Malay Culture & Society To Be Part Of Higher Learning

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - The Malay culture and society will become an ongoing research subject in modules offered in qualifications ranging from the Bachelor's Degree up to Doctorate level. The Academy of Brunei Studies believes that by elevating these subjects in higher institutions, the Malay culture and society will create further awareness in the global arena and raise its status academically.

This was stated by Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Hj Wahsalfelah, the Director of the Academy of Brunei Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), at the launch of the International Conference on Malay Culture and Society held at the UBD Chancellor Hall, yesterday.

The director added that the academy has raised the subject of Malay culture and Society, particularly the Brunei Malay culture and society, to a level of high academic significance.

The guest of honour at the event was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman bin Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, the Minister of Education.

Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman in his opening remarks underlined the importance of the establishment of a knowledge-based centre that focuses on Malay culture and society in a way that is consistent with international standards, in order to preserve the Malay identity in the eyes of the world.

"It is hard to pinpoint the issues that have dimmed the Malay culture and society," said the minister. "Even the younger generation can't be blamed for not preserving the culture. It is a global issue that has to be handled not just by experts, but by the entire society including the Malay society."

The minister also said the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy has enabled Brunei to conserve the Malay culture and society as well as the Malay language.

"This philosophy has been in the mind and soul of every Bruneian for centuries," he said. "It operates as a shield to ward off negative elements, especially in the era of globalisation and technological advancement."

The guest of honour praised the numerous efforts made in promoting and upholding Malay culture and society, such as by conducting such a conference and by taking further steps to elevate it in today's world "which is full of challenges."

Held under the theme of "Elevating Malay Culture in the Era of Globalisation," the four-day conference will feature the presentation and discussion of 26 working papers by experts, researchers and scholars from Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia in a bid to share knowledge on the topic of Malay Culture and Society from various different perspectives.

Some 60 participants from various government departments are taking part in the conference, which is jointly organised by the Academy of Brunei Studies and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UBD in collaboration with the Department of Malay„Studies, National University of Singapore.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin. (Aziz Idris)

Sumber: http://www.brudirect.com
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