Farish A Noor: Decoding Colonialism and Power in Southeast Asia

Farish A Noor: A Trailblazer in Political and Historical Discourse

Farish A Noor, also known as Badrol Hisham Ahmad Noor, is a distinguished Malaysian academic, historian, and political scientist. His name resonates across Southeast Asia and beyond, thanks to his profound research, analytical depth, and intellectual contributions to historical and political discourses.

Currently serving as a professor of Politics and Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University of Indonesia, Farish A. Noor has dedicated his life to understanding the past and its implications for contemporary society.

His journey from a curious scholar to a globally recognized expert showcases the power of knowledge, perseverance, and passion. With expertise spanning colonial studies, religio-politics, and material history, he has significantly influenced how Southeast Asian history is perceived.

Early Life and Academic Excellence of Farish A Noor

Born on May 15, 1967, in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, Farish A Noor’s intellectual curiosity was evident from an early age. His educational path reflects his commitment to deep, interdisciplinary learning:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: BA in Philosophy & Literature from the University of Sussex (1989).
  • Master’s Degrees: MA in Philosophy from the University of Sussex (1990) and an MA in Southeast Asian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London.
  • Doctorate: PhD in Governance and Politics from the University of Essex (1997).

His academic foundation enabled him to critically analyze power structures, colonial legacies, and political transformations in Southeast Asia, setting the stage for his impactful career.

A Scholar Across Continents

Farish A Noor’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He has served in prestigious institutions across the world, contributing his expertise in various capacities:

  • Germany & The Netherlands: Worked at the Zentrum Moderner Orient (Berlin) and the International Institute for the Study of the Muslim World (Leiden).
  • Singapore: Held a significant position at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.
  • France: Served as a visiting academic at Sciences-Po Paris and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Society (École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris).
  • Malaysia: A professor at the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya.

His extensive global engagement has enriched his perspectives, allowing him to provide nuanced analyses of Southeast Asia’s historical and political landscapes.

Unraveling Southeast Asia’s Complex History

Farish A Noor’s research primarily focuses on:

  • Colonial Discourses: How 19th-century colonial powers framed Southeast Asia and shaped narratives that still persist today.
  • Transnational Religious-Political Movements: The intersection of religion and politics in the region, including the rise of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu revivalism.
  • Material History: Exploring Southeast Asia’s material culture, from the artistry of the Indonesian-Malaysian keris to traditional woodcarving and architecture.

His work dismantles colonial biases, offering fresh perspectives on how Southeast Asia evolved under and beyond foreign influence.

Public Intellectual and Media Contributor

Farish A Noor’s ability to bridge academia and public discourse has made him a household name. He has hosted and contributed to several documentary series on Channel NewsAsia, including:

  • Our Southeast Asia
  • Inside Indonesia with Dr. Farish
  • Across Borders
  • Inventing Southeast Asia

These series have introduced audiences to the rich, diverse, and often misunderstood histories of Southeast Asia, fostering greater awareness and appreciation of the region’s past and present.

Farish A Noor’s Publications: A Testament to Scholarly Excellence

Farish A Noor has authored numerous groundbreaking books, dissecting Southeast Asia’s political, religious, and historical evolution. Some of his notable works include:

On Colonial History and Orientalism:

  • The Long Shadow of the 19th Century: Critical Essays on Colonial Orientalism in Southeast Asia (2022)
  • Racial Difference and the Colonial Wars of 19th Century Southeast Asia (2021, co-edited with Peter Carey)
  • Data Gathering in Colonial Southeast Asia: Framing the Other (2020)
  • America’s Encounters with Southeast Asia 1800-1900: Before the Pivot (2018)
  • The Discursive Construction of Southeast Asia in 19th Century Colonial-Capitalist Discourse (2016)

On Religion and Politics in Southeast Asia:

  • The Malaysian Islamic Party 1951-2013: Islamism in a Mottled Nation (2014)
  • Islam Embedded: The Historical Development of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS 1951-2003 (2004)
  • The Madrasa in Asia: Political Activism and Transnational Linkages (2008, co-edited with Martin van Bruinessen and Yoginder Sikand)

On Alternative Histories and Material Culture:

  • What Your Teacher Didn’t Tell You (The Annexe Lectures, Vol. 1) (2009)
  • Spirit of Wood: The Art of Malay Woodcarving (2003, co-authored with Eddin Khoo)

His publications challenge mainstream narratives, making them essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia.

Also Read:US : Parents enrolling kids in school might have to prove kid’s citizenship status

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.