Latest news with #DepartmentofMuseumsMalaysia
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Museums transform into learning, social hubs in Malaysia
BALING: Museums are no longer just repositories of artefacts but have evolved into dynamic centres for learning and social engagement, according to Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy. Speaking at the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach event, she emphasised the shift towards community-based museum management, where public participation plays a key role. 'Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,' Saraswathy said. The event, held at Dusun Tok Wak, was part of the national-level International Museum Day Festival. She highlighted that museums serve as collaborative platforms between institutions and the public, fostering a sense of ownership. 'History, heritage, and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity among the multiracial Malaysian society,' she added. The community-based museum concept strengthens public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring that local traditions and histories are valued. Saraswathy noted that this approach also promotes intergenerational knowledge exchange, allowing communities to contribute to museum programmes. 'The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,' she said. The Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling programme, organised by the Ministry of National Unity and the Department of Museums Malaysia, featured activities such as visits to Gua Sireh and the Baling Negotiation Gallery, along with food basket distributions to the Kensiu Orang Asli community and asnaf individuals. – Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Museums Evolving Into Hubs For Learning, Social Engagement
BALING, July 29 (Bernama) -- Evolving with the times, the role of museums has gone beyond storing and displaying artefacts to becoming centres for learning and social engagement, said Deputy Minister of National Unity, K. Saraswathy. She said the museum within the community concept emphasises active public involvement in various aspects of museum management and activities. 'Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,' she said at the opening of the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach in conjunction with the national-level International Museum Day Festival at Dusun Tok Wak, near here, today. Also present were Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kassim, Kedah Museum director Suhaidi Syukri and Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya. Saraswathy said museums serve as a collaborative platform between institutions and the community, adding that initiatives such as the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling are laudable efforts to foster a sense of ownership among the public. "History, heritage, and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity among the multiracial Malaysian society. 'Through this community-based museum concept, public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage can be strengthened…where they feel that their heritage, culture and history are valued and protected,' she said, stressing that intergenerational knowledge exchange can also be fostered, providing communities with the space to voice their views in the development of museum programmes and activities. 'The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,' she said, emphasising that the concept reflects the transformation of museums into more inclusive entities that foster greater awareness of identity and history among the people. The Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling programme was organised by the Ministry of National Unity through the Department of Museums Malaysia, in collaboration with the Kedah Museum Board, featuring various activities including visits to Gua Sireh, Baling Negotiation Gallery, distribution of food baskets to the Kensiu Orang Asli community in Ulu Legong and asnaf individuals from the Siong sub-district.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Chinese Opera Exhibition Highlights Rich Cultural Heritage
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry, through the Department of Museums Malaysia, is currently organising the Chinese Opera Exhibition: An Introduction & A Remembrance, offering the public an insight into the beauty and uniqueness of this traditional performing art. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the exhibition, taking place at Gallery 1 of the Department of Museums Malaysia here until Sept 8, showcases a classical art form rich in aesthetic values, historical depth, symbolism and the cultural heritage of the Chinese community. He said the exhibition serves as a platform to introduce the public to the detailed aspects of Chinese Opera - from elaborate costumes, music and makeup to scripts and character portrayals, which often centre around themes of morality, love, struggle and history.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Chinese opera exhibition in KL showcases cultural heritage
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the rich traditions of Chinese opera, offering visitors a deep dive into its artistic and historical significance. Held at Gallery 1 of the Department of Museums Malaysia, the showcase runs until September 8. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted the exhibition's role in preserving cultural heritage. 'This exhibition presents a classical art form filled with aesthetic values, historical depth, and symbolism unique to the Chinese community,' he said. Visitors can explore various aspects of Chinese opera, including intricate costumes, traditional music, detailed makeup, and scripts that often depict themes of morality, love, and historical struggles. The ministry emphasized that the event aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, promoting unity through cultural appreciation. 'Through this exhibition, the ministry aims to highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural arts of Malaysia's diverse communities,' the ministry said in a statement. The exhibition also serves as a reminder that cultural heritage is a shared legacy. 'Greater cultural understanding can foster stronger connections among the country's various ethnic and religious groups,' the statement added. - Bernama
Barnama
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
SMP 2025: History Comes Alive For Kids With 'Kurator Cilik'
By Siti Azila Alias BATU KAWAN, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) has introduced a unique and educational experience called 'Kurator Cilik' (Little Curator) in conjunction with the 2025 National Unity Week (SMP) celebration held at the grounds of Stadium Batu Kawan, here. Part of the department's 'Susur Masa' (Time Trail) exhibition, Kurator Cilik targets young visitors, particularly primary and secondary school students, offering them a hands-on opportunity to experience life as a professional archaeology curator. Assistant Curator of the Exhibition and Development Division at JMM, Noor Wahida Hasan, said the programme was not a typical museum activity, but rather an education module based on the national school syllabus, crafted to be practical and interactive. The experience is divided into two components — excavation and conservation — reflecting two key aspects of archaeological curation. 'Excavation involves fieldwork — research and discovery — and here we simulate the real thing. We provide them with basic tools such as gloves and hats so they can feel what it's like to be in the field, while also introducing them to the curator profession,' she told Bernama. 'Many children are familiar with jobs like doctors or engineers, but when I mention 'curator', it's something they've never heard of. This programme is meant to spark their interest in this field,' she said. For the conservation section, participants learn how to handle replicas of artifacts such as the 'Perak Man', assess their condition, and perform basic restoration techniques on pottery and ceramics — mimicking the real process before an artifact is displayed in a museum. 'Today is the highlight of Kurator Cilik — we're bringing in a replica of a dinosaur fossil for excavation. Stocks are limited, and the lucky few may even get to take a dinosaur home,' she added.
