There is a saying that “history is written by the victors.” Only a select few—the great ones, the elite, the movers and shakers—are the subjects of history books. But what of the common men and women who helped shape history in their own ways?
Thanks to The Living History Project (TLHP), the unique experiences of real Malaysians are now accessible through a free digital museum that celebrates and highlights their personal stories. TLHP is a non-profit initiative founded by Bobby Yp Wong alongside producer Nafhah Liyana. The digital museum aims to feature the untold stories of Malaysians through digital preservation, sustaining itself through sponsorships, strategic collaborations, and public participation.
The website contains four permanent exhibitions featuring Malaysians in the fields of Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sports, and Culture and Society. From local musicians and artists, to athletes and advocates, TLHP features all of these and more through oral histories and profiles, cultural architecture and heritage, community contributors, and special projects and festivals.
Photo from TLHP Website
Photo from TLHP Website
Recently, the TLHP Festival began its twenty-two day celebration, featuring immersive musicals, historic walks, creative workshops, film screenings, and an environmental fair, to help promote sustainable tourism through the digital archive, and to raise awareness and uplift heritage through the real stories from the real people of Malaysia.
TLHP is also planning special projects for 2026, including heritage exhibits for Kuala Lumpur and Penang, a deep dive on the Orang Asli indigenous groups of Peninsular Malaysia, and Directors Cut—a curated series offering a glimpse at filmmakers behind the scenes in an intimate conversation.
With all of these activities and more, The Living History Project continues to shine a light on real people who shaped the country. Visit their website to learn more about the everyday people behind Malaysia’s vibrant culture.