Acting Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Director and Chairperson of Mastera Brunei Hajah Haireni binti Haji Damit emphasised the importance of effective literature management in contributing to the development of the creative industry and establishing literature as a productive and established economic entity.
She said this in her welcoming remarks when the DBP at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), hosted the two-day International Seminar of Southeast Asian Literature (SAKAT) 2024. The seminar, a key component of the 28th Mastera Conference, was officiated by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Walsahfelah, who delivered the keynote address.
Held at the Sarmayuda Hall of DBP Berakas, the SAKAT 2024 focused on the theme ‘Literature Transformation in the Creative Economy.’ Speakers from the Secretariat of the Southeast Asian Literature Council (Mastera) member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore), as well as an invited speaker from Germany, shared insights and experiences on the subject.
Among the notable speakers was Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah, recipient of the Tokoh Cendekiawan Sepanjang Zaman Award in Sarawak. His presentation on ‘Literature Transformation in the Creative Economy’ explored the intersection of literature and the creative industry.
The seminar also yielded several resolutions aimed at enhancing the role of literature in economic development. Discussions covered various sub-themes, including literature in the creative economy, literature development and management in new media, application development and literature products in new technology, and the role of literature and economic elites in strengthening the creative industry.
Representatives from Mastera member countries, officers and staff from MCYS departments, teachers, undergraduates, local writers and language and literature enthusiasts attended the seminar.
It is anticipated that the event will contribute to strengthening literature’s economic potential, fostering cultural ties among Southeast Asian countries, and promoting Malay literature globally. – Lyna Mohamad
