Field Methods in Anthropology and International Development ATS3248: Trip to Malacca

One of the objectives of this unit is to understand the historical, social, and cultural context of Malaysia.

Thus, we had a day trip to Malacca, which is 1.5 hours' journey from Segamat. Historically, it was in the fourteenth century that the fishing village of Malacca gained the attention of a Hindu prince named Parameswara from Sumatra. The ruler decided to make this place a permanent settlement and named it "Melaka" after a tree. A special position is occupied by the Malacca Sultanate when it comes to the history of Malaysia. The discovery of this new place led to the emergence of a new Malayan Empire. Melaka served as the perfect platform on which the Dutch, Portuguese, and English played their roles towards shaping the story of this beautiful place.

All the students had visited various interesting and historical places in Malacca, such as St. Paul Church and A Famosa Fort, Upside Down House Malacca, Dutch Square and Stadhuys, the Maritime and Naval Museum, the River Cruise, and Menara Taming Sari.

They are very excited to visit these places, and it will definitely be a valuable experience for a lifetime!