Meet The Profile: Datuk Paul Kiong

Presented by The Living History Project

The Living History Project (TLHP) is Malaysia's pioneering digital museum dedicated to preserving the stories, memories, and lived experiences of everyday Malaysians and local icons.

We believe that history is not just found in textbooks, historical dates, or political milestones, it lives in the people who experienced it. Through interviews, documentaries, community archives, and public programmes, TLHP documents the voices that have shaped our nation across arts, culture, sports, public service, and exploration.

By creating an accessible archive of these personal journeys, TLHP ensures that the sacrifices, choices, values, and triumphs of our people are preserved to inspire future generations.

Meet The Profile: Real Conversations, Real Malaysia

This Merdeka season, The Living History Project presents an exclusive, intimate session of Meet The Profile featuring Datuk Paul Kiong, one of Malaysia’s most decorated living national heroes. Hosted inside the historic colonial house of Badan Warisan Malaysia, step into the room to hear the unvarnished story of a Special Branch operative who spent six years living a double life undercover in the deep jungle.

Discover how high-stakes psychological warfare, covert intelligence, and sheer courage neutralized insurgent forces without firing a single shot and join a rare, direct Q&A session with the man behind the ops.

About the Speaker: Datuk Paul Kiong

Datuk Paul Kiong is a retired Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch officer and one of only a handful of living recipients of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), Malaysia's highest gallantry award. Datuk Paul spent 31 years in the Royal Malaysia Police; during the Second Malayan Emergency he spent years operating deep within the Perak jungle, leading covert operations and infiltrating communist networks. Posing as a food supplier and messenger, he lived a perilous double life, sleeping in hammocks and eating rats and monkeys to maintain his cover. Datuk Paul played a key role in securing the mass defection of the elite Fifth Assault Unit without prolonged armed conflict — instead of relying on firepower, he relied on trust-building, negotiation, and sheer nerve. He took unfathomable risks, venturing into the wilderness with former insurgents to win over active guerrillas. The brave strategy paid off: he captured all 43 members of the Fifth Assault Unit alive, without firing a single shot. Today, he shares his experiences to remind younger generations of the sacrifices made to preserve peace in Malaysia and the importance of.

Session Details & Agenda

• Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia (2, Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur)
• Format: Registration & Networking (15 mins), Moderated Conversations (30 mins), Audiences Q&A (15 mins) 

Seating Capacity

• Capacity: Intimate setting strictly limited to 30 to 50 seats.
• Seating: Free seating (first-come, first-served basis).

Ticketing Information

Note: Every ticket purchased includes 1 complimentary drink.  

• Ticket Price (Normal): RM 20.00 
• Ticket Price (Students): RM 15.00 

⚠️ Important Event Rules

• Punctuality: Doors open 20 minutes before the session (10:40 AM). Late arrivals will only be admitted during appropriate pauses to avoid disturbing the speaker or recording.
• Student Tickets: Student ticket holders must bring and present a valid student ID at registration. Failure to provide valid proof will require upgrading to a Normal ticket at the door.  
• Recording Restrictions: Audio and video recording during the 40-minute talk are strictly prohibited. Photography without flash is permitted. (For the safety and privacy of our profiles)
• Age Limit: Recommended for attendees aged 12 and above.
• Heritage Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia is a preserved heritage site. Attendees are kindly asked to respect the house and grounds.