Preserving heritage in a digital age
AS DIGITAL technology transforms daily life, Malaysia's museums face the challenge of remaining relevant.
This issue was central to the Malaysia International Museum Day 2025 seminar in Kuala Lumpur, themed 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.'
Held in Kuala Lumpur, the event brought together regional cultural custodians, academics and community voices to reimagine the role of museums.
Museums are no longer just quiet halls of the past; they must become dynamic hubs for learning, innovation and dialogue, declared International Councils of Museums Malaysia (Icom) chairperson and Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim.
He said museums were uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between tradition and technology.
International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18 since 1977, also emphasises the need for museums to adapt and innovate to remain relevant, he added.
The celebration spans 158 countries and sees participation from over 37,000 museums worldwide.
Museums face the challenge of remaining relevant. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star
Youth and new technologies
Kamarul's keynote outlined three key strategies to guide the evolution of Malaysia's museums: protecting intangible heritage, engaging youth and adopting new technologies.
While most visitors associate museums with ancient textiles or dusty heirlooms, the essence of culture often lies in what cannot be touched – rituals, songs, dialects, craftsmanship, and storytelling traditions.
'Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is increasingly at risk, and museums are uniquely placed to act as stewards of this fragile heritage,' said Kamarul.
This, he said, resonated with the call to harness 'youth power' and their growing role in shaping the future of museums.
'Our youth are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
'It is crucial we understand how to harness this energy and creativity to ensure museums remain relevant and appealing to future generations,' he emphasised.
The exterior of Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.
Teaching intangible heritage
In his keynote address, Icom executive board member Prof Zhao Feng said teaching ICH and training intangible inheritors in both universities and museums were equally important.
He hopes to build a platform for this at universities and museums, especially in the Asia-Pacific.
'The plan is to offer courses in ICH worldwide. For example, a two-week course inviting people from five countries to show their techniques, share their cultures and experience themes around typical textile techniques,' said Prof Zhao, who is also Unesco Silk Road Heritage chairperson.
Regional experience
The Philippines' National Museum Network significantly adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic, enhancing its digital engagement.
Its Museums deputy director- general Jorell Legaspi noted a 400% increase in website traffic in just one year by offering virtual tours, livestreams and downloadable materials, reaching even remote areas.
He said more than 20 museums across the archipelago focused on improving digital infrastructure alongside physical galleries, providing free admission and enriching visitor experiences.
However, Legaspi cautioned about the complexities of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), emphasising the need for tech developers to align their strategies with museum goals.
Ultimately, he said, the transformation of cultural institutions would require collective effort from various sectors to thrive in the 21st century.
Local museums are urged to learn and improve visitors' experience.
Smart collaborations
Offering a 'non-museum community' perspective, independent management advisor Penny Ong Lean-Ping suggested that the Department of Museums Malaysia work with Higher Education Ministry or tertiary institutions.
'Imagine final-year IT or Multimedia students lending their skills to digitalise and transform our museums, fulfilling academic requirements while addressing a national need.
'This infuses youthful energy and cutting-edge skills directly into our heritage sector,' she said.
Ong also drew inspiration from international models for what she termed 'open museums.'
Her visit to the Dunhuang Grottoes in China was a revelation, she shared.
'They offered three distinct experiences: live performances bringing grotto characters to life, a breathtaking VR 360-degree rotating theatre, and the actual site visit.
'Malaysia, too, is rich with open museums in historic Melaka, the charming streets of George Town in Penang, and countless old towns with stunning architecture.
'These aren't just sites; they are immersive experiences waiting to be curated, protected and presented with innovative flair.'
Ong also raised concerns about the valuation of artefacts in private museums, emphasising the need to assess their cultural significance alongside monetary value.
'Statistics show 44 private museums in Malaysia, about 20% of the total nationwide.
'My worry is that artefacts, especially those unique to specific tribes, may be undervalued,' she said.
Legaspi (centre) in a panel discussion with moderator and Icom Malaysia secretary Janet Tee SIew Mooi (left) and National Museum of China research fellow and curator Joan Ma Min. — Courtesy photos.
Next generation of curators
From TikTok reels to Instagram takeovers, youth-led digital narratives can breathe new life into Malaysia's storied past.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said by integrating digital technologies, local museums could enhance the visitor experience, engage with diverse communities and ensure cultural narratives were preserved.
'The National Unity Ministry is committed to ensuring our museums reflect the values of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and diversity.
'We will work closely with the Department of Museums to develop and implement strategies that align with these principles,' he said.
For example, he cited, all museums should digitise their collections and provide virtual and augmented reality experiences, interactive digital exhibits, mobile applications, and online platforms along with community engagement.
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