KUCHING, May 28: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC) Sarawak will use the newly launched online information sharing portal for Asia Pacific region called the ‘ICHLinks’ to promote the rich and colourful arts, culture and heritage of Sarawak such as the Songket, Keringkam, Ngajat Dance, Umai and Pua Kumbu to the world.
The ICHLinks, a digital platform that provides information on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacific region, was officially launched yesterday (May 27) by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP), which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
According to a media release today, the historical launching ceremony conducted by ICHCAP virtually across Asia Pacific countries was participated by the first group of partners from Malaysia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Malaysia was represented by MTAC Sarawak as well as the Malaysian Arts and Cultural Practitioners Association (MACPA) which is the appointed partner of the projects representing Malaysia.
MTAC permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee represented Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the virtual event.
In his message, Abdul Karim congratulated ICHCAP for the launching of the ICHLinks and was confident that the portal will be a powerful platform for the ICH information sharing and networking among the countries in Asia Pacific.
He hopes that the projects will be implemented successfully in close cooperation with ICHCAP.
MACPA president Mazuki Tambi also reported in his presentation that the Association will implement research and documentation on five Sarawak ICH elements including Sarawak Songket, Keringkam, Ngajat Dance, Umai and also Pua Kumbu.
ICHLinks (https://www.ichlinks.com), contains information of more than 1,000 intangible cultural heritage items from countries in the region, as well as extensive data on intangible cultural heritage videos, photos, sound materials, books, related institutions, and expert information.
In addition, it also offers map-based services related to international ICH, and thematic contents such as travel, exhibitions, stories and events.
MTAC Sarawak principal assistant secretary Nasir Lariwoo as well a MACPA secretary Azlynda Jawawi and treasurer Muhammad Ghazi were also present. — DayakDaily
