The National Archives need to adapt a more forward-thinking approach by implementing contemporary and innovative methods in managing dynamic resources to shape the future, said Acting Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah at the National Archives Seminar 2023 yesterday.
The seminar themed ‘Archives and Future’, held to attract professionals, researchers and other stakeholders to preserve and study archival materials that has national and historical significance, was organised by the Museums Department in collaboration with Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The acting permanent secretary officiated the opening ceremony of the National Archives Seminar at Senate Room, UBD.
Dr Siti Norkhalbi said, “The National Archives is a respiratory centre for records containing national and historical values. Therefore, the National Archives play a role in collecting, storing, preserving and providing access to these collections for policymakers, researchers, students and the general public.”
She added, “This is because the collections with national and historical values can serve as guides and references for future generations to understand and appreciate the country’s history, traditions and culture.
“One of these approaches is the application of Maqasid al-Syariah to the role of the National Archives in preserving cultural heritage.
“The theme, ‘Archives and the Future’ is one of the initiatives in supporting the efforts of the National Archives to spread knowledge and information of national historical value.
“It provides an opportunity for stakeholders such as researchers, historians, cultural experts, policymakers, and others to discuss various aspects of archiving and its impact on society.
“This is in line with this year’s International Archives Day theme, ‘Archives United,’ which emphasises the unity in celebrating the importance of records and archives entrusted to individuals, public institutions, and private entities.”
The seminar also featured a keynote presentation by Ambassador of Turkiye to Brunei Darussalam Professor Dr Hamit Ersoy entitled; Preservation of Turkish Archives and its impact on the vision of Turkiye. Presentations were also delivered by two lecturers from SOASCIS UBD, Dr Senad Mrahorovic on ‘Rasail by Abdullah Al-Bosnawi – An Unpublished Manuscript’; and Dr Khalil Ahmad with his presentation ‘Al-Quran – The Preserved and Everlasting Source of Knowledge’. Meanwhile, a briefing on Role of Brunei Darussalam National Archives (ANBD) Record Management, Paper Preservation and Conservation was held in the afternoon session.
The seminar also showcased an exhibition on ANBD, SOASCIS UBD and several archival resources of national and historical values. – Rokiah Mahmud
