By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 12: Sarawak’s Malay heritage must not be left to fade with time, and the community is being urged to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve its cultural treasures for future generations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said AI could help preserve Malay heritage through the digitisation of old manuscripts, recordings of oral histories and the creation of digital archives.
“This approach will enable Sarawak’s Malay cultural treasures to be preserved and accessed by future generations,” he said during the opening of Wisma Melayu Sarawak at Jalan Diplomatik last night (Nov 11).
Abang Johari said the Malay community possessed a rich heritage encompassing language, customs and traditions, literature, performing arts, traditional attire and cuisine.
He stressed that these cultural treasures must not be lost amid modernisation, but passed down to younger generations.
He also hoped Wisma Melayu Sarawak would promote Malay heritage through research and collaboration with universities, researchers, artists and community organisations.
He said the institution should also inspire younger generations to find new ways of showcasing their heritage while supporting knowledge-sharing, community development and economic growth.
Abang Johari expressed his appreciation to all parties whose commitment and cooperation made the project a reality.
He said the building’s distinctive architectural features reflected the identity of Sarawak’s Malay community.
“Alhamdulillah, our dream of having this building has finally been realised,” he said.
He expressed hope that Wisma Melayu Sarawak would continue to preserve cultural heritage, advance knowledge, empower the community and strengthen unity in line with the aspirations of Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030.
The opening of the Wisma Melayu Sarawak was officiated by the State Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar with his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. — DayakDaily
