KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Rather than merely viewing artefacts behind glass, young people are being given the opportunity to experience the role of a curator through the ‘Bermalam di Muzium’ (Night at the Museum) 2026 programme, which aims to foster an interest in learning about, appreciating and preserving the country’s heritage.
Ministry of National Unity deputy secretary-general (Policy and Strategic Planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud said the programme, themed ‘Young Curators’, was gaining popularity, with 2,373 students taking part at 32 museums nationwide.
He said the initiative was important to ensure that the learning of history was not confined to the classroom, but could instead be experienced first-hand through the collections and artefacts displayed in museums.
“When they visit museums, what they learn at school can be experienced first-hand through the artefacts, while also fostering closer ties among students of various races.
“We want to foster closer ties, build students’ identity and self-confidence. By learning about the country’s artefacts and civilisation, they will develop a greater love for the country, while further strengthening the bonds of unity among one another. That is our aspiration,” he told reporters after ‘Bermalam di Muzium’ closing ceremony at Dataran Muzium Negara here today.
Also present were Museums Department (JMM) deputy director-general (Policy) Mohamad Shawali Badi, JMM deputy director-general (Museums) Mohd Razaimi Hamat, Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM) deputy director-general (Management) Saliza Mokhtar, and National Museum director Zamrul Amri Zakaria.
Mohamad Sobri said the exposure was hoped to help shape the younger generation into future national leaders with a strong sense of identity and high patriotic spirit.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Shawali said this year’s theme, ‘Young Curators’, gave students an opportunity to understand the actual duties of curators in preserving the country’s heritage.
He said curators were responsible for various museum-related activities, including research, preservation, collection management and exhibitions.
“By understanding the role of curators, we hope students will better appreciate the efforts undertaken by museums, not only as places that store historical artefacts, but also as institutions that preserve and impart knowledge to the public,” he said.
Various activities were lined up during the two-day programme (Sept 15-16), including the Young Curators programme, a talk session with the AKM, a knowledge-sharing session with curators, Young Curators Fun Walk and Museum Exploration.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity, JMM, Ministry of Education, educational institutions, state and institutional museums, as well as strategic partners including AKM, Yayasan MR DIY, Thong Bowl and Yeos.
-- BERNAMA