Conserving Heritage in South East Asia: Cases from Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines

Abstract

The paper discusses issues of heritage, conservation, development and tourism within a South East Asian context. It focuses on circumstances in the city state of Singapore and the countries of Malaysia and the Philippines and their capitals with particular attention given to three case studies of heritage districts in these cities. There is shown to be an official appreciation of the many roles played by heritage, including that of tourist attraction, and awareness of its economic, socio-cultural and political value. Nevertheless and despite government protestations of support, remaining built heritage appears to be at risk from various forces such as neglect, insufficient funding and over-commercialisation. Development imperatives are a major threat and securing a balance between them and heritage conservation is a formidable challenge for urban authorities.