Introduction

Hsu Yun-Tsiao, (1905-1981) well-known as “a scholar of a generation and Dean of Southeast Asian studies,” was also an associate professor of the Faculty of History and Geography of Nanyang University. He was also the editor of Journal of South Seas Society, Journal of Southeast Asian Research, Young Malayans; deputy president of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society and deputy president of the China Studies Society. His promotion and encouragement on the research on Southeast Asia can be summarised as writing, publishing journals and forming related societies in Southeast Asian Studies.

Coming from China when he was 26 years old, Mr Hsu was active in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Until his death at 76, Mr Hsu had involved in over fifty years of academic career, deeply engaged in the research on Southeast Asia and the Chinese in South seas. His other works included codification, series notes, annotation, translation, collating, editing, organisation, revision and teaching - achieving works far beyond the ordinary. He was also widely involved in creating poetry, literature, children literature, linguistics studies, folk beliefs and historical records, enjoying high reputation and status among Asian and international scholars.

Mr Hsu sacrificed his life for Southeast Asian studies, taking learning as more important than his own life, leading an arduous life as a scholar who would sacrifice even his own life in his quest for knowledge. He left to posterity valuable cultural heritage, making indelible contributions to culture and education in Malaysia and Singapore. He was heard saying “I do not know that old age is coming.” The seeking spirit he exhibited in conducting constant research, writing and publishing had stood him out as a giant in the academia.