Bandar Seri Begawan - The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is set to organise the Brunei Book Fair 2008 in conjunction with the 24th National Day celebration next Feb, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas
According to the DBP Public Relation Officer, Hajah Siti Zaleha Hj Kapraw the annual fair will be from Feb 27 to Mar 5. Some 110 booths will be available at the fair.
The Book Fair is dubbed the largest gathering of local and regional book dealers, distributors, publishers and vendors which caters for the reading needs of book enthusiasts and students. The fair will also be participated by a number of book exhibitors from the Middle East.
"Malaysian publisher Alaf 21 will feature their latest novels in ten booths making it the biggest foreign exhibitor at the book fair. The publisher may also launch a few new novels at the event," she said.
The ASEAN Book Publishers Association (ABPA) will also be exhibiting books from member countries and will also hold a forum on e-marketing of books, she added.
The event also aims to gather e-learning providers so visitors at the fair are able to appreciate the books, and also the state of-the-art teaching and learning aids such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education.
DBP will also organise various events for the public`s participation, including reading, poem recital and drama script reading for students.
The bureau is also expected to launch its latest publications at the fair and to provide huge discounts on its current stock. Free gifts will be offered with book purchases as well.
Exhibitors have always regarded the annual fair as one effective way to promote their products. The fair which is also participated by several ICT vendors, is a better way to promote their companies and their new products.
"Over the years, our book fair has grown to become an acknowledged regional buyer-seller meeting ground for the consumer books and the ICT segments.
"The exhibition has grown in stature, size and visitor turn-outs since it began; in-line with the growth of the local book market," said Hajah Siti Zaleha.
She insists interested exhibitors to purchase their booth now because as of yesterday, only five booths are available for purchase.
Prospective exhibitors may call the fair`s Secretariat, Hajah Rasiah bte Tuah or Hajah Shamsiah bte Hi Abdi Manaf at 23825118 ext 181 for bookings.
Source: www.brudirect.com (14 Desember 2007)