Volume 1
The Environment
Malaysia is exceptionally rich in terms of natural resources and biological diversity. This volume sets out concepts including the country's origin, location, physical geography and climate. It also discusses the environmental impact of human life and examines environmental issues from forest management to water and air quality.
Botanical riches abound in Malaysia. From single-cell algae to 80 metre tall trees, this volume describes the incredible diversity of the nation's plant life and the socioeconomic impact of both native and introduced species. It concludes with a discussion on the future of Malaysia's plant heritage and the balance between conservation and exploitation.
Volume 3
Animals
An abundance of animal species are found in Malaysia, their evolution encouraged by the country's equtorial climate. Many species are endemic to Malaysia and they are found nowhere else in the world. This volume explores the exciting world of animals, which form a valuable part of the world's gene bank.
Volume 4
Early History
The pre-history of Malaysia stretches back to the earliest known human habitation about 40,000 years ago. This volume introduces the reader to the vast and fascinating subject of early history up to the founding of the Melaka Sultanate in 1400. In doing so, it reveals how archaeologists have located remnants of early kingdoms and port sites.
Volume 5
Architecture
From simple jungle shelters to awe-inspiring mega projects, Malaysia is blessed with an architectural heritage of great diversity, artistry and sophistication. The full range of vernacular indigenous architecture, that influenced and derived from the East and the West, and the rapid developments since Independence are introduced in this fully illustrated volume.
Malaysia is very much a maritime nation. Its seas and straits support a rich diversity of marine life, provide fisheries and other resources, and form some of the world's busiest shipping routes. This volume provides a wealth of information on this biological and economic treasure trove.
Volume 7
Early Modern History
The dramatic changes that affected the indigenous states and society of the Malay Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak between 1800 and 1940 are documented and brought to life in this volume. This volume captures the major historical themes and reveals the compelling histories of each of Malaysia's component states.
From Wayang Kulit (shadow play) to diva Siti Nurhaliza, the performing arts in Malaysia are a highly complex mosaic of theatre, music and dance forms. This volume provides an insight into the exciting and vibrant mix of art forms that has developed from the combination of indigenous elements and foreign influences, the old and the new.
Volume 9
Languages and Literature
Malaysia is home to an incredible variety of languages, indeed in linguistic terms it is among the most complex countries in the world. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the nation's languages as well as its many literary traditions, which range from indigenous storytelling to contemporary multilingual media.
Volume 10
Religions and Beliefs
Practitioners of most of the world religions are found in Malaysia, as is apparent from the numerous mosques, temples, churches and gurdwaras found nationwide.This volume explores each of the religions in turn: Islam, Buddhism and the Chinese religions, Hinduism, Christianity and Sikhism, as well as the indigenous belief systems.
Volume 10
Government and Politics
In stimulating visual format, this volume tells the story of Malaysia's history since 1940. It covers events such as the Japanese Occupation, the Emergency, Independence and the formation of Malaysia. It also examines the contemporary institutions of government as well as electoral politics and the party system, social institutions and foreign policy.
Volume 12
Peoples and Traditions
Prof. Dato' Dr Hood Salleh
The ethnic diversity of Malaysia's population is the result of an intriguing history of migration over the course of many centuries. From the Orang Asli of the Peninsula to the Kadazandusun of Sabah, each ethnic group has developed and retains distinct traditions. The volume will explore the nation's demographic and cultural variety.
Volume 13
The Economy
Prof. Dr Osman Rani Hassan
Since Independence, startling economic progress has transformed Malaysia. This volume will chronicle that shift from low-income agrarian society to industrialized economic powerhouse. The reader will be led through the economy's various sectors and will gain a strong grounding in areas such as agriculture and industry.
Volume 14
Crafts and the Visual Arts
Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal
Home to myriad crafts, from pottery to woodcarving and weaving to metalware, Malaysia has a long tradition of producing functional yet beautiful artefacts. This volume will capture the spirit of the traditional local aesthetic and chart its development in the face of outside influences. The advent of modern visual art will also be examined.
Volume 15
Sports and Recreation
Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr) Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid
From top-spinning to Formula 1, a wide variety of recreational activities are engaged in, and sports played, in Malaysia. Charting the history and development of these, this volume will provide an insight into the key players and events that have shaped their evolution, and highlight Malaysia's impressive sports facilities.
Volume 16
The Malay Sultanates
Datuk Prof. Emeritus Dr Mohd Taib Osman
Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr Khoo Kay Kim
Malaysia has nine royal families. This volume will relate the history of each of the royal states and the 15th century Melaka sultanate, as well as providing information on contemporary royal protocol. Information on the history and protocol of the four other states will also be provided.