As a testament to the commitment of preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge, the museum collections management programme not only fosters a strong relationship and networking opportunities between Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) and the United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, but also serves as a platform to introduce BKISHHB’s capabilities to the world.
Director of BKISHHB Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad said this in a speech during the launch of the three-day programme at BKISHHB yesterday.
The programme, organised by BKISHHB in collaboration with the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, will be conducted by the Interim Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Danielle Bennett, who is visiting under the US Speaker Programme.
It will see some 30 museum experts and administrators from BKISHHB, Museums Department, Brunei History Centre, Islamic Da’wah Centre, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Museum, Royal Brunei Police Force Museum and Brunei Darussalam Currency Gallery participating, covering areas such as policies and ethics of managing artefacts, records management and preventive care of museum collections.
The US Speaker Programme, under the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, connects US experts with international audiences on a wide variety of topics ranging from cultural preservation to economic prosperity or educational diplomacy.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland said, “The programme stands as a beacon of collaboration and exchange, bringing together museum professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts from around Brunei.
“It is a platform where ideas will converge, knowledge will be shared, and partnerships will form,” she said.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, who is also the chairman of BKISHHB Advisory Board officiated the programme. – James Kon
