The British Council seeks to commission a Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum (GLAM) Consultant to undertake sector research, identify opportunities for bilateral collaboration, and support the development of a UK delegation to Malaysia as part of the UK–Malaysia Spotlight 2027 programme.

About the Opportunity

2027 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia. To mark this milestone, the British Council is developing the UK–Malaysia Spotlight 2027, a year-long programme of arts, culture and creative industry activities under the theme Human-Nature: Past, Present, Futures.

Building on the British Council’s ongoing Human-Nature programme and the UK–Malaysia collaboration for the British Pavillion at the 20th Venice Architecture Biennale, the Spotlight will bring together artists, cultural organisations, researchers, creative practitioners and audiences to explore relationships between people, culture, technology and the environment.

As part of this programme, the British Council is seeking to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Malaysia across the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sectors. The appointed Consultant will undertake research into both sectors, identify potential areas for bilateral collaboration, and support the development of a UK delegation to engage with Malaysian stakeholders.

Through this commission, the British Council aims to develop a robust understanding of the current UK and Malaysian GLAM landscapes, generate strategic recommendations for future collaboration, and curate a delegation of prospective UK partners and delegates through an open call. The delegation will meet Malaysian stakeholders, supported by a structured programme of engagement designed to encourage relationship-building and future partnerships between organisations and professionals in both countries.

Apply by 27 November 2026. Find out more about the submission process and required documents below.

The appointed Consultant will work with the British Council Malaysia to work across three main workstreams. 

Workstream 1: Situational Analysis

Conduct research and stakeholder consultations to map the GLAM sectors in Malaysia and the UK, identify sector priorities and challenges, and assess opportunities for bilateral collaboration.

Workstream 2: Partnership and Network Development

Identify potential UK–Malaysia institutional partnerships, connect relevant stakeholders, and support the development of a UK–Malaysia GLAM network and roadmap for future collaboration.

Workstream 3: UK Delegation Development 

Support the development of a UK delegation to Malaysia, including an open call and delegate selection process, briefing and preparation, and a programme of stakeholder meetings and networking opportunities around an International Congress conference in 2027.

For the full scope of work, deliverables and expected responsibilities, please refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP) document available for download below.

We welcome proposals from consultants with extensive knowledge of the GLAM sector in Malaysia and a good understanding of the UK sector, alongside experience in research, stakeholder engagement and international partnership development.

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Extensive knowledge of the GLAM sector in Malaysia and good knowledge of the UK sector.
  • Experience conducting sector research and situational analyses.
  • A strong understanding of cultural heritage, archives, museums, libraries and galleries.
  • Experience facilitating international partnerships and networks.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  • Experience producing high-quality strategic reports.
  • Experience engaging with national cultural institutions, archives, museums or heritage agencies.
  • A track record of delivering international cultural sector research and partnership programmes.
  • An understanding of UK funding and partnership structures relevant to the GLAM sector.

Desirable Experience:

 

  • Existing networks within the UK GLAM sector.
  • Experience in Southeast Asia and/or Malaysia.
  • Experience supporting study visits, delegations or international exchange programmes.
  • Familiarity with archives and heritage conferences and sector networks.
  • Experience facilitating cross-country cultural delegations.

For further details on the Consultant profile and requirements, please refer to the RFP document.

To apply, please review the Request for Proposal (RFP) (document downloadable below) and complete the required supplier response and pricing documents.

Proposals must be submitted through the British Council’s online e-Tendering portal by 27 November 2026.

New suppliers: Register as a British Council supplier

Existing suppliers: Log in to the e-Tendering portal

Clarification questions: Applicants may submit questions about the RFP by 13 November 2026 through the e-Tendering portal. We encourage applicants to consolidate their questions into a single submission where possible.

Tender Details:

  • Request for Quotation ID: RFP1037755

Activity Date / time
RFP Issued to bidding suppliers 06 November 2026
Deadline for clarification questions (Clarification Deadline) 13 November 2026
British Council to respond to clarification questions 18 November 2026
Deadline for submission of Proposals by potential suppliers (Response Deadline) 27 November 2026 – 11.59pm MY time
Clarification / Negotiation stage 30 November – 4 December 2026
Final Decision 7 December 2026
Contract concluded with winning supplier 9 December 2026
Contract start date 10 December 2026

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