The Importance of Southeast Asian History
Benefits of A Sound Knowledge of Chronological Developments
Mar 7, 2009
Although it is hard to gain a knowledge of Southeast Asia as a region because of its diversity and complexity even within its similarities, at least a broad understanding of its history is important for a number of reasons.
Doing Business in Southeast Asia
"Any businessman doing or wanting to do business in SE Asia must understand the history of the area if he is to be successful."
-Mike M Courtnall, President of Asian Building and Manufacturing Markets, BHP Steel Limited
Southeast Asia has come a long way from the primary industries such as spices, rubber and coffee which was the focus of attention during the colonialist era. Over time, nations became increasingly welcome to overseas investments, shunning forms such as import substitution or socialist economies.
This is notably in leveraging on large pools of labour to focus on manufacturing, such as of textiles, automobile parts, and electronic goods. Some have also started to move into areas such as Information Technology and Banking, such as in Malaysia. Previously inward-looking countries such as Vietnam are also starting to open up and look to attracting foreign investment.
As businessmen would know well, an understanding of opportunities and cultures that each unique country has is central to succeeding in their enterprises.
Tourism in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a popular location for tourism. Thailand is a good example, known for its capital Bangkok and as well as the southern cities Pattaya and Phuket.
Knowledge of the country’s history would greatly increase a tourist’s experience beyond epicurean enjoyments (which are not wrong in themselves) such as sunbathing at beaches and shopping, to understanding the culture entrenched in landmarks such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or more subtly, in people’s daily lives.
Tourist agencies sometimes package tours to Southeast Asia which visit several countries within the region. This presents a good opportunity for a broad view of the different ways of life within each region and greatly enriches a tourist’s stay in the region.
Academic Interest in the Southeast Asian Region
Southeast Asia is a region of significant academic interest, in centres of research such as The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
Formal instruction and learning brings with it the general benefits associated with a history education, such as a critical mind and the ability to sort through facts. It would also prepare students if they work within the region after graduation. At the higher levels, the work of scholars and academics go a long way in framing and interpreting past events for others, it perhaps being a social responsibility that history must be kept, remembered, and discussed.
Literary Developments in Southeast Asia
History is an important context for understanding cultural developments, notably in literature. Several works of fiction involving Southeast Asia include George Orwell’s Burmese Days as well as Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim.
There has also been an increase in the region’s own output of literature, as well as the attention paid to it on the popular as well as academic levels. This includes stories by writers such as Minfong Ho, whose stories are based in Thailand and Cambodia, Daren Shiau’s conscientiously Singaporean novel Heartland, or Nick Joaquin from the Philippines.
Whether within a country or the entire region, any depth of understanding is grounded in its historical developments, and knowledge of the place and people would go a long way in one's experience of Southeast Asia, be it through a visit in person or through words and pictures.
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