Over the past decade, museums have transformed and are increasingly shifting away from their definitions. They are now evolving into new heritage institutions which are no longer bound to physical spaces. Contemporary museology has seen a paradigm shift where exhibitions, cultural and heritage experiences, and practices can exist as 'Museums Without Walls'.

This research seeks to critically evaluate, assess and define a framework of contemporary ecomuseums across various practices, including heritage festivals, traveling exhibitions, community heritage preservation efforts and intercultural celebrations. Highlighting three different cases of 'Museums Without Walls' and interviewing key players within Southeast Asia, this research will explore the different manifestations of ecomuseology in the 21st century and its cultural, social relevance and impact in this present age. This research will focus on three foundational components and their roles and places in building sustainable ecomuseums, such as community symbiosis, cultural education and local revitalisation.