This book analyses the ebbs and flows of globalization on natural resource-rich Perak over two centuries. It brings together interconnected sub-themes: the institutional legacy of colonialism, the increasing centralization of federalism, economic agglomeration, and migration.
This book, which traces the evolution of what is now Malaysia from a far-flung colonial trading outpost at the time of the Pangkor Engagement in 1874 to a modern, diversified economy, is divided into five parts, in 10 chapters, which chronicle the events and the transformations—as well as the people—that marked this journey.
This book charts the course of Malaya’s commodity-dependent economy during the first 40 years of the 20th century while under British colonial control, contrasting that course with the economic growth and development in contemporary Malaysia.
"Globalization has brought immense benefits: higher incomes; reduced poverty; and narrowed gaps between countries.
But these benefits have not been evenly distributed. Within nations it has been a different story – one of winners and losers.
Some people – often those in struggling regions, in lower-skilled jobs – have lost out. While others, especially the highly educated and those working in thriving global cities such as here in Singapore, London, or New York, reap the rewards."
International Conference on Cohesive Societies, Singapore, June 2025
"We must be clear that a nation’s development is linked not only to how much money we have, or to how many modern buildings and highways we can construct.
There are countries with the finest state-of-the-art buildings that money can buy, yet where unemployment and poverty – in the sense of economic as well as spiritual poverty – are still widespread. True development, rather, entails holistic progress in all areas, and must include its non-material elements and inner dimensions."
IKIM International Forum on the Royal Professor Ungku A. Aziz, December 2022
“Transitioning to a better world … It must be made real. In order to get there, policies and incentives must be adapted to ensure that growth continues, but in a way that is sustainable and inclusive.
Economic growth is necessary, especially for those poorer countries which desperately need to catch up. But it must be achieved in a way that stays within our existing planetary boundaries.”
Transitioning to a Better World: CIMB Cooler Earth Sustainability Summit, September 2022
“The task of a historian—it is often said—is not to judge but to explain. History is complex. It is long, winding, and ever changing, filled with countless perspectives and opinions. Indeed, young historians could spend their whole life ‘looking down’ when they do research, and by the time they look up they would be as old as Malaysia itself.”
Launch of Striving for Inclusive Development, July 2019
