The Chinese in Brunei

This book presents diverse perspectives on issues faced by the Chinese minority in predominantly Malay Muslim Brunei, drawing together cutting-edge research from early career, Brunei Chinese academics themselves to present a truly groundbreaking volume.

As a result of strict immigration rules and citizenship requirements following Brunei’s independence in 1984, the population of ethnically Chinese residents in the country has declined consistently. Despite this, the Chinese community are significant in the region, playing a pivotal role through their sizeable socioeconomic contributions. Chapters shed light on a broad range of issues and challenges faced by the Chinese community in Brunei, from adaptation in wider society and struggles around ethnic identity and belonging, to loss of dialect, language, religious freedom, and the ongoing pressures around assimilation. Though the volume naturally focuses in depth on the Chinese experience in Brunei, the book relates the themes explored to broader international contexts where ethnic minorities are present, drawing parallels and reinforcing the global relevance of the book.

This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of Southeast Asian culture and society, diaspora studies, and race and ethnic studies more broadly.