Borneo Chronicles

Episode 02 - The Arrival of James Brooke

The arrival of James Brooke forever changed Sarawak's history—but do you know the real story? Discover the true account of Brooke's journey aboard his schooner, the Royalist, which was initially a voyage of exploration and discovery, not one of trade or conquest. Learn how an unexpected stop and a pivotal meeting with Raja Muda Hassim led an English gentleman to a crossroads. Would James Brooke stick to his plan of exploration, or would he feel honour-bound to aid a ruler in the midst of a violent rebellion? The decision he made on 2 October 1840 altered his destiny and the course of a nation. This is the authentic tale of adventure, diplomacy, and the choice that sparked a dynasty.

Episode 01 - Antimony: Sarawak's Curse

Is it a blessing for a country to be rich in resources... or is it a curse? When John Crawfurd discovered antimony in the Singapore market, it kickstarted an antimony boom in Sarawak years before the arrival of James Brooke. This increase in trade forever changed the economic, political and social landscape of the Country. "My experience here enables me to affirm, from the distracted state of the governmnet and the depression of the people, that trade, instead of being a blessing, is a curse ; and that the richer a country is, and the greater the demand by European vessels for any staple, commodity, the more wretched are the inhabitants, and the more rapacious the chiefs, who drive the people to unrequited labour, as long as there is any demand, to the neglect of their agricultural pursuits, on which they depend for food. The chief grows rich ; but the people are abjectly poor ; and the country is ruined, by the desertion or rebellion of its inhabitants." James Brooke