A representative from the Miri Chinese Writers Association presents a gift of books for Pustaka Miri to Dr Abang Abdul Rauf (third left).
MIRI (Oct 26): The Sarawak Book Fair and Authors Festival (SBAF) 2024 has returned with its mission to bridge cultures, inspire creativity and strengthen the local literary community.
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen highlighted the event’s significance in bringing together a diverse range of literary works from both local and international authors, thus making knowledge, thoughts and creativity accessible to all.
Dr Abang Rauf said this in his speech at the SBAF official opening ceremony at Bintang Megamall here today.
The festival runs from Oct 24 to 27, meant to enhance Malaysia’s literary stature, with a special focus on Sarawak’s unique contributions.
The festival’s key addition this year, he added, is the hosting of the ‘Media and Information Literacy Week’, which seeks to equip the public with essential, critical skills to evaluate information in the digital era so as to avoid the spread of false information on social media.
This year’s programme includes exhibitions, writing workshops, and book launches, tailored to support and promote local authors.
It also offers writers a stage to showcase their work to the community, while inspiring more individuals to explore the field of writing.
There are also engaging sessions such as literary talks and discussions between authors and readers that foster healthy dialogues on various literary issues.
“Pustaka Negeri Sarawak shall continue to play a significant role in promoting literacy through educational programmes that benefit all community members, particularly the youth,” Dr Abang Abdul Rauf said.
“More than just repository of books, the libraries nurture creativity, encourage reading, and support the development of our writing and literary industry,” he said, adding the libraries’ roles in preserving literary heritage and nurturing writing talents.
He also extended his gratitude to Pustaka for its dedication in providing an inclusive and enriching platform, thus calling on the community to seize the opportunity to visit the last day of SBAF 2024 tomorrow.
Among tomorrow’s lined-up programmes starting from 10am onwards are story-telling competition for the primary school level, an engagement session on writing skills – ‘Melestari Budaya Melalui Penulisan’, higher education fair, stage performances, quizzes and games by participating exhibitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia.
Present at the launching ceremony were Pustaka chief operating officer Japri Bujang Masli; Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Sarawak deputy director Jaafer Hamdan, Pustaka Miri regional manager Razak Rambili, Sabah State Library director George Yih Ching Yaw, Angkatan Sasterawan dan Sasterawani Brunei Darussalam Prof Ampuan Dr Brahim Ampuan Tengah, and Indonesia’s literary scholar Alexander Mering.