Professor Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken FASc Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya Professor Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken FASc, a respected historian, currently holds the position of professor in the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UM. His scholarly interests include the history of Champa, Sabah, and Vietnam, as well as the study of Sabah and the Chinese communities in Malaysia. Notably, he serves as the leader of UM’s Malaysian Chinese Research Group and assumes the role of Director at the Center for Global Planning and Strategy, UM. In the realm of academia, his expertise shines in the fields of Social History, Communities Identity, and Diplomatic History. He has made substantial contributions to the understanding of Malaysian Chinese history and China's influence on the region. His impactful work has graced prestigious journals and boasts an impressive bibliography of 25 books in this domain. Dr Danny's knowledge and insights are sought after at national and international levels, reflecting his influential stature in his field. Importantly, his research outcomes have played a pivotal role in fostering unity within Malaysian and regional societies through a deeper comprehension of history.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr Danny passionately advocates for the preservation of personal family histories. He firmly believes that delving into one's own past is key to understanding the present and shaping the future. Originating from Sabah, his insights resonated with the local audience, particularly on the vital role of history, stories, and memoirs in preserving Sabahan and Chinese heritage. He inspires people to contribute their own stories to the collective tapestry of knowledge, enriching our understanding of life.
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Social Sciences and Humanities
One of his notable publications, "Spirit of Borneo" (2009), underscores his commitment to preserving and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Sabah. He has also delved into the intricate history of the region with works like "The Nguyen and Champa during 17th and 18th Century" (2007) and "Historical Sabah: the Chinese" (2005).