06/07/2026 11:03 PM

Leverage AI, Digital Platforms To Preserve Calligraphy Art - Aaron

GEORGE TOWN, July 6 (Bernama) -- Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms and creative media should be leveraged to broaden the reach of calligraphy among the younger generation, ensuring the cultural heritage is preserved and remains relevant amid changing times.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the approach was important to ensure that the art of calligraphy does not fade amid rapid digitalisation, while integrating traditional heritage with modern innovation without compromising its original values.

“Despite rapid advancements in digital technology and AI, the art of calligraphy continues to hold unique and irreplaceable value. As such, it must be preserved, upheld and elevated as a living cultural heritage to ensure it continues to thrive in the fast pace of digitalisation.

“The digitisation of works, virtual exhibitions, calligraphy learning applications and collaboration between artists and technology can help ensure that this art form remains relevant,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Penang ASEAN Book Fair and Unity Calligraphy Festival 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) here tonight.

The event was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, and attended by his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.

Aaron said that the Unity Calligraphy Festival, now in its second year, provided an opportunity for the community to recognise and appreciate the beauty of calligraphic art across various cultures in Malaysia.

He said that the art of calligraphy, which includes Jawi khat, Chinese calligraphy, Tamil calligraphy and other traditional forms of writing, not only carries strong aesthetic value but also serves as a symbol of civilisation and reflects the thoughts and identity of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic community.

Meanwhile, Aaron said that the ASEAN Book Fair 2026, held in conjunction with the festival, serves as a platform to strengthen reading culture and support the growth of the country’s book industry.

He said that the reading rate among Malaysians had increased from just two books a year in 2005 to 15 books in 2015, and to 24 books a year by 2023, with 88.6 per cent of Malaysians now adopting reading habits.

“Of the average 24 books read a year, 16 are in physical form while the remaining eight are read digitally,” he said.

He said that, in this regard, his ministry, through the National Library, would continue to expand access to both physical and digital reading materials, including via the u-Pustaka platform, in line with the aspiration to make Malaysia a reading nation by 2030

The ASEAN Book Festival and Unity Calligraphy Festival 2026, which is being held over four days from July 3, offers a wide range of activities including book talks, new book launches, digital art discussions, calligraphy exhibitions, unity calligraphy sessions and competitions, handicraft exhibitions, the ASEAN Kids’ Fashion Competition, music competitions, interactive quizzes, book sales with discounts of up to 70 per cent and Jualan Rahmah.

--BERNAMA

 

 

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