Universiti Malaya (UM): Preserving Institutional Heritage Through Voices of the Past - Oral History as a tool for capturing University Malaya Legacy

Abstract

Established in 1962, Universiti Malaya stands as Malaysia’s oldest and most esteemed institution of higher learning. In 2019, recognizing the urgency of preserving tacit institutional knowledge often lost through retirement, the Universiti Malaya Library launched its Oral History Team. This pioneering effort aims to capture and conserve firsthand narratives from former university leaders, librarians, professors, staff, and alumni—voices that have shaped the university’s identity across generations. The objectives of the project are a) To document personal recollections, reflections, and decisions made by influential figures in UM’s history b) To complement formal records with tacit knowledge that provides deeper understanding of institutional practices and culture and c) To create a lasting repository of authentic voices and narratives from UM’s past. The personal stories reveal hidden moments and enrich UM’s historical narrative beyond the written record. More than a preservation project, the initiative embraces storytelling as a tool for advocacy, inclusion, and educational enrichment. The Oral History Team employs innovative approaches including strategic collaborations with alumni networks, multimedia integration through digital repositories and interactive exhibitions that bring archival voices to life. By intentionally highlighting diverse and minority perspectives, the project challenges monolithic historical narratives and fosters a more inclusive institutional memory.