Data Bank Mooted to Develop Local Writers

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - To Uphold the Malay language, the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) must be more proactive in enriching and spreading literature works so as to balance the influence of non-formal magazines that attract a teenage readership.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah said this yesterday during the Creative Bahana Prize Presentation ceremony held at the Language and Literature Bureau.

"By now, DBP should have its own data bank that puts up the work of writers, particularly those in the literature field. This data bank shall be used as a benchmark with regards to the development of our local literature writers.

"This data bank shall be used as a source of research for future references that are parallel with the nation's socio-economic aspiration," he said.

Moreover, the long strategic corporation between DBP and Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) shows the involvement of the private sector in its commitment towards upholding the Malay language.

Meanwhile, in a separate speech, DBP Acting Director Hajah Aminah noted that starting next year, the Creative Bahana Competition would no longer evaluate works that have already been published in the Bahana Magazine.

"It is time for DBP to move forward and to be proactive in generating quality writing. Therefore, participation forms can only be obtained from Bahana Magazine," she added.

The day also coincided with the presentation of prizes to winners of the official and non-official letter writing competition, which was held to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Malay Language being the official language in the 1959 Brunei Constitution, with the cooperation of Postal Department.

The competition aimed to value and promote the proper usage of the Malay language. The Creative Bahana Competiton was split into four categories - short story, poetry, syair and pantun.

The winners in short story category received a $400 cash prize, while the winner of poetry category took home a $250 cash prize. In the syair and pantun categories, cash prizes of $200 were presented to the winners. The cash prizes were sponsored by BSP.

The winners also received certificates of participation, plaques and copies of Bahana Magazines (courtesy of DBP), all of which were presented by the minister.

Meanwhile, for the official and non-official letter writing competition, winners were awarded cash prizes, philatelic and certificates of participation sponsored by the Postal Department.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Photo: http://agupenajateng.net

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