History at a human scale.
Study localities from rural settlements to cities, using micro-history and community engagement to understand identity, culture and social change.
Organisation
The organisation behind the work.
Borneo History aims to advance historical research and preservation by developing accessible resources for the study of Borneo's past.
Who we are
Pertubuhan Sejarah Borneo Sabah (BH), known as Borneo History, is a state-level non-governmental organisation registered under Malaysia's Societies Act.
We search for, collect, repatriate and digitise historically valuable documents held within and beyond the country, preserving them as material for reference and research.
Our work shares discoveries about Sabah and its relationships with Brunei, Sarawak, Kalimantan and the wider Nusantara, or Malay Archipelago. We connect communities with their regional heritage and help safeguard that knowledge for present and future generations.
We work to make historical knowledge accessible to researchers, educators and the wider public.
Meet our presidentVision, mission & goals
Our vision
To become the leading centre of reference and study for Sabah and Borneo history at the national and international levels.
Our mission
Uphold Borneo's historical heritage through research, education and community outreach, connecting people with accessible sources and inclusive opportunities to explore local history.
Our goals
Preserve historical documents and records, expand digital access, and strengthen the networks through which institutions and communities share knowledge.
Organisational structure
Our branches and related entities.
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Parent organisationPertubuhan Sejarah Borneo Sabah (BH)
Borneo History
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Branch 01Borneo History Resources
Under ResourcesBorneohistory.com
Under Borneohistory.comBorneo History E-Archive
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Branch 02Kumpulan Penjejak Sejarah Borneo
Under Kumpulan Penjejak Sejarah BorneoSembulan
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Branch 03Borneo History Research Centre
Under the Research CentreKumis Kumis
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Meet the team
Borneo History's office bearers and committee members.
Dr. Shari bin Jeffri
President
Prof. Dr. Bilcher Bala
Advisor
Sahar bin Piasin
Deputy Chairperson
Marwan bin Musa
Secretary
Muhamad Siraj bin Khir Johari
Treasurer
Baba bin Basman
Deputy Secretary
Committee members
Prof. Madya Dr. Maureen de Silva
Committee Member
M. Malik Ag Rasin
Committee Member
Vynn Suren
Committee Member
Timothy Lim
Committee Member
Shadelina Shari
Committee Member
Shadilafiqah Shari
Committee Member
Shaidatul Aini
Committee Member
Mohd. Shafiezan Shari
Committee Member
Shahirah Dianah Shari
Committee Member
Muhammad Shuzaire bin Peril
Committee Member
Nur Shahira binti Roslan
Committee Member
Research, preservation & public understanding
The Master Index of Borneo History
Developing the
Master Index of Borneo History
A Master Index of Borneo History
A comprehensive primary reference for researchers, educators and the public. The aim is a systematic, accessible knowledge base that can be consulted and developed over time.
Preservation and access
Collecting, organising, digitising and publishing documents, records, artifacts and visual materials, protecting the originals while widening access through digital technology.
Community narratives
Micro-local research that brings grassroots histories into view. Authentic local voices and experiences enrich our understanding of the island beyond mainstream accounts.
Research priorities
Historical Research
and Public Education
Read the history of a place.
The research programme identifies Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau and Beaufort as areas of focus, with museums, archives, historical societies and universities as part of the wider research network.
Follow relationships across the island.
Document societies, places and traditions, examining their social, economic, cultural and political histories alongside Borneo's relationships with the wider world.
Bring historical perspective to public questions.
Create space for independent discussion about how knowledge of the past can inform policy, deepen public understanding and help avoid repeating earlier mistakes.
Support the next generation.
Build scholarly networks and share research skills with historians at different career stages.
Preserve sources. Widen access.
Develop digital resources, digitise historical texts and images, and explore open-access publishing. Borneopedia is being developed separately as part of this commitment to discovery and connection.
Our values
How we approach
the work.
- Integrity
- Honesty, transparency and accountability in research, decisions and public communication.
- Inclusivity
- Respect for different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives in research and collaboration.
- Collaboration
- Shared work among individuals, institutions and communities, building knowledge that benefits society.
- Curiosity
- A critical, open-minded interest in the past, grounded in careful enquiry.
- Care
- Responsibility for historical heritage and empathy for the people and communities connected to it.
- Equity
- Fair opportunities to access knowledge, undertake research and develop professionally.
Participate in
our work
Publications, documentaries, exhibitions, lectures and workshops can bring research into everyday life. Our ambition is to create more opportunities for students, historians and the public to learn from one another.
Individuals and institutions can contribute knowledge, material, time or support. Talk to us about a community history, a research partnership or a preservation project.