Call To Recognize Brunei`s Heritage

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - In an effort to conduct research in accordance with the needs of society, the Museums Department has been recommended to seek advice from international bodies such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The research would also raise awareness of Brunei's heritage and civilisation and help reach international standards in order to be regarded as treasures of world history.

These were among the suggestions made by Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Haji Hazair Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports during his working visit to the Museums Department at Brunei National Archives, yesterday.

Also present were Datin Hajah Adina Othman, Deputy Minister, and Dato Paduka Haji Jemat Haji Ampal, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as senior government officials from the ministry.

The minister added that with this recognition, Brunei would be placed in world's history that will contribute to research and tourism.

He shared his experience of visiting Melaka recently where the minister witnessed the ongoing efforts by the Melaka state government to make the city a world heritage site and hoped that the experience would also benefit Brunei through further cooperation and sharing of information to gain a similar status for the country.

Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Hazair also suggested that research officers, technical and professional staff need "to look widely" and consider making changes to provide a "greater impact".

"It will be a great loss for Brunei if our rich heritage and legacy are not fully utilised. For this purpose, we must also create a benchmark similar to our neighbouring countries," he said. Brunei can achieve this dynamic change, he said, "through increased skills and expertise of its officers and employees of the Department of Museums and attention should be given to planning the development of human resources".

He added that the Department of Museums serves as a "guardian of the nation" to safeguard Brunei's heritage. "The department must look beyond its role not only to restore and display the historical legacy, but also act as a catalyst for the ever changing environment and as a centre of creativity," he said.

The minister also called for greater access with suitable programmes to raise and increase the educational values by upgrading the usage of "online museums" that is consistent with the use of ICT. This is to ensure that the department would remain relevant and contribute positively to national development.

During the visit, Public Relations Officer, Dayang Mariani Haji Abu Bakar, briefed the minister on the roles and responsibilities of the department. The entourage took a closer look at the different sections and collections at the Brunei National Archives Building.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Picture: http://pemoda.wordpress.com

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