Kuala lumpur: 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 highlighted that the programme revives cultural memories and exposes the younger generation to traditional games, heritage cuisine, music, and folk art.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister emphasized that cultural preservation extends beyond safeguarding physical heritage like buildings and artefacts. It involves preserving the values, stories, and spirit within them, ensuring heritage remains relevant for future generations. He noted that JMM plays a strategic role in this effort, as museums must evolve into centres of knowledge, research, and innovation related to heritage and national identity.
His speech, delivered by National Unity Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Strategic Planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud, was further supported by the presence of 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, offers a dynamic setting for the community to engage with the village lifestyle, celebrated for its strong family values and spirit of togetherness. Aaron emphasized the transformation of museums from mere exhibition places into living learning spaces that connect the past and future.
Additionally, Aaron stressed the importance of expanding museum reach through the digitisation of collections, community programmes, and strategic collaborations with educational institutions. This ensures that heritage values transcend exhibition spaces, reaching both rural and urban communities and bridging generational gaps.
He expressed hope that JMM would expand initiatives such as Inspirasi Pelajar Inovasi Muzium (IPIM) and Bermalam di Muzium, which are vital in nurturing young people's appreciation for the nation's heritage. By citing successful overseas programs like the National Museum of Korea's Seoul Open Night, Aaron encouraged JMM to adopt similar concepts to transform museums into cultural lifestyle hubs.
He envisioned a vibrant, open, and people-friendly museum setting in Malaysia, hosting historical screenings, art and heritage workshops, and traditional music performances, bringing a new dynamic face to Malaysian museums.