The Late Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Khoo Kay Kim

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The Historian Who Helped Formulate Our Rukun Negera

Born to Peranakan Chinese parents on 28th March 1937 in Kampar, Perak when the Sino-Japanese War broke out, the Late Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Khoo Kay Kim is widely regarded as the formative figure in the field of Malaysian history.

His extensive body of work, composed in both English and Malay, serves as a cornerstone for the Malaysian history curriculum. He was an instrumental figure in the formulation of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) to foster national cohesion following the 1969 riots.

A prolific educator

Upon obtaining his M.A (History) from the Faculty of Arts, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Professor Khoo was appointed as a lecturer at the institution. Later he would become the first Malaysian to obtain a PhD for his thesis entitled The Beginnings of Political Extremism in Malaya 1915-1935.

Professor Khoo's academic journey led him to a professorship and the Chair of Malaysian History at the University of Malaya from 1974 to his retirement in 1992. During this period, he was the Head of the History Department and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He was the first lecturer outside of Malay Studies to conduct lectures in the national language, serving over 50 years in University of Malaya’s history department and teaching many prominent leaders of the country throughout his career.

Over the years, Professor Khoo has sat on various national committees: the Pardons Board of Wilayah Persekutuan, Member of the National Advisory Council on Culture (1974-1976), Board Member of the Institute of Strategic International Studies (from 1984), Member of the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) (2004 – 2010), Member of the Malaysia-Indonesia Eminent Persons Group (2008), Member of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) (2009 – 2012), Board Member of the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (2004-2013), and the Board of Trustees for Merdeka Award (2007 – 2013).

An undying love for sports

Playing football was one of Professor Khoo's best childhood memories. It provided him with the opportunity to travel overseas for the first time and was an avenue that enabled him to experience education outside of his school’s four walls.

Later in life, the well-respected proponent of national sports was actively involved in international sporting events. He even founded the University of Malaya Sports Centre and was responsible for introducing the first sports science degree programme in the country.

Beyond his academic and sporting pursuits, Professor Khoo was a dedicated community leader. He actively participated in various community initiatives, advocating for social justice and environmental conservation. His commitment to giving back to society was evident in his tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around him.

Shaping the study of Malaysian history

Professor Khoo has authored 87 academic writings and conducted extensive research on Malaysian history. His works, published in reputable journals globally, adopt a Malaysian-centric approach, emphasising local perspectives for historical interpretation.

Among his notable books are "Transformasi & Demokrasi," "Pensejarahan Malaysia," and "Kuala Lumpur: The Formative Years." Recognised for his outstanding contributions, he received prestigious accolades, including the title of "Emeritus Professor" in 2001, the Fellowship of the Malaysian Historical Society in 2012, and the Tokoh Akademik Negara ke-10 in 2017.

At the age of 81, Professor Khoo remains active in academia, helping reshape the study of history and advocating for a shift from Eurocentric to local perspectives.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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