Malaysian Chinese Retrace Their Roots at FamilySearch Seminar 
Komuniti Cina Malaysia Menjejaki Asal-usul Mereka di Seminar FamilySearch

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The Chinese diaspora gave rise to the second largest ethnic community in Malaysia, and their descendants can now use online tools to trace these family roots and preserve their cultural lineage. On May 9, 2026, over 300 participants gathered at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall to better understand the value of keeping family histories and learn how to use FamilySearch tools to build their family trees.

Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) YBrs. Chua Choon Hwa from the Malaysia Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was the guest of honor at the event. In his opening speech, he acknowledged the organizer’s efforts and encouraged participants’ ongoing engagement in family history work. Highlighting the government’s manifesto for the National Culture Policy, YBrs. Chua spoke about the aim to develop a “high culture” in Malaysia as an embodiment of humanity.

“Although the demographic percentage of Chinese Malaysians has been decreasing over the years, the culture remains robust and fresh. We can affirm that Chinese history in Malaysia is here to stay, even if the numbers are small,” he said. “Maintaining cultural history, heritage, identity and values is key to an enduring Chinese 'Nanyang' legacy in Malaysia’s tourism and cultural landscape.”

Dato' Yong Kok Tin, chairman of the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies then shared about how grassroots efforts played a role in promoting cultural heritage preservation and became clan and family associations, which were involved in the exhibition aspect of the event.

Four speakers with expertise in genealogical research, historical geography and Sinology followed their remarks. Derek Au and Eric Leach from Family Search International shared respectively on how to use modern tools to expand family trees, and introduced practical tools and guides for those encountering difficulties defining their origins and the location of ancestral villages such as the FamilySearch website and “clues on the tombstone”.

From the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies, Dr. Pek Wee Chuen analysed family migration history through tomb culture and explained how most Chinese Malaysians originated from different localities in China over a century ago. These migratory movements impact the understanding and performing of family history work across the peninsula and Southeast Asia regions.

Researcher Dr. Yon Weng Woe then used the family records of Kapitan China families in Malacca as an example of the bonding significance of genealogy and to explore the cultural value of historic documents to modern families.

“I noticed that all the attendees were listening intently to all the speakers,” observed Dr. Pek. “This indicates that they were very interested in learning and gaining more information and tips to do family history work. It is also noted that they came with a purpose to gain valuable insight.”

“Malaysians of Chinese descent are becoming interested in tracing their family roots back to their ancestral lands. However, many do not know where to begin or how to start their research,” said Angelo Semana, Multi-Country Family History Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which fully sponsors FamilySearch.

“By organizing this seminar, we are helping to point people in the right direction, giving them the knowledge, resources, and confidence to begin their journey of discovering and preserving their family history for future generations. This seminar not only empowers individuals to research their ancestors but also contributes to the broader effort of preserving cultural heritage and historical records within Malaysia.”

Seminar participants could create accounts on FamilySearch.org to start recording their personal family history and join a Facebook group on Chinese ancestry during the event. A concurrent exhibition of genealogical documents was also held for the public, which showcased precious family records and historical materials collected by CMCS, Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association, Federation of Ng Genealogy Associations, Federation of Zhang Clan Association Malaysia, Persatuan Kakitangan Liew Klang, and the Selangor Yap Si Association.

“Many attendees left with a stronger desire to begin their own family history journey and a deeper understanding that their own stories and experiences are worth preserving,” said Semana. “These historical narratives help enhance Malaysia’s cultural and social appeal because they preserve the stories, traditions, and experiences of the people and communities that helped shape the country.”