First ever shamanism conference in Malaysia to take place in Kuching

Academicians, researchers and local communities will gather for the first shamanism conference in Malaysia at Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching.

The International Society of Academic Research on Shamanism conference will take place from August 25 to 28.

Sarawak’s minister of tourism, creative industry and performing arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman, said the conference would help preserve Sarawak’s traditional knowledge and intangible cultural heritage.

Themed “Shamanism in Crisis: Seeking Human Identity“, the conference will explore progress in issues and challenges related to shamanism.

What are shamanistic practices?

Shamanistic practise are often associated with indigenous tribes. 

The practice encapsulated connections of human beings to other dimensions apart from the material world.

It is believed that a shaman, through esoteric knowledge, has the power to heal, communicate with beings beyond our realms and guide souls in the afterlife.

Researchers believe that shamans also help individuals and communities shape their identities to be more connected to other beings.

In this modern era, there is a resurgence in age-old wisdom in spiritualities as many indigenous communities are reclaiming their traditions.

The shamanism conference

The International Society for Academic Research on Shamanism (ISARS) aims to continue the work of the International Society for Shamanistic Research (ISSR), founded in 1988. 

ISARS has more than 300 members from fifteen different countries.

The society’s primary aim is to promote the multidisciplinary academic research of the world’s religious therapeutic systems, often described as shamanism.

The researchers consider the term shamanism itself a generic and problematic term. 

At the conference, participants will discuss globalisation, environmental and ecological degradation, cultural resilience and spiritual wisdom in indigenous tribes.

ISARS encourages and supports the studies of well-known scholars and the work of junior academics and researchers.

Sarawak can gain more knowledge expansion, networking, professional relationships and collaborations through this conference, said Abdul Karim.

Hanoi, Vietnam hosted the last ISARS International Conference in 2017.

To participate, click https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/ to fill out a registration form on Google Forms.

Registration fees are RM600 per person for the conference package or RM65 per person daily without conference kits, meals and tours. 

It is free entry for university students.

For more information, please email

Wong Siew Fui – [email protected] 

Dora Jok – [email protected]