Becoming An Expert on Southeast Asia
Melbourne-born Professor Dr. Anthony Milner is a Southeast Asia specialist with a focus on Malay and Malaysian history. He earned his B.A. from Monash University and completed his Ph.D. at Cornell University under the mentorship of Oliver William Wolters, a leading international specialist on pre-modern Southeast Asia, and John Legge, who is widely considered as the founder of modern Asian Studies in Australia.
Milner’s 1982 publication "Kerajaan: Malay Political Culture on the Eve of Colonial Rule" was selected as one of the 25 “works of major importance to historical studies” in Southeast Asian history by the Association for Asian Studies in the USA.
Professor Wang Gungwu at the launching of a book by Professor Milner in 2016
Charting His Own Course As A Specialist of Southeast Asia Studies
Inspired by these mentors and influenced by Professors Wang Gungwu and Clifford Geertz, Milner forged his own journey as a historian of Southeast Asia.
His work on Malay society focuses on ideological creativity and the contest of ideas, evident in his early publication "Kerajaan: Malay Political Culture on the Eve of Colonial Rule" in 1982. This fundamental work was well-received by many academics at the time, and was selected as one of the 25 “works of major importance to historical studies” in Southeast Asian history by the Association for Asian Studies in the USA.
Milner's contributions to Malay and Malaysian history extend through numerous books published by esteemed presses such as Cambridge University Press, Blackwell Press, and the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.
He later served as the Director of the Australia Asia Perceptions Project of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia which studied the role of cultures in international relationships, and produced three volumes of essays for Oxford University Press.
In discussion with Minister of Higher Education Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, 2016
In 1995, Milner assumed the role of Basham Professor of Asian History at the Australian National University, later becoming the Dean of Asian Studies until 2005.
He holds the position of Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University and serves as International Director and Professorial Fellow at Asialink (University of Melbourne), focusing on Australia-Asia issues.
Committed to Shaping International Relations
Milner’s main focus has always been on Malay and Malaysian history, yet his interest extends to regional relations, including Australia's connections with the Asian region.
He’s conducted research at various institutions, both in Australia and Malaysia, collaborating with the think-tank ISIS Malaysia, where he held the Tun Hussein Onn Chair and Professor Azirah Hashim, Director of the Asia Europe Institute.
With Professor Azirah Hashim, Director of the Asia Europe Institute in 2015
He has contributed to publications like the Routledge Press volume and co-edited reports like “Our Place in the Asian Century: Southeast Asia as The Third Way.” and provides insights on regional relations in newspapers and media outlets.
Milner's illustrious career has been recognised with prestigious titles such as Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a Member of the Order of Australia. Through his work and engagement in various institutions, including the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific, Milner remains dedicated to enhancing Malaysia-Australia cooperation.
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