‘SIMULATION: VOICES FROM THE PAST‘ Exhibition. 1-30 Dec 2025
Endorsed By mREGA
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The National Art Gallery proudly presented SIMULATION :“VOICES FROM THE PAST,” Exhibition which ran from 1 to 30 December 2025, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. The exhibition encapsulates the period between 1st century AD to 1500 AD. The Guests of honors at the launch were Kamarul Izam, president of mREGA (Malaysia Graphic Design Association), Standing alongside him are Curator Adinaquraisa from the national Art Gallery and Dr Lim Teng Ngiom, author of the book, ‘Voices from the Past ‘ which reveals and reframes South east Asian history.
‘SIMULATION: VOICES FROM THE PAST‘
Exhibition highlights how shared culture foster a collective regional identity. The exhibition traces common threads that have shaped maritime trade networks, artistic lineages, belief systems, and the intangible cultural exchanges that continue to influence contemporary life. Located on the ground floor, stories unfold about discovery of the maritime journey through ports, religions, kingdoms, architecture, the arts and paintings and human encounters across the seas.
“SIMULATION: VOICES FROM THE PAST”
Exhibition is based on the Book, “Voices from the Past “ by Ngiom. Installation and Exhibition is designed and produced by Octagon Design House headed by Creative Director, Melisa Wong.
Images on five gigantic lanterns hang from the ceiling falling weightless in space to tell us stories from the past bringing together the layered histories of Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region once forged by cross-migration, trade, shared belief and countless cultural encounters.
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Lantern 1 : Bas Relief of Aspara Dances found on the walls of Angkor Wat, Borobudur, Prambanan Temple, Vat Phou in Laos and the ancient kingdom of Champa in Veitnam and temples in Thailand.
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Lantern 2 : Shadow Play/Wayang Kulit as favorite past times in Southeast Asia and China
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Lantern 3: Brave seafarers who rode the winds and waves from the pacific to the South China Sea.
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Lantern 4 : Significant and sacred archaeological Temples in Southeast Asia
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Lantern 5 Elephants as Beast of War during ancient mainland Southeast Asia especially Khmer, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Siamese kingdoms. The Malaccan kingdom likewise used elephants against the Portuguese in 1511 AD.
Standing Lanterns
Handwritten Javanese Manuscripts derivative of the 8th century Kawi script Serat Jaya Wulang1803-1889, Collection from the British Library, and ancient stone writings in the form of Sanskrit religious writings
found on walls of temples are displayed in the form of standing lanterns.
Traditional shadow puppet are celebrated throughout Southeast Asia and China . Get to know our Wayang Kulit Characters. The exhibition
ended on 30 December 2025.
Exhibition created by:-
Ar Dr Lim Teng Ngiom (Ngiom)
Architect and Author of “Voices from the Past”
Melisa Wong Meng San
Graphic designer and Creative Director, Octagon Design House (Octagon Creative group).