| Hakim Hayat |

MUSEUMS in the country have registered over one million domestic and international visitors from 2014 and 2018. The numbers are increasing every year marking a milestone in the development of the cultural and tourism sector, the Acting Director of the Museums Department Amirul Syukri bin Hafneh shared yesterday.

He made the remarks during a religious and appreciation event for staff to mark International Museum Day 2019 at Kampong Pelambayan Mosque in Jalan Kota Batu.

The theme for this year’s International Museum Day is ‘Museums as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition’ which the department said is fitting with the country’s efforts in shaping the characters and self-identities of the young generation, toward achieving the goals of the Brunei Vision 2035.

The guest of honour Deputy Permanent Secretary (Cultural) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah joined Museums Department staff in a mass recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil. A religious lecture was held followed by the presentation of trophies to exemplary staff.

The Museums Department has been proactive in the exploration and compilation of knowledge and artefacts through research activities and any discoveries will be featured in exhibitions, said the acting director.

“These efforts enhance the department and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ role in propagating cultural and heritage knowledge to the public and enhance internal and external networks towards the development of museums in the country in line with international standards,” he added.

He also mentioned budget provisions under the National Development Plan (NDP) for upgrading projects of the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery and the Brunei Museum in Kota Batu. He said it is an indication of the Brunei Government’s commitment in ensuring objectives of the Brunei Vision 2035 are met.

He said the Museums Department is not excluded from the adoption of values in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 as it reaches 54 years of establishment. All projects in its exhibition now emphasises on creative and innovative ideas through the utilisation of modern technologies.

Twelve retired staff of the Museums Department were presented with plaques and certificates to honour their services while trophies and certificates were presented to six selected exemplary staff to coincide with the International Museum Day.

Senior Research Officer Nora binti Haji Kadir, Maintenance Officer Haji Azly bin Haji Tuah, Archive Assistant Level I Mohd Norizal bin Roseli, Assistant Researcher Puasa bin Kamis, Watchman Moksin bin Amit and Hall Attendant Hajah Jalia binti Haji Ahmad were awarded for their outstanding achievements in their individual performance/Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for 2017 and 2018.

The Museums Department said apart from commemorating the International Museum Day, the event yesterday served to honour the services and contributions of its current and retired staff.