Dive beneath the waves and uncover the stories hidden in Southeast Asia’s waters. This lively conversation brings maritime heritage and archaeology to life through tales of shipwrecks, lost cargo, and underwater discoveries. Drawing on Dr Michael Flecker’s extensive field experience, the session explores how submerged sites reveal ancient trade routes, seafaring technologies, and vibrant cultural exchanges across the region. 

Beyond the thrill of discovery, the discussion also touches on how maritime archaeology works in practice, namely, how sites are studied, protected, and shared with the public. Framed within today’s heritage landscape, the programme highlights how underwater archaeology complements land-based histories and expands how we understand and present the past.