Michael Flecker

Researcher’s Profile

Dr Michael Flecker has overseen some of the most important shipwreck excavations in Asia over the past three decades. They include the 9th century Belitung (Tang), 12th century Flying Fish, 13th century Java Sea, 15th century Bakau, c.1608 Binh Thuan, and c.1690 Vung Tau Wrecks. He earned his PhD from the National University of Singapore, based on the excavation of the 10th century Intan Wreck, and specialises in ancient Asian ship construction and maritime trade. He has been a Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute periodically since 2015.

Current Research

• Various shipwreck excavation projects in conjunction with the National Heritage Board.

Selected Publications

• Sister ships: three early 12th century CE shipwrecks in Southeast Asia, Flecker, M., Current Science, Shipwreck Section, Indian Academy of Scientists, India, 2019.
• The Flying Fish Wreck, Flecker, M., Tai Yew Seng, published by Five Dynasty Antiques, Kuala Lumpur, 2019.
• The Lingga Wreck: A 12th Century Southeast Asian Ship with a Chinese Cargo, NSC AU Archaeology Report Series No.10, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, 2019.
• Legislation on Underwater Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia: Evolution and Outcomes, Trends in Southeast Asia, 2017 No.23, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, 2017.
• Early Voyaging in the South China Sea: Implications on Territorial Claims, Nalanda Sriwijaya Centre Working Paper No. 19, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, 2015.