[1-Day Short Course] Heritage and Aesthetics in Malay-Indonesian Society
About the course
Heritage is big business today. From tourism to cultural preservation, both the state and private sector are investing in it. But beyond the buzz, how deeply do we understand the cultural and aesthetic foundations of Malay-Indonesian heritage?
This course offers a fresh, insightful look at the evolving discourse of heritage and aesthetics in Malay-Indonesian society, with a particular focus on intangible cultural heritage - traditions, values, and expressions that are often overlooked but deeply shape communal identity.
You will explore questions such as:
- Why are certain heritage forms gaining attention now?
- How are politics, power, and preservation connected in heritage recognition?
- What makes something “beautiful” or “worthy” of conservation within a local cultural context?
Through historical case studies, theoretical insights, and real-world examples, this course will:
- Unpack key forms of intangible heritage that are currently gaining prominence, and explore the societal forces driving this interest
- Survey and reflect on past and present efforts to document and preserve heritage, and identify gaps and opportunities for future research
- Introduce methods to document heritage and explain why public discourse is essential to meaningful heritage planning
- Explore aesthetics from a Southeast Asian perspective, including how concepts of beauty, clarity, and ethical values are culturally embedded
Whether you are in heritage planning, education, the arts, cultural policy, or simply curious about Southeast Asia’s rich traditions, this course encourages you to think critically and creatively about what we choose to preserve and why it matters.
Medium of Instruction
English
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Recognise key forms of cultural heritage in the Malay-Indonesian context, along with their historical development
- Understand cultural and aesthetic symbols that are embedded in traditional practices and expressions
- Appreciate the values and philosophies of the communities that have created and sustained these traditions
- Evaluate how cultural heritage can enrich social and cultural life in Singapore’s multicultural society
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals and practitioners across the cultural, education, and media sectors, including:
- Teachers, lecturers, and curriculum specialists
- Librarians, archivists, and curators
- Journalists, writers, and content producers
- Cultural workers, community leaders, and policymakers
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this course offers meaningful insights and valuable resources for professionals at all levels of seniority.
Minimum Entry Requirement
Polytechnic Diploma / GCE 'A' (or equivalent) and Above
Course Fee
| Fee Category | Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident | International Participant |
| Full course fee (including 9% GST) | S$926.50 | S$926.50 |
Note:
- Self-sponsored participants: You will need to make online payment at the point of accepting offer of enrolment.
- Corporate-sponsored participants: NUS will bill your company for payment.
SkillsFuture Credit
Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above may use their SkillsFuture Credit to pay for the course fees.
This is only applicable to self-sponsored participants. Application to utilise SkillsFuture Credit can be submitted when making payment for the course.
About the Instructor
Terms and Conditions
- Class Formation and Changes
Classes will only be conducted if the minimum enrolment is met. The organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the class format at short notice and at its sole discretion, without providing reasons. In the event of a cancellation, a full refund will be issued for payments already received.
- Absence Policy
No make-up lessons will be provided for missed classes.
- Withdrawal and Replacement
Once a participant is accepted into the programme, withdrawals are not permitted. Participants who wish to withdraw may either:
-
- Find a replacement to take their place, or
- Pay a penalty of 30% of the full course fee (inclusive of GST).
- Photography and Videography
Photographs and/or videos may be taken during the programme for audit and marketing purposes.