Bernard Z. Keo

Bernard Z. Keo is an Assistant Professor specializing in modern Southeast Asian history, focusing on decolonization, nation-making, and transnational networks. His research bridges historical analysis with digital humanities, notably through projects like Virtual Angkor, which earned prestigious awards. He holds a PhD in Southeast Asian History from Monash University.

His thematic expertise spans nationalism, urban-rural dynamics, state-building, and identity politics, with geographical focus on China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Keo's work explores intersections of race, class, gender, and migration in post-WWII contexts, particularly in port-cities like George Town. He also contributes to digital pedagogy, using courtroom simulations to engage students in humanities education.

Keo serves on editorial boards for journals like Asian Studies Review and History Australia, and advises Channel News Asia on historical matters. His recent publications include a forthcoming book on Peranakan cosmopolitanism (Oxford UP, 2025) and articles on colonial urban networks, diasporic identities, and Malayan Emergency historiography.

• Awards: Roy N. Rosenzweig Prize (2018), Medieval Society's Digital Humanities Prize (2021)
• Key Projects: Virtual Angkor (2018–present), Norris Embassy digital project (2018–2019)