A vivid trip through the multicultural world of Southeast Asia, this eBook attempts to identify the role of modernity in the formation of the region’s culture. Focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and Philippines, the eBook traces the history of cultural development in these countries. Specifically, the project highlights the tension between conservatism and progress in preserving traditions. These reflections bring out prospects of future research towards cultural survival in a constantly changing environment. What will happen to Southeast Asia’s culture as globalisation invades the region to wash away tradition?