Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 1

`WADAH PERPUSTAKAAN bruneilibraryassociation.wordpress.com

Bil.4 April 2013 ISSN 1609-4271

NATIONAL READING CONFERENCE

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan in a sabda, emphasized reading culture as a fundamental

pillar in lifelong learning, intellectual growth and development. Therefore, His Royal Highness called

on all stakeholders to be able to enhance and strengthen the culture of reading because reading is a

building tool for enriching knowledge, strengthening the mind and maturity of action.

His Royal Highness also urged that ongoing studies be undertaken to improve the literacy rate in this

country to reach one hundred percent. His Royal Highness was speaking at the Opening Ceremony of

the National Conference on Empowering Reading Culture 2013 in the morning. The ceremony took

place at Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong.

The National Conference on Empowering Reading Culture with the theme "Reading Empowers the

Nation" which is being held for the first time, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth

and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Brunei Darussalam Library

Association. Upon arrival at the hotel, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Minister of Culture,

Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji

Hazair.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and doa selamat led by Yang Berhormat

Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Hj Yahya.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his welcoming address, said the conference aims to

uphold His Majesty's Titah on the importance of knowledge in the development of the country as

well as to realize the National Vision 2035 and support the implementation of the National

Education System of 21st Century. Yang Berhormat added that the conference also aims to raise

awareness on the importance of reading, to make a reading and library-friendly community a

culture, as well as to increase literacy-related knowledge and experience among librarians,

educators, student and the public. It is also to improve the skills and professionalism in Brunei

Darussalam by sharing experience and best practices with countries which have achieved excellence

in the realization of reading culture in their community.

Go to page 2

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 2

From page 1

His Royal Highness, in his sabda, asserted that Islam is a perfect religion that is synonymous with empowering knowledge as a foundation of development of individuals. The utterance or kalimah 'iqra' or 'read' as the first command to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. is a clear command for the perpetuity of reading practices. SABDA: “A knowledgeable Muslim is promised with blessings in this world and after, besides a scholar's noble status being raised to a higher level as mentioned in the Surah Al-Mujadalah, Verse 11, and interpreted as "Allah raises the levels of the religiously faithful among the ummah, and those who are provided with religious knowledge; Allah is All-Knowing of everything one does." Such is the lesson for those who like reading and love knowledge. The reading habit is also a source of generating various benefits in the daily life, such as thinking skill, shaping a creative mind, strength and personality as well as an active mentality. In fact, reading culture is a fundamental pillar in the life-long learning process, intellectual growth and a nation's progress. A civilised and successful nation comprises a community that empowers the reading culture. Through it, the community can obtain and benefit from various branches of knowledge which makes people more creative, innovative and always ready to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economic climate. Hence, I hope all stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, will be able to enhance and empower the reading culture. One of the ways is through the teaching and learning system at educational institutions for primary and higher studies, apart from providing a supporting infrastructure to encourage the reading culture and life-long learning for every level of the community. From the informal perspective, the role of parents is very important. Parents are the role models and agents of change who can set the best example to their children in cultivating the love of reading culture, besides filling quality time with the family.” His Royal Highness said to generate further reading and knowledgeable society; it is desirable for the effort and attention devoted to the younger generation because they are the heirs of the nation. Effort to cultivate the habit of reading to younger generation, His Royal Highness said is not a simple matter during the times of this borderless world.

Go to page 3

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 3

From page 2

SABDA: “This is because we will be faced with many challenges, including challenges of the hedonism culture that emphasizes excitement produced by a variety of gadgets, technology, and the impact of a lot of time spent either playing game or having fun without time and place restrictions. Such a symptom also causes loss of a lot of free time which can be more worthwhile if used to read, think and perform the Zikir. In this case, we need to strengthen our commitment, seek to address these challenges with wisdom and foresight. This includes the developing human resource capabilities including those of teachers and librarians, through exposure and room for their skills in the mastery of info-communication technology applications. This will further diversify access to quality reading resources to befit the technology of this century. I take note that the ongoing efforts to strengthen the reading culture that has long been pioneered by ministries and agencies concerned, through the education system, co-curricular initiatives, and ancillary programs and activities, have been actively pursued in accordance with the times. It is hoped that similar initiatives will be undertaken by the ministries and other agencies to jointly support and strengthen the reading culture in a holistic manner. Ongoing studies should also be conducted from time to time to improve the literacy rate in the country to reach a hundred percent. In addition, efforts and our ability to change the mind, transform culture, and subsequently incorporate thinking skills in the teaching and learning process of our education system should be manifold. To enable these initiatives to be up and running successfully, infrastructure, facilities and preparation of reading materials should be further improved. This includes those associated with mastery of Jawi in line with the Religious Education Compulsory Order 2012 which became effective earlier this year. By such means, I believe we will be able to support the desire for human development and progress based on the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy and Zikir Nation, as envisaged by my father. Finally, I pray that this conference will be able to improve, explore and expand the role of each stakeholder agencies and thus will be able to produce functional and practical programmes in sustaining the reading culture.” The two-day conference brings together librarians, school principals, headmasters, as well as Mukim and village leaders, students and individuals. Seventeen working papers will be tabled with five of them presented by speakers from Singapore, Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. His Royal Highness's presence at the official opening of the conference reflected His Royal Highness' strong support for His Majesty's desire and His Majesty's government effort to lift and create a culture of reading as a practice among the rakyat and residents of this country as the catalyst for development of the nation that will lead the country towards achieving the National Vision 2035.

Source: www. rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 4

BRUNEI BOOK FAIR 2013 THE Language and Literature Bureau on 28 Feb 2013 urged by the minister of culture, youth and sports to collaborate with relevant government agencies, education institutions and book experts to conduct a study on Brunei's reading culture. Speaking at the launch of the Brunei Book Fair 2013, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah cited His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's vision for a well-educated population. "As a nation and society that wants to achieve progression, we need to see that reading books is magical, in which books can provide an overview of different perceptions to every reader. This is because the contents of a book does not have edges, does not have limited depths of thought but gives colour which is not limited to the minds of its readers," he said, adding that reading was like a window to various forms of knowledge and skills. During the launch of the Pesta Buku Brunei 2013 (Brunei Book Fair 2013), the minister spoke of the event's significance in shaping the sultanate's image of prioritising knowledge and honing the minds of its citizens to be critical and open minded for the nation's development. He said that only through reading could society achieve a high level of thinking and compete successfully in a world without borders. At the same time, it is hoped the book fair will generate a love of reading among young people, which is important for the development and growth of their minds. "Reading books can help them gain more knowledge, enrich their vocabulary and communication skills," he said. Additionally, YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said the book fair should not be limited only to the book market. He said it should be packaged with relevant knowledge-gaining activities such as meeting local writers, book reviews and discussions, children's storytelling, illustration, among other things. The minister officially launched the Brunei Book Fair 2013 at the National Indoor Stadium. In conjunction with the event was the launch of 48 books and magazines by the Language and Literature Bureau, as well as a book published by the State Mufti's Office. The book fair will be open to the public from 8.30am to 10pm until March 10, when a special closing ceremony will be held in the evening with deputy minister Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman as the guest of honour.

The Brunei Times. 1 March 2013

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 5

National Reading Conference Speakers Keynote by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Awang Abu Bakar Haji Apong, Minister of Education Day 1 Awg Haji Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunus, Mnistry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Dr Haji Zulkarnain Haji Hanafi, Universiti Brunei Darussalam Nellie Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, Brunei Darussalam Library Association Malai Haji Abdullah Haji Malai Osman, SMARTER Brunei Dyg Keiko Harada, National Library of Children’s Literature Dyg Tania Jo Murphy, Centre for British Teachers Brunei Dyg Paula Kelly, City of Melbourne Libraries Dyg Hjh Norsenah Hj Mohd Nassir, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei Dyg Fa’izah Ahmad, National Library of Singapore Dr. Dyg Hjh Suraya Haji Tarsat, Universiti Brunei Darussalam Dyg. Hjh Rohanita Haji Yaakub, Pusat Da’wah Islamiah Ms. Geraldine Howell, National Library of New Zealand Day 2 Awg Hj Abdul Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Laila Hj Mohd Yussof, Ministry of Religious Affairs Datin Dr Dayang Hjh Asmah Hj Murni, Ministry of Education Dyg Siti Norfateha Hj Abdullah, Book Swap Dr. Hj Suhaimi bin Haji Abd Karim & Dk. Noraini Pg. Idris, Universiti Brunei Darussalam Ms. Wee Sook Yeo, National Library for Children and Young Adults, Korea Dyg Emi Suryaney Hj Hipni, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei Dyg Mariah Hj Mohd Taha, Prime Minister’s Office Awg Hj Bujang Haji Masud, Brunei Times

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 6

Snap shots of the Reading Conference

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 7

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS AS the National Conference on Empowering Reading 2013 drew to a close yesterday at the Rizqun International Hotel, 22 resolutions under the fields of education, social and libraries were drawn up and presented. Senior Language Officer from the Language and Literature Bureau Dyg Hjh Sariani Hj Ishak presented the resolutions derived from the conference which included 18 working papers presented over Wednesday and Thursday, five of which were from Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. In the field of education it was noted that one should exercise proper judgement when reading things over social or communicative media such as whatsapp or Faceboook and for the Ministry of Education to hold story-telling workshops on a systematic basis as part of the learning process. Allocating times for reading before work, before normal lessons begin was another resolution with an emphasis on making reading an activity that is simple and enjoyable. On a social front, studies are needed into reading culture and to create a collaborative network between all agencies in the pursuit of empowering reading in society. Reducing costs involved in the delivery of books and other reading material, and the use of technology to evaluate and integrate information in multiple formats that the computer can deliver also known digital literacy were other resolutions. Specific to libraries themselves, some resolutions that were made include making recreational spaces such as zoos and other attractions that draw young people to libraries. In line with this resolution is to have entertainment such as singing, drama and music that is based upon reading material. A library should be based upon the ideas of creativity, innovation, exploration and interaction according to Dyg Hjh Sariani. The closing ceremony also involved a certificate presentation. The two day conference saw over 600 participants including grassroot leaders as well as those from the government and the private sector.

Source: The Brunei Times, Aaron Alwines, Friday, March 15, 2013

49 NEW TITLES LAUNCHED AT BRUNEI BOOK FAIR 2013

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei launched twenty four new titles namely 25 general books, 11 literary works and 12 children’s books on 28 Feb 2013. Among the new titles are Syair Pertabalan Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, Cerocok Budaya Brunei, Kajian Imiah Syair Kenangan karya Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and Integreti dan Kewibaan dalam Perkhidmatan Awam.

For the first time Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei also introduced the Bestsellers List. For 2012 the books are Amalan Rahsia dan Kehebatan Ayat Al-Quran by Awg Mohd Shari and Kg Ayer: Kenangan Abadi by DP Dr Hj Latif. Brunei State Mufti Office launched Teman Musafir.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2013

Sesi Sepetang dengan Wanita to mark Intrnational Women;s Day 2013 organized by the Community Development Department was held on 9 March 2013 and officiated by Datin Paduka Hjh Adina, Deputy Minister of CYS. BLA membrs attened the talk which was held at Dewan DiGadong, MCYS.

.

Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013 Page 8

ASEAN CIVIL SOCIETY CONFERENCE/ASEAN PEOPLE’S FORUM 2013 ASEAN: Building Our Future Together

The final meeting of the Media Working Committee was held on Sunday, 31 Mar 2013. Pn Nellie, Nurul Fajrina and Masnunah from BLA are members of the Media Working Committee. ACS C is organised by the Council of Women Brunei Darussalam and supported by CSOs in Brunei Darussalam. BLA is honoured to be a part of this conference which will be held from 6-8 April at Asma Hotel, Brunei Darussalam.

HAPPENINGS

28 Feb-10 Mar 2013 Brunei book Fair 28 Feb 2013 Chinese New Year Get-Together 28 Feb 2013 MIB Supreme Council 2012/2015 Meeting 28 Feb 2013 200 youths planted 350 trees at Luangan Lalak Forest Reserve 28 Feb-2 Mar 2013 UBD Open Day and Career Day 1 Mar 2013 Four out of twenty four UBD students on a field trip to Tawau were washed away by strong currents in Sg Balung,. Two were rescued. 1-3 Mar 2013 Brunei Bike Week III 2 Mar 2013 TAIB 20

th anniversary

2 Mar 2013 Pameran Seni Lukis Zikir Selamatkan Gaza 2-3 Mar 2013 8

th Belait Travel Fair

4-17 Mar 2013 AiTI ICT survey 7 Mar 2013 9

th LegCo Meeting

8 Mar 2013 International Women’s Day 9 Mar 2013 53

rd anniversary of Fire and Rescue services

11-21 March 2013 1st term school holidays

12 Mar 2013 opening of Senior Citizen’s Recreational Cente 15 Mar 2013 iCentre 5

th anniversary

21 Mar 2013 DST launched a new broadband plan called GO $28 which allows customers to maximize their experience surfing the net at a lower cost

21 Mar 2013 Stamp duty for land grants waived and also estate duty at 9th

LegCo 22 Mar 2013 Brunei joined 6,950 cities and towns in 152 countries in the Earth Hour 27 Mar-2 Apr 2013 Fireman circus 29 Mar 2013 Opening of DST Signature Store at Airport Mall 1Apr 2013 1

st Drama Festival by MoE

Asian Festival of Children’s Content, 25-30 May 2013, Spore

79th IFLA General Assembly and Conference, 17-23 Aug 2013, Spore 16th CONSAL Conference, 26-29 May 2015, Bangkok, Thailand

All materials are copyrighted and any form of reproduction is not permitted without the permission of the publisher. WADAH PERPUSTAKAAN is published by © Brunei Darussalam Library Association, c/o Class 64 Library, SOASC, Jalan Tengah, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8411. email:pobox.bla@gmail.com. Editor: Nellie Dato Paduka Haji Sunny. Photo credits. Nellie, Nur Nadzirah,Nur Rahidah, Nurul Fajrina Pelita Brunei, Borneo Bulletin, Brunei Times. Layout: Nooralizah Mohamad and Nurul Fajrina Kamaluddin