Wan Mazli delivers his speech.
The Sarawakiana Festival 2025 has affirmed the role of Pustaka Sarawak as a vital platform in preserving, documenting, and disseminating the state’s heritage to the wider public.
Held by the state library under the theme ‘Warisan Ilmu, Budaya dan Kepercayaan’, the festival featured a wide range of activities including forums, talks, workshops on sustainable art, heritage exhibitions, as well as traditional performances and competitions.
Showcasing Cultural Uniqueness
Pustaka Sarawak deputy chief executive officer Wan Mazli Wan Razali stated that the event not only showcased the uniqueness of various communities in the state but also reflected the identity and strength of a society rich in customs, heritage, and culture.
“It strengthens our cultural diversity and symbolizes a spirit of unity,” he remarked.
Moreover, he noted that the younger generation, cultural researchers, arts practitioners, and representatives from various communities had come forward to share their knowledge, creativity, and traditional customs.
Documenting Heritage for Future Generations
“This is proof that our heritage continues to flourish, being appreciated and preserved collectively,” he emphasized during his speech at the official closing ceremony.
Wan Mazli highlighted Pustaka Sarawak’s initiative to document the festival through the publication of a book, expressing confidence that it would benefit readers.
“This aligns with our vision, mission, and objectives, which are to serve as a place for preserving intellectual heritage and promoting a culture of knowledge, particularly among the people of Sarawak,” he elaborated.
He also stressed that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the global landscape of information collection, dissemination, and preservation.
The Role of AI in Heritage Preservation
“AI is not merely a technological tool, but also a catalyst for epistemological change that influences how societies structure, interpret, and define identity and tradition,” he explained.
“This raises the need for research to understand the impact of AI on heritage preservation, particularly regarding cultural identity, information authenticity, and the continuity of traditions.”
Additionally, he noted that AI opens up new opportunities, including faster digitization and preservation of library and archival collections, the translation of ethnic languages to widen access to cultural knowledge, and intelligent search systems for historical research.
Acknowledging Artistic Achievements
Wan Mazli also congratulated Kumpulan Hadrah Nurfatihah Kampung Kudei Baru for winning the festival’s main prize of RM3,000 for ‘Best Performance’, as well as Kumpulan Hadrah Gabungan Seni Warisan for ‘Best Costume’ and Kumpulan Hadrah Gemar Bakti for the ‘People’s Choice’ categories, each receiving RM1,000.
“I hope that this art of ‘hadrah’ (song of praise), which forms part of our identity, would continue to be passed on to the younger generation,” he concluded.
The post ‘Sarawakiana Fest a platform for heritage preservation’ appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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