It is important to open up space for cultural exchanges between countries to elevate Brunei’s heritage and treasures to the world in this era of rapidly progressing and open world, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof said.
He said this during the launching ceremony of the Brunei Book Festival 2024 held in conjunction with the Language Month at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.
The minister said; “The Brunei Book Festival 2024 is a suitable platform to connect writers, publishers and artistes from various countries through the strategic cooperation of language, literature, publishing and library. With this, we are not only introducing our cultural treasures, but also learning and appreciating works of art and culture from various backgrounds.”
He added, “We are confident that by making use of the room of improvement available, the Brunei Book Festival 2024 will be able to grow and reach a level comparable to international book fairs in other countries, not just limited to exhibitions and book sales but include various activities stimulating interest in reading, generating creativity and showing the image and cultural heritage of Brunei, and also as a generator of economic and intellectual development.”
A total of 33 new book titles were launched with 18 titles published by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), nine book titles published by the Museums Department and six from the Brunei History Centre.
The event also coincided with the presentation of the Best Selling Book Prize 2023, which is the effort of the DBP to give appreciation and recognition to books produced by writers from the country, whether published by government publishers, private publishers or individuals.
This recognition is judged by the number of books sold in a year.
The Best Selling Book Prize for the year 2023 was awarded to three categories of books, which were: scientific, literary and children’s.
With the recognition of the Book Selling Book Prize, it is intended to encourage the development of writing, increase the growth of a more competitive book industry, improve the quality of writing and publishing, encourage writers to promote and sell their books thus supporting and empowering the reading culture in the country. The ceremony also saw the launch of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) latest service, the BudayaBN application, which is a joint venture between the Culture Sector and the Information Technology Unit under the ministry.
BudayaBN functions as a central application that houses information and services under the Culture Sector at the MCYS. Acting Director of DBP Hajah Haireni binti Haji Awang Damit in her capacity as the Chairman of the Brunei Book Festival 2024 said the application was created as part of the ministry’s efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage by documenting the traditions, language and practices of the Brunei community.
She said, “It is hoped that the BudayaBN application will make it easier for the Bruneian community in particular and the foreign community in general to know, understand and appreciate the Bruneian culture.”
The opening ceremony also saw a sketch performance of Hikayat 4 Pemalas by Rampun Keseniya Insan Sastera (RAKIS), a literary activities club at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
The comic contains elements of Malay culture such as poems and the way of life of the traditional Malay community, presented in the form of comedy and entertainment but loaded with messages and morals.
Other than Brunei, this year’s Brunei Book Festival 2024 also features exhibitors from Oman, Jordan, Malaysia and Turkiye.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad also attended the event. The Brunei Book Festival 2024, held to promote community involvement in making the culture of knowledge and reading a success as well as building appreciation for works of arts and book writing, continues until November 11. – Fadhil Yunus
