Soon-Tzu is Lecturer in Urban and Cultural Heritage at the University of Melbourne. His research interests include classical architecture and its reception in colonial Malaya, architectural networks in the British Empire, and Southeast Asian heritage.
His first book, Malayan Classicism, was published by Bloomsbury in 2024. He is co-editor of Architectural Encounters in Asia Pacific, also published by Bloomsbury in 2024. His writing has also appeared in Meanjin, Failed Architecture, Penang Monthly, and New Mandala.
Born in Kuala Lumpur and based in Naarm/Melbourne, Soon-Tzu is actively involved in the promotion of architectural history and heritage in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. He serves as Vice-Chair of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s Built Environment Committee and as a member of the Trust’s Heritage Advocacy Committee. He has also provided expert feedback to international heritage bodies including ICOMOS and UNESCO.
His previous roles include research and teaching at the Singapore University of Technology & Design, editing at Areca Books, and copywriting at Saatchi & Saatchi Arachnid.
Dr Soon-Tzu Speechley 