Nineteen new books published by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) were launched at the Book Fair at the International Convention Centre yesterday.
Launched by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, the ceremony also saw a presentation of new books and agreement documents to the authors.
There was also a prize presentation for last year’s best-selling books. Under the category of knowledge, the best-selling book was Merista Kumpulan Artikel Sejarah written by Hanafi bin Haji Salleh while Scary Dreams an Anthology of Supernatural Brunei Stories was the best-selling book under the general category written by Mohammad Hafizzul Fadlillah bin Haji Johari and Awang Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos.
Other best-sellers last year were Real Ghost Stories of Borneo 5 under the category of literature, written by Dr Aammton Alias and Bertaut Dipinggir Hati written by Dr Khadizah binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Under the children’s book category, Alya Best Friend written by Rusmuliati binti Haji Yahya was the best-selling book, while Bahtera Zahir written by Mohd Azizul bin Haji Salam was the best-seller in the comic category.
Since 2022, the Book Fair has been held to enliven the Language Month.
The event also supports the goal of Brunei Vision 2035 to produce an informed, educated, knowledgeable, quality and visionary society by serving as a platform for book publishers, bookstores and the community to meet and interact under one roof, to strengthen business relationships and forge new agreements to develop the book publishing industry at the regional and international level; and popularising the reading culture.
The theme, ‘Let’s Read’, supports the DBP’s in raising public awareness of the importance of the culture of reading to improve the community.
In addition to exhibitions and book sales, various activities will be held during the 10-day event, such as a meet-and-greet with published writers. – Azlan Othman
