KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Nostalgia Anak Kampung: Temasya Riuh Sekampung programme, organised by the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), serves as a key platform for communities of all races to share experiences, learn about each other’s traditions, and strengthen national unity.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the programme not only brought cultural memories back to life but also exposed the younger generation to traditional games, heritage cuisine, music, and folk art.
“Cultural preservation is not only about safeguarding physical heritage such as buildings, equipment, or artefacts; it is also about preserving the values, stories, and spirit within them, ensuring that heritage continues to live on and remain relevant for future generations.
“JMM plays a strategic role, as museums can no longer be seen merely as repositories of artefacts; they must evolve into centres of knowledge, research, and innovation in heritage and national identity,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Anak Kampung Nostalgia Programme here today.
His speech text was read out by National Unity Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Strategic Planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud. Also present were JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, JMM deputy director-general (Museums) Mohd Razaimi Hamat and National Museum director Zamrul Amri Zakaria.
Themed Temasya Riuh Sekampung, the three-day Nostalgia Anak Kampung, held from yesterday at the National Museum, provides a lively platform for the community to immerse themselves in the village lifestyle, known for its strong family values and spirit of togetherness.
Meanwhile, Aaron said museums must transform from being just exhibition places into living learning spaces, or living museums, that bridge the past and the future.
In addition, Aaron said efforts to expand the reach of museums, through the digitisation of collections, the organisation of community programmes, and strategic collaborations with schools and universities, must continue to be strengthened.
He said that this approach ensures the values of heritage are no longer limited to exhibition spaces, allowing them to be appreciated and shared by everyone, from rural communities to urban centres, and from older to younger generations.
“I hope that next year JMM can expand the implementation of its two main programmes, namely Inspirasi Pelajar Inovasi Muzium (IPIM) and Bermalam di Muzium, as both play a vital role in fostering the younger generation’s appreciation for the nation’s heritage,” he said.
Citing the success of overseas initiatives like the National Museum of Korea’s Seoul Open Night and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) Museum Night, Aaron said JMM should emulate the concept to transform museums into vibrant cultural lifestyle hubs.
“Imagine a museum in Malaysia hosting historical documentary screenings, art and heritage workshops on weekends, and traditional music performances in its open spaces. This is the new face of the museum we envision, a museum that is vibrant, open, and people-friendly,” he said.
--BERNAMA
