Abdul Karim (centre) presenting the change trophy to Khalid Husseine (third right) at the SDPK 2026.
KUCHING (Aug 16): Traditional arts must adapt to the digital era to reach wider audiences, particularly among the younger generation, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari stressed that traditional art forms must adapt to the evolving digital landscape, highlighting the immense opportunities in fusing literary works with modern creative mediums such as short films, animation, music and digital performances.
“The world today has changed. The younger generation no longer reads books or listens to poetry solely through traditional mediums; they interact through social media, short videos, podcasts, digital platforms and AI technology.
“Therefore, we must bring literature into these new spaces,” he said in his speech at the 40th National-Level Independence Poetry Recitation Contest (SDPK) 2026 dinner and prize presentation ceremony here on Saturday.
His speech was read by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abang Johari noted that such integration would not only preserve classic literature but also introduce local works to a broader international audience.
“This aligns with Sarawak’s aspiration to build a robust digital creative industry.
“We want our youth to view arts, culture, writing and creative content creation not merely as side activities, but as viable avenues to build careers, generate economic value and drive growth,” he added.
Describing SDPK as a platform to reignite the spirit of patriotism, particularly among youths, Abang Johari stressed the importance of nurturing a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed, high-income and competitive region by 2030.
“Therefore, I believe literary practitioners play a major role in building a society that is not only physically and economically advanced, but also rich in human and cultural values,” he said.
Themed ‘Dignity and Sovereignty of the Nation’, SDPK 2026 brought together 17 participants representing each state and Federal Territory, with two of them from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police.
The competition was won by Khalid Husseine Tuah, representing Sarawak, followed by Noor Azli Sudin from Perak and Farah Nabilla Noor Anuar from Negeri Sembilan.
Also present were Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) director-general Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari and Malaysian National Writers Associations (Gapena) president Datuk Zainal Abidin Wira Borhan.
The post Premier: Adapt traditional arts to the digital era to engage youth appeared first on Borneo Post Online.