The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) through the Research, Documentation and Accreditation Division held a dialogue with language ambassadors at the main stage of the Book Festival 2024 on Friday.
The event served as a platform to provide space and an opportunity for the language ambassadors to share experience, thoughts, challenges and ideas in their efforts to dignify and empower the Malay language at the national and international levels.
The event’s objective was to provide knowledge to the community about the existence, role and responsibilities of appointed and recognised language ambassadors and to show the public the role of language ambassadors in spreading the use of the Malay language through arts and writing.
It also served as a forum for discussion with the public about the efforts of language ambassadors in empowering and expanding the use of the Malay language through various fields and expertise.
Conducted in a forum format focusing on the discussion ‘Can Art and Writing Dignify the Malay Language’, it featured panelists, Language Ambassador 2015 Mohd Zefri Ariff bin Mohd Zain Ariff and Language Ambassador 2023 Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah. Local literary activist Dr Mohamad Fathullah bin Haji Rashid was the moderator. The ceremony also saw a 10-minute book reading session followed by a welcome speech by Research, Documentation and Accreditation Section Acting Head Ruhana binti Radin.
DBP Acting Director Hajah Haireni binti Haji Awang Damit, the guest of honour, presented souvenirs and certificates of appreciation to the panelists and the moderator. – Lyna Mohamad