stirs debate.

Sunday May 2, 2010 | The Star Online.


MALACCA: The recent announcement by local historians pushing back the founding of the Malacca Sultanate by over 120 years, has attracted both public support and controversy.
While many are in support of the findings, there are also calls for a public forum to be held before the state-appointed panel officially declares 1278 as the date of the founding instead of the widely accepted date of either 1396 or 1400.
The issue has also caught the attention of local bloggers such as Jebat Must Die with fierce debates taking place online.

Maritime Archeological Museum’s Jason Yoong, who supports the findings, said there were artefacts proving the existence of the city in that period.
“Shards of green glazed pottery dating back to the Song Dynasty of between 960 and 1279 have been found over the years.
“There are also odd-shaped tin artefacts discovered from the Malacca River, thought to be a simple form of currency before standard minted coins were used here in the 1400s,” he said, calling for a forum for experts to share their views on the matter.
Another supporter is Dennis De Witt, a 45-year-old local expert on 17th Century Dutch history in Malaysia.
“There will be those who may dispute the date. Yet, it seems logical if one traces backwards from the 15th century Malacca Sultanate’s lineage,” said the author of Malaysian Dutch History, adding that he was eager to share his views during such a forum.
One blogger has argued against the earlier date, adding that a Buddhist monk penning his travels around the region in the 13th century had failed to mention Malacca despite listing numerous towns and ports.
The findings by the panel, comprising 11 professors from local universities such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, still have to be approved by the state authorities. The panel, which has for its members academicians like Tan Sri Prof Dr Khoo Kay Kim and Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, began its research in June last year to fix the date of Malacca’s founding.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaacob had mooted the setting up of the panel, which would make an official declaration in October. Panel chairman Prof Datuk Yusof Hashim said both local and foreign experts, including those from the Netherlands, England, Australia, Indonesia and Brunei, would be invited to discuss their findings later this year.

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[Image] Ancient proof : Jason Yoong showing off the celadon shard and tin piece found here over the years that support the 1278 founding year.

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Conférences : "21st century being an ‘Asian century’"

The Third International Conference on International Studies (ICIS 2010)

A New Asian Century : Dynamics and Implications

1st-2nd December 2010
Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Jointly Organized by :

College of Law, Government and International Studies (UUM COLGIS).
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

Institute of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's Thoughts (UUM IPDM).
Association of International Studies Malaysia (AIS).
Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR).
University of Paris-Diderot, France.
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Introduction
The Third International Conference on International Studies 2010 (ICIS 2010) will focus on the prospect of the 21st century being an ‘Asian century’. Examining the dynamics and implications of this new Asian century requires special consideration of demographic trends, the rise of the middle class, economic growth forecasts, and the growing power of China, India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia and the ASEAN zone. Key questions will be investigated, including whether the rise of Asian powers will bring more prosperity and reduce conflicts in the future, or whether it will emulate the patterns of previous centuries (consider Pax Britannica in the 19th Century and Pax Americana in 20th Century).
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Conference abstract
A multitude of voices for a New Deal for Asia, including those from the Malaysian shore, have been gaining momentum since the 1990’s. These came with massive shifts in international political economy (IPE) – shifts propelled by the ending of a century and the beginning of a new century – that are accelerating and now assume major global dimensions. Such shifts promise to usher in change, creating opportunities as well as dangers of regression. The end of the Cold War and collapse of Soviet-style Communism paved the way for the opening of a New China and Central Asia, along with Eastern and Central Europe. From a security perspective we have entered an era of ‘new wars’ that encompass resource wars, ethnic conflicts and cyber wars. From an IPE perspective national interest and new forms of mercantilism are threatening regional integration in Asia as norms of non-interference are used to insulate authoritarian regimes from external pressure and reform. Debt-driven PetroDollar hegemony is crumbling, shattering international financial infrastructure and worsening global inequalities, pushing for a world multiple currency setup and the return of a usury (riba) free gold exchange economy. Tied to this massive undercurrent of shifts and turns are two other realizations: the dominant nation-state format has a prohibitive impact upon international labour mobility, leading to rampant and violent human smuggling (particularly into developed economies); and the need for major reconstruction of international organizations and institutions. It is the task of this conference to examine root-causes and catalysts, to measure and compare their dynamics and implications, and to prepare a fresh blueprint to usher in this New Asian Century.
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The major themes include :      1.     Managing global crisis and change
                                                   2.     New emerging economies
                                                   3.     Regional and geo-political implications
                                                   4.     Economic collaboration and integration
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Please send abstracts by 31 April 2010 to azizuddin@uum.edu.my ; aziz_sani@hotmail.com ; icis@uum.edu.my .

For more information on how to register please refer to the conference poster sent via this email's attachment.
For general information please visit the ICIS website : www.icis.uum.edu.my .
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[Article] China Ready To Assist Malaysia In Studying Lembah Bujang Archaeological Site.

March 26, 2010 | From Newmond Tibin | Bernama.com

PAMPANGA (The Philippines), March 26 (Bernama) -- China is prepared to assist Malaysia in studying the history of the Lembah Bujang archaeological site in Kedah, which is believed to be among the earliest human civilisation sites in Malaysia.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said China had also indicated interest in training Malaysia's human resources in the field of cultural industry.

"I will follow this up with the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur so that the project can take off as soon as possible.

"We will invite universities in China to have a look at the Lembah Bujang site and carry out research as well as providing the necessary technical assistance," he said.

He was speaking to Bernama and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) journalists here after attending the final session of the 4th Asean Ministers of Culture and Arts (AMCA) meeting and the AMCA+3 (China, Japan and South Korea) meeting on Friday.

Rais said Malaysia welcomed such assistance as China had vast experience in the field of archaeology and cultural industry.

In this regard, he said, Malaysia would take part in the Beijing arts festival this year to further strengthen cooperation in the field of cultural industry.

Rais also said that Asean members and the plus three dialogue partners, China, Japan and South Korea, welcomed proposals by Malaysia including on enhancing training and interaction among member countries.

This, he said, was to ensure that countries requiring technical assistance from the plus three partners were able to benefit from such initiatives.

"In specific terms, the three countries, which have vast experience in the field of archaeology, can provide assistance in studying archaeological sites and I have asked Asean partners and the dialogue partners to assist Malaysia with regard to the discovery of early civilisation in Lembah Bujang," he said.

Rais said the meeting also affirmed its commitment and had included a point in the AMCA communique with regard to the proposal by Malaysia for Asean to come up with projects for implementation and not merely discuss policy matters.

He said Malaysia also suggested that programmes to introduce Asean members through cultural events be held for common benefits.

Malaysia also suggested that Asean countries take turns to host programmes such as the Best of Asean Performing Arts programme hosted by Jakarta annually.

On the proposal to eliminate tariff on the sale of books among Asean members, Rais said the meeting here did not discuss the matter.

The issue, however, might be discuss at the bilateral level, particularly between Malaysia and Indonesia, which had a combined population of nearly 300 million using similar language, he said.

Singapore will host the next AMCA in 2012.-- BERNAMA

Call for papers - Portuguese/Luso Asian (Singapore and Malaysia)

Portuguese and Luso-Asian Legacies in Southeast Asia, 1511-2011

28–30 September 2010

Singapore and Melaka

Co-sponsored by :

The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

The Embassy of Portugal in Singapore

CFP Website:  Call for papers-28-30.sep.10 (pdf)

In recognition of the half-millennium that has transpired since Afonso de Albuquerque's conquest of Melaka in 1511, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies issues this call for papers for a three-day interdisciplinary international conference of about 25 scholars to explore the legacies and evolution of Portuguese and Luso-Asian peoples and communities in Southeast Asia (along the Goa-Melaka-Macau axis) over the past 500 years.  Contributors are encouraged to submit paper abstracts whose themes build on recent scholarship that is introducing fresh perspectives for characterizing and contextualizing Portuguese/Luso-Asian experiences and interactions in the region.  Papers that also attempt to demonstrate (a) long-term legacies and evolutionary processes, or (b) linkages between the Portuguese/Luso-Asians in Southeast Asia and the larger Portuguese world globally are especially welcome.  Possible themes for papers include:

- Societal accommodation and attendant outcomes;

- Collaboration, integration, adaptation, and networking;

- Continuities, discontinuities, and transformations (political, economic, social, cultural, religious, or scientific);

- Reciprocal cultural impacts and social hybridity;

- Interactions and conflicts;

- The dynamics and impact of both formal and informal Portuguese and Luso-Asian structures and communities.
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Paper selection will begin on 12 April 2010 and conclude on 10 May 2010.

Electronic versions of proposals should be submitted to Dr. Laura Jarnagin Pang, PhD.
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[Article] Bewah Caveman 16,000 Years Old.

March 10 | Kuala Terengganu (Malaysia) | Bernama.com

Bernama - The human skeletal remains found in the Bewah Cave in the Kenyir Lake area last month are confirmed to be 16,000 years old, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said on Wednesday.

"We received the results of the analysis from the United States stating that the remains were 16,000 years old. This makes them the oldest found in the country, following the discovery of the Perak Man dated 13,000 years.--

"We will begin excavation in a week or two to find the skull, and we will retain the artifacts at the Bewah Cave (for public viewing)," he told reporters after chairing the weekly meeting of the state executive council, here.--

The Bewah Cave has been temporarily closed to visitors to facilitate the excavation of historical artifacts.



More informations :
- Archaeologists stumble on 8,000-year-old skeleton in Kenyir Lake | February 7, 2010 | The Daily Star
- Bewah Cave - Cave or Rock Shelter in Malaysia | The Megalithic Portal | Coldrum

(Photo credit : ilhamwahyu)

Séminaire de Recherche - CERI-Cnrs / Sciences Po

The Rise and Future of "Progressive Islam": Indonesia, Malaysia and Beyond 
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avec Mohamad Ali, University of California, Riverside

Discutante : Andrée Feillard, CNRS

Introduction : Jean-Philippe Bras, IISMM

Présidence : David Camroux, Sciences Po-CERI

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14 avril 2010

17h00 - 19h00

Salle du conseil : 56 rue Jacob 75006 Paris

Tél.:+33(0)1 58 71 70 00

Fax:+33(0)1 58 71 70 90

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Entrée libre dans la limite des places disponibles

Appel à projets : l'UTM recherche un conférencier français.

Le Département des Langues Modernes de l’Université Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor en Malaisie organise un séminaire international les 4 et 5 mai 2010 à Kuala Lumpur sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage des langues étrangères intitulée : « 7th Language for specific purposes international seminar – LSP : Glocalisation of new literacies ».

A ce titre, UTM souhaiterait inviter un conférencier français à intervenir en anglais.

Merci de faire parvenir votre candidature ainsi qu’une présentation en anglais de votre intervention avant le 31 janvier 2010.
à la fois à Mme Hadina Habil, Directrice LSP 2010 à l’adresse suivante : hadina@utm.my , et à Mme Fabienne Ricordel, Attachée de coopération pour le français près l’Ambassade de France en Malaisie, à l’adresse suivante : fabienne.ricordel@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Informations complémentaires sur le séminaire : seminar.spaceutm.edu.my/lsp2010

Another ancient sailing ship to set forth (Sail.World.com)

'Jewel of Muscat in her first sea trials'    .

When 15 Omani sailors set sail from the port of Muscat next month, it will mark the beginning of yet another attempt to recreate the journeys of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years ago.

In other examples of what seems to be becoming a world-wide trend, the Phoenicia, an ancient replica of an Egyptian sailing vessel, is currently circumnavigating Africa, and last year a Chinese vessel, the Princess Tai Ping was tragically split in two when just one day from completing a double trans-Pacific crossing when it was hit head-on by a cargo ship.

In the new effort, the ninth century wooden square-rigged sailing ship will be heading for Singapore. It has been modelled on the famous Tang Treasure ship that sank in the Indian Ocean while laden with gold and other precious items belonging to the old Chinese Tang dynasty.

The 18-metre long Jewel of Muscat, a reconstructed ninth century sewn-plank ship, has started sailing in the Sea of Oman on the first sea trials ahead of its formal voyage to Singapore towards the end of February.

The sailing ship was faithfully constructed using original techniques -  .. .

The sailing vessel is scheduled to start its journey across the Indian Ocean with transit stops along the western coast of India and other south Asian countries. It will keep to ancient trade routes and stop in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia before arriving in Singapore five months later, where it will be given as a gift from Oman to the people of Singapore.

'Singapore is one of Oman's oldest trading partners. Jewel of Muscat will be displayed in Singapore to highlight the awareness of the old trade routes between the two countries,' Badr bin Hamoud Al Busaeedi, Director-General of the Omani Foreign Ministry, said at a launch ceremony this week.

He said Jewel of Muscat was modelled on the wreckage of the ninth-century Tang Treasure ship that was carrying more than 60,000 pieces of Chinese ceramics, silver and gold artefacts, spices and other commodities. 'The idea of this was inspired from the Tang Treasure that was discovered in 1998 in Indonesian waters… it took us about 12 months to construct this vessel, which represents an important Omani cultural and heritage initiative,' he said. To reconstruct the vessel, a 1,200-year-old method of sewing the hull planks together with handmade coconut-fibre rope was used to make the vessel extremely resilient. No nail or screw was used during the process of shaping the first plank for hoisting the palm-leaf sails that were woven in Qantab.

Captain Saleh Al Jabri, who will co-head the mission, will soon begin the sailing process by testing the two steering systems. He is a former instructor with Oman Sail and second in command of the training ship, Shabab Oman.

The first sea trial of the Jewel went well, but the captain admits there is still much work to be done to prepare her for her voyage.

Jewel of Muscat’s intended route -  .. .

'All our efforts have paid off; Jewel of Muscat is a magnificent initiative and an authentic symbol of Oman's heritage. She is now all set for her sea trial and as her captain I am really looking forward to steering her along the old trade routes from Muscat to Singapore via India and Malaysia, just as our forefathers did.' According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Tang Treasure shipwreck which was discovered in 1998 contained rare and well-preserved pieces of stoneware, and centuries-old gold and silver pieces including the largest Tang dynasty gold cup and an exquisitely decorated silver flask.

Later uncovered by professional salvage divers, the 22-metre long traditional vessel provides strong evidence to suggest that the early Chinese seafarers were trading in items that suited the global market more than 1,000 years ago. The treasure was purchased by the Sentosa Leisure Group in 2005 and is on loan to the STB.

The sailing ship, constructed on a beach in the Omani town of Qantab, is made from Afzelia african timber from Ghana. The planks are are sewn together with coconut fibre and must fit perfectly to ensure that the ship is watertight. The wood is protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime.

'The Tang Shipwreck Treasure is a priceless find that provides firm archaeological evidence of the existence of a maritime Silk Route between the East and the West via Southeast Asia centuries ago,' the Board said in a statement.

'Behind the artefacts is a story that needs to be told – one of how people lived and traded in the early days, how they interacted with people of other lands. It also has a special meaning for Singapore, which has a long and distinguished maritime history being strategically located at the cross-roads of maritime trade routes and home to the treasure.'

During the journey the crew will use 9th century navigation techniques, reaching Singapore by June 2010. The project is jointly funded by Singapore and Oman.  

by Nadim Kawach,Emirates Business/Sail-World   5:02 AM Tue 12 Jan 2010 GMT

 

Ancient coins and artefacts found in Terengganu’s Chinatown worksite

The Star - Jan. 13, 2010 - By R.S.N. MURALI 

KUALA TERENGGANU: Earth-works for the new ring road and sewage system in Chinatown here have uncovered hundreds of ancient coins and other artefacts.
And there is concern that workers at the site and the public may have been quietly digging up these items to sell.
Site manager Omar Mahmod said many items might have been sold before he realised that his worksite contained buried treasures when he uncovered a porcelain vase that he believed was from ancient China.
He questioned his workers and discovered that many items had been found at the site.
“Many of these artefacts were found when we started earth excavation in February last year, but the workers concealed their find from us at first,” he said yesterday.
Realising that the items were being sold off on the quiet, he directed the workers to declare any artefacts found from the site.

He also directed his colleagues to comb the area to search and hand over the relics to museum authorities.
“Those who comb the area after a heavy downpour can be sure of finding such artefacts,” he said.
Since discovering the porcelain vase, Omar has dug out coins with early Jawi writing, Arabic script and ancient Chinese emblems, ancient Indian ornaments and Chinese jars, plates and vases.
An Indonesian worker from the site who requested anonymity said he surrendered most of the artefacts to his superior but admitted he had sold some to collectors.
“Such coins are collectors’ items some of which I will take back to Surabaya,” he said.
State MCA chief Toh Chin Yaw said the items were priceless and part of the state’s history. He said the contractor had been asked to declare any future discovery of artefacts. “We want to preserve valuable items extracted at the site for our future generations,” he said.
Toh said he had informed the relevant authorities to visit the site and claim any artefacts found.

Picture : Priceless relics: A foreign worker showing the coins that he extracted from the constuction site at the back of the Kuala Terengganu Chinatown.

Bangkok Post - Treasures of the deep gain protection

Divers taught to preserve secrets in old shipwrecks

About 18 metres below the sea off Rayong province, 15 divers from seven countries are exploring a wooden shipwreck.

The exploration is part of Unesco's six-week training on underwater cultural heritage preservation.

The divers are from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

They have been picked for an underwater heritage protection programme organised by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the Fine Arts Department's Underwater Archaeology Division (UAD) which runs from Oct 26 to Dec 6.

A participant in the six-week training on underwater cultural heritage preservation shows a piece of ancient artifact found at an underwater archaeological site in Rayong.

PHOTOCOURTESY OF UNESCO.

Division head Erbprem Vatcharangkul said Thailand has 64 underwater archaeological sites. He said all of them, especially those in shallow water, were under threat from treasure hunters.

Protection of the sites required well-trained staff and cooperation from local people, including fishermen.

Other countries in the Asia-Pacific region face similar problems which prompted Unesco to set up the regional field training centre to promote underwater heritage protection in the region and to exchange conservation information.

The centre plans to hold four training courses. The course in Rayong was the first.

Trainees will be taught by experts from Australia, the Netherlands and Thailand.

"The participants will be trained in underwater archaeology protection from basic to advanced levels, both in theory and practice," Mr Erbprem said.

On the 15th day of the course, the trainees were assigned to dive to a depth of 18 metres to measure the length, width and height of a wooden shipwreck which was found two nautical miles west of Koh Mannok, off Rayong's Klaeng district.

"The boat structure and some ancient coins which were found at the site could [reveal] the age of the sunken boat which belonged to the early period of King Rama VI [early last century]," he said.

"This shipwreck is another piece of the jigsaw that will help give a clear picture of history."

The official called on fishermen to help safeguard the archaeological site by stopping their use of destructive fishing practices in the area.

He said the government should also ratify the 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage for better protection of the country's underwater heritage from commercial exploitation.

Nudy Phann, 38, deputy director-general of the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Cambodia, who took part in the training, said he believed his country had several underwater archaeological sites, but only one shipwreck had been discovered so far.

"No one has yet studied the shipwreck," he said. "We don't have expertise, equipment, or sufficient knowledge to explore underwater cultural heritage - that is why I am here to attend the training.

"Underwater cultural heritage is new for my country even though we ratified the convention in 2007.

"I am happy to be here and when I go back to my country I plan to set up a team to start surveying shipwrecks."

Thai trainee Duangpond Kanya Singhasanee, 29, a graduate student from Silpakorn University's historical archaeology faculty, said the training was extraordinary because participants were allowed to visit sites which were normally hard to reach.

Ms Duangpond is a diving master and had visited several archaeological sites.

"This training has inspired me to work in the field of underwater archaeology," she said.

23/11/2009 | Lamphai Intathep