KUCHING, Oct 9: The virtual exhibition titled ‘Plant People: Unearthing Botany In Sarawak’ is now available for viewing on online platforms.
The exhibition tells the story of botany in Sarawak, and how scientific study has changed human relationships with the amazing plant life that surrounds them.
Launched on Oct 2, 2021, the exhibition was organised by the Friends of Sarawak Museum (FoSM) as part of the Beccari Centenary sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak.
Its Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah praised the exhibit as being “very unique because we don’t usually think of our local people contributing to western science”.
He further encouraged members of the public to look deeper into their own history and honour the Sarawakians who play a role in the production and sharing of local knowledge.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with other departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and stakeholders in efforts to recognise and sustain Sarawak’s natural heritage.
FoSM president Dr Connie Lim officially launched the exhibition after the panel discussion.
The launch event featured highlights and included a moderated discussion by distinguished panel speakers namely, Plant People exhibition curator Dr Jennifer Morris, plant taxonomist and Begonia expert Julia Sang, freelance botanist and Beccari Centenary Project co-advisor Dr Katharine (Kit) Pearce, and the first Sarawakian Botanist appointed by Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), Dr Paul P.K. Chai.
Over 200 participants attended the Zoom launch from around the globe which included the general public, working professionals and academics from retired professors, graduate and undergraduate students in botany, history, biology, conservation, research, tourism, education.
The local Sarawak/Malaysia attendees included representatives from the Sarawak Museum Department, FDS, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation and Science (WCS), Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA) and tourism players.
Readers can watch the full launch discussion on FoSM’s FaceBook page at https://facebook.com/fosmuseum.
The exhibition is viewed best on a laptop or computer with this link: https://friendsofsarawakmuseum.org/beccari/exhibition/.
FoSM is a non-profit NGO promoting an appreciation for Sarawak’s heritage through its museums. It is a platform for like-minded societies to engage in cultural and heritage programmes and projects throughout the region. — DayakDaily
