Digital Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia: Knowledge Structures and Resources in GLAM Institutions

This study explores the digital organization of cultural heritage knowledge across national GLAM institutions (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) in the ten ASEAN countries. By employing a qualitative content analysis approach, this research study investigates the types, structures, and dissemination patterns of information resources available on 40 institutional websites. The findings reveal the diversity and richness of Southeast Asian cultural heritage, including national and local wisdom, history, significant figures, and material culture, collected and curated by these institutions. This study identifies key knowledge domains, content overlaps across GLAM sectors, and limitations in metadata and interoperability. Comparative analysis with international cultural knowledge infrastructures, such as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s framework, Europeana, and the World Digital Library, highlights both shared values and regional distinctions. While GLAMs in the ASEAN have made significant strides in digital preservation and access, the lack of standardized metadata and cross-institutional integration impedes broader discoverability and reuse. This study contributes to the discourse on heritage informatics by providing an empirical foundation for enhancing digital cultural heritage systems in developing regions. The implications point toward the need for interoperable metadata standards, regional collaboration, and capacity building to support sustainable digital heritage ecosystems. This research study offers practical insights for policymakers, digital curators, and information professionals seeking to improve cultural knowledge infrastructures in Southeast Asia and similar contexts.