Museums Evolving Into Hubs For Learning, Social Engagement

Barnama

6 days ago

BALING, July 29 (Bernama) -- Evolving with the times, the role of museums has gone beyond storing and displaying artefacts to becoming centres for learning and social engagement, said Deputy Minister of National Unity, K. Saraswathy.
She said the museum within the community concept emphasises active public involvement in various aspects of museum management and activities.
'Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,' she said at the opening of the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach in conjunction with the national-level International Museum Day Festival at Dusun Tok Wak, near here, today.
Also present were Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kassim, Kedah Museum director Suhaidi Syukri and Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya.
Saraswathy said museums serve as a collaborative platform between institutions and the community, adding that initiatives such as the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling are laudable efforts to foster a sense of ownership among the public.
"History, heritage, and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity among the multiracial Malaysian society.
'Through this community-based museum concept, public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage can be strengthened…where they feel that their heritage, culture and history are valued and protected,' she said, stressing that intergenerational knowledge exchange can also be fostered, providing communities with the space to voice their views in the development of museum programmes and activities.
'The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,' she said, emphasising that the concept reflects the transformation of museums into more inclusive entities that foster greater awareness of identity and history among the people.
The Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling programme was organised by the Ministry of National Unity through the Department of Museums Malaysia, in collaboration with the Kedah Museum Board, featuring various activities including visits to Gua Sireh, Baling Negotiation Gallery, distribution of food baskets to the Kensiu Orang Asli community in Ulu Legong and asnaf individuals from the Siong sub-district.