Bandar Seri Begawan - The theme for this year`s International Museum Day celebration underlines the importance of museum institutions in developing social changes.
In the social context, the Museums Department is capable of carrying out its responsibilities of protecting, conserving, preserving, as well as instilling awareness and appreciation of local culture. This would give the younger generation a better understanding of the achievements made by their predecessors.
This observation was made by the Minister of Culture Youth & Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awg Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud, who yesterday launched International Museum Day themed "Museum as the agent of changes and social development".
In conjunction with the International Museum Day, the guest of honour also opened a new art gallery, "Gallery Seni", and launched a new book entitled "Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park".
The minister later toured the "Kenali Museum Kitani" exhibition.
Meanwhile, three sterling officers of Brunei Museum - Awg Jali bin Hj Aji, Dyg Hjh Aminah Hanom bte Hj Puteh, Pg Hjh Jayuah bte Pg Hj Buntar - received prizes from the guest of honour.
Certificates were also presented to retired officers of the museum including Awg Hj Abd Rahman bin Ibrahim, Awg Hj Matahir bin Hj Karim, Awg Hj Lalim bin Hj Muhammad Tali, Awg Hj Ali bin Yusof, Awg Hj Sulong bin Bagol, Dyg Siti Rohani bte Hamid, Dyg Hjh Rosnah bte Hj Yaakub and Dyg Hjh Tampoi bte Hj Murad.
The guest of honour also handed certificates to various sponsors such as Brunei Shell Petroleum Company, NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Asia Printers, Natural Comfort & Trading Sdn Bhd, Zenith Scientific Sdn Bhd, Low San Hardware, Millilab Company, Jasra Harrison Sdn Bhd, Apollo Curtains & Carpets, Akbar Printers and Trading, W T Air Conditioning, Electric Supplies & Services, Aewon Garment & Embroidery, and Little Bean Company.
Currently, visitors can also view an exhibition featuring paintings from the Brunei Museum Collection. Books from the Museums Department and Islamic Dakwah Centre are also on sale.
Source: www.brunei-online.com - Jon Tampoi (21 Mei 2008)
