Bandar Seri Begawan - Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, is displaying hundreds of books and magazines at its two booths at the Brunei Book Festival 2007. The festival is currently held at the Dewar/ Muhibbah, Brunei Muara District Office, until September 5.
Rajah Ski Zaleha Haji Kaprawi, the DBP Head of Public Relations and Marketing, said that the participation of the agency in the exhibition showed its eagerness to promote local writers and their writing.
DBP is also offering discounts on its publications, ranging from 10 to 20 per cent, at the exhibition.
For every purchase of a DBP publication, a buyer will be entitled to a free bookmark and a past issue of DBP magazine.
"Buyers of DBP magazine subscriptions will also be entitled to a 20 per cent discount," she said.
She added that three titles, "Al-Quran: Cure for Hysteria", "Brunei Recipes" and "Brunei Proverbs", are popular amongst buyers at the exhibition, as well as the latest novel by Dato Paduka Muslim Burmat entitled "Ntaidu".
The festival, held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam`s 61st birthday celebrations, was launched by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud on August 27.
Organised by Kg Tasek Meradun Bunut Consultative Council, Kg Bunut Perpindahan Consultative Council, Kg Madewa Consultative Council and Kg Bunut Mosque Takmir Committee, the festival is meant to inculcate and promote the habit of reading amongst the population, especially students.
The Vice Chairman of the organisers, Pg Hj Metassan bin Pg Bakar, said that additional events such as forums, oratory contests, quizzes, and colouring and drawing contests will be held at the festival. Public speaking competitions that offer attractive prizes will also be organised daily.
He added that part of the proceedings from the event would be donated to Pusat Ehsan, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Orphan`s Fund and funds for the three village consultative councils, as well as Kg Masjid Bunut.
With the theme "Books and ICT Enhance the Nation`s Competitiveness", the festival has a full range of products and services, educational programmes, and networking opportunities to make this a must-attend event.
Source: www.brudirect.com (29 Agustus 2007)
