Latest news with #BorneoCulturesMuseum
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Beyond words: Sarawak's human touch in the age of AI
Photo shows one of the 'tempayan' on display at the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching – standing as a testament to an old legal system deeply embedded in the community's social and spiritual fabric, where the healing of the collective was paramount. AS a Singaporean, I had the immense privilege of speaking at the Sarawak Media Conference 2025 (SMEC2025) in Kuching earlier this week. It was my first time in Sarawak, and what an introduction! With artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforming industries, what truly struck me was how many speakers passionately articulated the critical importance of the 'human touch'. But what exactly defines this human touch? Will it really help you not be replaced by AI? My quest for an answer began after SMEC2025. It led me to the magnificent Borneo Cultures Museum, which offered a profound counterpoint through its powerful reminder of what could truly anchor us in the age of AI. Walking through its thoughtfully curated galleries, I found myself immersed in the defining traits of being human: survival, belonging, storytelling, and meaning-making. Amidst art and traditions deeply rooted in nature and indigenous wisdom, a powerful realisation dawned – AI is rooted in large language models, prompts and words. So what happens when we go beyond words? A long time ago, philosopher René Descartes famously declared: 'I think, therefore I am.' In this age of AI, however, machines 'think' with unprecedented speed and complexity. Gazing at the intricate patterns of a traditional weaving or the weathered tools of a hunter-gatherer, perhaps ancient humans operate more according to 'I feel, therefore I am.' Even more profoundly: 'I sense, therefore I am.' Our senses, our instincts, our shared cultural memory – these are the anchors that truly ground us amidst the rising tide of algorithms. So much, truly, goes beyond words. Human touch in everyday objects, ancient customs This 'human touch' manifests in myriad ways. It is often embedded in the very objects we create. In the museum, I witnessed how differences in values and statuses were woven into the very fabric of life. This was visible in the intricate designs of textiles, the storytelling of tattoos, and the powerful carvings on weapons. A master weaver, whose hands transformed threads into 'Pua Kumbu' with designs imbued with protective power and ancestral blessings, commanded immense respect. Similarly, the placement and motifs of traditional tattoos, like those of the Iban or Kayan, were more than mere decoration – they marked rites of passage, celebrated achievements like headhunting victories, offered spiritual protection, and clearly indicated a person's identity and social standing. Even the detailed wood carvings on a 'mandau' (Dayak sword) were not just aesthetic; they spoke of craftsmanship, spiritual connection, and the warrior's prowess. The museum also vividly brought to life the profound connection indigenous communities have with their natural environment. The hornbill, for instance, is a revered symbol across many Dayak cultures. Its majestic presence, often depicted in carvings, art and weapons, embodies courage, strength, and even represents the spiritual world and the connection between the human and divine. Witnessing these representations, you understand that so much of what these cultures value goes beyond literal words; it is felt and understood through shared symbols and deep-seated reverence. And speaking of the spiritual realm, the role of shamans in these societies is held in incredibly high regard. These spiritual healers and intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds embody another crucial aspect of the 'human touch' – our innate desire for meaning, healing, and connection to something larger than ourselves. Their rituals, their wisdom, and their ability to navigate unseen dimensions speak to a holistic understanding of well-being that transcends purely scientific or logical frameworks. Vases, justice, and peace-making What truly blew my mind, however, was discovering the fascinating and deeply resonant ways that disputes, even the grievous ones, were traditionally resolved. Imagine a world where a murder, or even a deeply cutting insult like calling someone a 'slave', could be settled not with incarceration or drawn-out legal battles, but with the ceremonial ceding of an exquisite vase. It's quite mind-bending, isn't it? These vases are often ancient 'tajau' – large, ornate ceramic jars, frequently of Chinese origin, that have been heirlooms for generations. In many indigenous customary laws, or 'adat', in Borneo, these 'tajau' held immense spiritual and material value, representing wealth, status, and connection to ancestral lines. For instance, a severe offence like murder might require the ceding of a 'Tempayan Menaga', a highly-prized and significant jar, as a form of restorative justice. And the profound act of reconciliation for a deeply cutting insult, like calling someone a 'slave' could be settled by presenting a 'Tempayan Rusa'. To think that such profound shame could be acknowledged, and peace made through the acceptance of a beautiful, yet symbolically heavy, vessel, is truly captivating. I imagined myself walking into a Sarawakian's home and seeing a 'Tempayan Rusa' as part of their collection, and instantly understanding the profound journey of shame and eventual peace that it represents for their family's history. The act of ceding such a prized possession as compensation was a powerful act of restorative justice – of being the bigger person acknowledging the harm, restoring balance to the community, and preventing prolonged feuds. This vase seems to serve as a public declaration of accountability and a tangible effort to mend broken relationships and spiritual equilibrium. It stands as a testament to a legal system deeply embedded in the community's social and spiritual fabric, where the healing of the collective was paramount. Grounding AI in ancient wisdom and local values This deep reverence for connection resonated profoundly with a point raised by another esteemed speaker, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, as we were eating a second lunch of 'Laksa Sarawak' after the conference. Datuk Suhaimi is a really cool guy whom I want to be like when I am older. He spoke about ancient animistic beliefs in Sarawak, where people felt that a soul, or spiritual essence, resided in everything – even non-living objects. Beyond that, Datuk Suhaimi paired this concept with the idea of gratitude. If you believe that there's a soul in everything, and you express thanks for it, you naturally cultivate a more grateful outlook on life. Imagine applying this profound sense of gratitude and respect to AI itself. Instead of merely seeing AI as a tool, what if we imbued our creation and interactions with it with a similar reverence for its 'essence' and functionality? This attitude suggests that if we design and use AI systems with an inherent sense of gratitude for their capabilities, acknowledging their 'contributions' to our lives, we could foster a more harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship. It's strikingly similar to the Japanese concept of 'yaorozu no kami', the myriad gods or spirits in everything – extending respect not just to nature, but to all components of our existence, including technology. This deep parallel, connecting ancient wisdom with future technology, shows remarkable progress in line with what the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is advocating for. The writer (centre) in a group photo with some of the SMEC2025 participants: (from left) Ashley Pan from Borneo Talk; The Borneo Post chief reporter Churchill Edward, and its executive editor (business desk) Ronnie Teo; reporters Henrietta Liza (Utusan Borneo) and Jude Toyat (The Borneo Post); and Peter Sibon from Sarawak Public Communications Unit. Indeed, Sarawak's own emerging AI project, 'DeepSar' (DeepSeek Sarawak), conceptualised by Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, mirrors this thoughtful approach. DeepSar is about building AI grounded in local wisdom, data sovereignty, and cultural relevance. This thoughtful approach reflects the very spirit that I encountered in the museum: an understanding that true progress is deeply connected to who we are, acknowledging the nuanced tapestry of human existence, including its historical expressions of justice, reverence for nature, and profound spiritual practices. I'm very optimistic about Sarawak's thoughtful approach to AI development, believing that it can lead to AI that is not just smart, but also 'wise' in a human sense. The museum did showcase human values brilliantly: status, power, money, and beauty. These are the persistent desires that, regardless of era or technological advancement, seem to echo through the human experience. It's a humbling reminder that even as our tools evolve, certain fundamental aspects of our striving remain constant. Shared threads, distinct hues: Singapore and Sarawak My journey through Sarawak revealed fascinating parallels and powerful nuances with my home, Singapore. Both are multi-ethnic societies. Both value progress. Both were part of Malaysia when it was established – Sarawak stayed, Singapore left. However, their approaches to diversity showcase a subtle, yet profound, difference. In Singapore, our success is often attributed to tolerance, a carefully cultivated harmony achieved through strong institutions, clear social boundaries, and mutual respect within a well-defined shared space. It is about respecting others and not giving offence. Sarawak, however, seems to embody something akin to 'letting people be themselves'. The vibes are more 'chill' here. Diversity feels like a more organic, deeply ingrained acceptance, perhaps forged over generations of coexistence. While Sarawak also values peace-making, its approach seems to allow for a freer expression of individual and group identities. There is a sense that people are less constrained by rigid social expectations, as long as it doesn't harm the collective peace. My gratitude to Sarawakians My time in Sarawak was a heartwarming experience. I received incredible hospitality. I got so many local handmade gifts too! From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in such warmth. I lost count of the delicious Sarawakian butter cakes and the exquisite 'Kek Lapis' (Sarawak layered cakes) that I was offered after the conference – each slice a testament to the generosity and culinary delights of this state. As a Singaporean, I want to express my immense gratitude to Ali Suhaili, the chief executive officer of Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM). As a history buff, his insights over lunches and dinners truly inspired me to delve deeper into Sarawak's rich history, providing a lens through which to understand the profound cultural context shaping its future. And to the entire AZAM team, thank you for your boundless kindness and hospitality ranging from 'Kek Lapis' to the awfully sinful salted cheesecake worth every single calorie; you truly made this an unforgettable journey of learning and connection. Stepping into the Borneo Cultures Museum was a revelation, and I'm so grateful that I went there. With no prior context as an outsider to this vibrant culture, my visit held no nostalgia. However, the sheer brilliance of the curation spoke volumes. It powerfully impressed upon me the vital importance of preparing ourselves – and the next generation – to approach the age of AI with clarity, humility, and humanity. We truly do these by asking better questions, because ultimately, the most powerful innovations will not just be those that push the boundaries of what machines can do, but those that deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be human, in all its diverse, complex, and beautifully expressed forms, where so much is felt and understood beyond words. * Soh is the chief executive officer of AI Visionary Society Singapore, and one of the speakers for the just-concluded Sarawak Media Conference 2025 in Kuching.
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Cultures Museum records 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16 this year
Abdul Karim speaks to reporter. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 18): The Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) remains a key attraction in the state, having recorded 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16, 2025, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said since its official opening in 2022, the museum has welcomed a cumulative 1,354,275 visitors as of June 16 this year. Abdul Karim said other museums in the state such as the Petroleum Museum in Miri; the Islamic Heritage Museum; and Natural History Museum also contributed significantly to overall visitor numbers in Sarawak. 'As of June 16, these museums collectively recorded 79,575 visitors since January this year,' he told reporters after chairing a Sarawak Heritage Council meeting at a hotel here today. Abdul Karim said that each year, the Sarawak Museum Department strives to bring in world-class exhibitions that are both engaging and educational. 'These exhibitions are often intriguing, interactive and offer valuable learning experiences. Among the notable showcases previously hosted are 'The Moon', 'GAIA' and 'The Pristine Seas'. Each of these exhibitions has attracted thousands of visitors, and sparked curiosity across generations. 'Building on this momentum, the department is proud to unveil its next spectacular showcase: an exhibition on the sun titled 'Helios'. Set to launch in November, Helios promises to be a must-see highlight for science enthusiasts, families, and curious minds of all ages. 'With interactive elements, educational content and awe-inspiring displays, this exhibition will ignite wonder and spark conversations,' he said. On another note, he said the Sarawak Museum Department will participate in this year's national-level International Museum Day celebration in Kedah from July 23-29. 'This annual celebration aims to raise public awareness about the important role museums play in society's development. This year marks the 29th edition of the celebration, and a contingent of 34 staff members will represent the department. 'The contingent will set up an exhibition booth and participate in the inter-museum sports tournament, which involves museum staff from across Malaysia,' he said. Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said on Feb 12, 2025, the Sarawak Museum Department has successfully gazetted 14 historical sites, buildings, monuments and underwater spots as heritage sites under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019. These gazetted sites are Rumah Panjang Melanau Kampung Sok, Matu; Rumah Sri Tanjung, Tanjung Lobang in Miri; Sacred Heart Church, Sungai Bawan in Kanowit; Makam Dato Permaisuri, Miri; Pusara Ali Wallace, Kampung Jaie in Sadong Jaya; Kubur Shariff Skrang, Kampung Igan in Matu; Tapak Masjid Bandaraya Kuching; Tapak Pertempuran Beting Maro; Lombong Arang Batu Brook, Gunung Ngili in Simunjan; Batu Ritong in Pa Lungan, Bario; Tapak Pertempuran Kampung Jangkar, Lundu; Tuang Schist Semeba, Kuching; Folded Schist Demak, Kuching; and Japanese Landing Craft, Brighton Beach in Miri. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Cultures Museum visitors
New Straits Times
18-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Century-old goldsmithing tools, Sei whale skeleton to go on display in city museums
KUCHING: A set of century-old traditional equipment once used by one of the city's most prominent goldsmiths could soon be added to the list of new exhibits in one of the museums in the state capital here. Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah said they could go on display as new exhibits at the Borneo Cultures Museum or the Natural History Museum after the documentation process had been completed. The equipment, which comprised a work station, hand tools and a blowtorch with a mini gas cylinder, were donated to the Sarawak Museum Department by Teo Keng Boon, the grandson of the esteemed goldsmith Teo Chai Seng. The equipment and tools were those normally used to convert gold bars into plates and wires, which were subsequently fashioned into jewellery. Teo even donated the signboard of his grandfather's shop, Chop Swee Hin. The shop was originally located at No. 11, Jalan Rock, until 1950, before it shifted to No. 8, China Street in the city centre on Oct 18, 1988. The business closed down permanently on Nov 29, 2005. Another item that will be exhibited is the skeleton of a 13-metre Sei whale that the Museum Department managed to obtain in November last year. The skeleton is from the remains of a whale found floating off the waters of Pulau Seduku near Batang Luparin in Sri Aman Division in Nov 19 last year. The remains subsequently got trapped in the structure of a bridge under construction near the Triso ferry terminal. The carcass was retrieved by a team from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) on Nov 22 last year for study. DNA testing confirmed that it was a Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), marking the first time the species was found in Sarawak waters. Now part of the museum's zoology collection, it is the largest whale specimen ever obtained and holds significant value for research and exhibition, Karim said. He added that the skeleton would be exhibited at the Natural History Museum, or generally known to locals as "the old museum". At a press conference after the post Sarawak Heritage Council meeting today, Karim said the Borneo Cultures Museum, built at the cost of RM323 million, remained a prominent state attraction. The "new museum", he said, had drawn more than 1.35 million visitors since its opening in March 2022. He said up to June 16, there were a total of 117,095 visitors recorded in the museum. Among the notable visitors were Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who visited the museum twice in November last year and in February this year; Ugandan Energy and Minerals Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and her delegation; the Ambassador of Norway to Malaysia Morten Paulsen, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia Chantal Moser, and a delegation from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Karim said the Cultures Museum had generated more than RM9.42 million in ticket sales since its opening in 2022. "Beyond ticketing, the rental of facilities such as the auditorium, function room, temporary exhibition room and arts & crafts gallery has also drawn strong interest, contributing an additional RM 334,000.00 in revenue," he added. "This strong response highlights the Cultures Museum's growing reputation as a premier venue for events, exhibitions and public engagement. "This year, the museum has generated RM 9,763,801.00 in revenue up to May 31."
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Joint exhibition at Kuching's Borneo Cultures Museum to feature Brunei, Sarawak artists
The exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum will feature 99 paintings. — Bernama photo KUCHING (June 17): The Brunei-Sarawak Joint Art Exhibition on June 20-26 will bring together artists from Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak in a collaborative celebration of the beauty and heritage of Borneo. Themed 'Neighbours in Heart, Friendship in Art', it will involve 64 artists, 18 of whom are from Brunei. Featuring 99 paintings, the exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum here will showcase a rich tapestry of identity, tradition, and contemporary expression through visual art. 'The beauty of the land and its people, the lush flora and fauna, the vibrant culture and enduring heritage, and the evocative sounds and atmosphere of the region – all are captured in these artistic reflections of the land's essence. 'Held in the beautiful setting of Kuching, Sarawak, the exhibition is inspired by the reflections of the rivers, the boats that glide across their surfaces, the scattered buildings along the banks, and the forests, hills, and mountains that shape the landscape. These elements evoke the historical spirit of the land – the glory of its past,' said a press release from the organisers. The press release said the bustling energy of modern Kuching will also offer a reflection of contemporary Sarawak, showcasing how tradition and progress coexist. The landmark exhibition is organised by the Sarawak Artists Society with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Brunei Darussalam; Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (Statob); and Sarawak Museum Department. Complementing the exhibition are vibrant, community-driven programmes, including art talks and live demonstrations. Separately, organisers said the cross-border initiative lays a meaningful foundation for the future Sarawak State Art Gallery — a proposed cultural institution aimed at preserving, developing, and promoting the state's visual arts. As Sarawak's visual arts sector continues to gain national and international momentum, the statement said the need for a permanent, dedicated art space is increasingly clear. The statement said a State Art Gallery would serve as an inclusive hub for exhibitions, education, research, and creative development. 'It would support local artists, nurture talent, document cultural narratives, and expand public engagement with the arts. 'Building on the momentum of 'Neighbours in Heart, Friendship in Art', this proposed institution reflects a long-term investment in cultural infrastructure and creative economy development,' added the statement.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Cultures Museum offers free entry on International Museum Day
Admission will be free at the Borneo Cultures Museum as part of the International Museum Day celebrations on May 18. KUCHING (May 17): Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching is one of the 19 museums in Malaysia to offer free admission to visitors in conjunction with International Museum Day tomorrow (May 18). Malaysian Museums Department director general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, who announced this in a statement today, called on the public not to miss the opportunity to explore and appreciate the country's cultural heritage for free. The other 18 museums offering free admission are the National Museum, the Malay World Ethnology Museum, the Orang Asli Arts and Crafts Museum, the National Textile Museum, the Music Museum in Kuala Lumpur, the National Automobile Museum in Sepang, the Lukut Museum and the Customary Museum in Negeri Sembilan, the Perak Museum and the Matang Museum, the Sungai Lembing Museum in Pahang, the Kota Kayang Museum in Perlis, the Kuala Kedah City Museum, the Lembah Archaeological Museum Bujang in Kedah, Johor Old City Museum, Malaysian Architecture Museum in Melaka, Labuan Museum, Labuan Marine Museum and Chimney Museum in the Federal Territory of Labuan. 'The celebration, themed 'The Future of Museums in a Rapidly Changing Community' aims to strengthen community relations through heritage preservation efforts and continuous historical education. Interested members of the public can get more information through the official website of the Malaysian Museum Department,' said Kamarul. Meanwhile, the Borneo Cultures Museum on its Facebook page said among several of the activities planned for May 18 are a children's colouring contest as well as pottery and textile repair. There will also be sharing sessions at its Auditorium featuring topics concerning Sarawak.
