Built environment is an expression of our sense of place
and belonging. In keeping with this belief, a proposal entitled Pilot
Project 2000 has been prepared by the Education Committee, headed by Lim
Huck Chin. Other members of the committee are Puan Sri Datin Susan Jalaluddin,
Rosli bin Haji Nor, Jayanthi Thasarathapany, Elizabeth Cardosa and Tony
Crocker. The aims of this proposal are the introduction of built heritage
to complement the existing co-curricular activities in selected secondary
schools and the implementation of a Heritage Day as an annual event in
those schools.
While the mission of the organisation is the preservation and conservation
of Malaysia's built heritage, it fully recognises that built heritage
is interwoven with the natural, historical and cultural environment. Accordingly
the concept for Heritage Day incorporates traditional arts and crafts,
aspects and conservation of the natural environment, performing arts as
well as built heritage.
The plan of action to implement Pilot Project 2000 covers the three year
period 1998, 1999 and 2000. The nature of each year is characterised respectively
as Awareness, Acceptance and Implementation. Awareness comprises raising
funds, identification of pilot schools and the launch of the first Heritage
Day at No 2 Jalan Stonor. Acceptance comprises introduction of the programme
to pilot schools and development of resources. Implementation comprises
teacher workshops and expansion of the programme to other secondary schools
in selected states.
The appreciation for the conservation of Malaysia's heritage will complement
the existing efforts of the Education Departments and secondary schools.
This Pilot is just the first step in the Badan Warisan Malaysia's aim
to introduce a National Heritage Day for all secondary schools, and ultimately
the nation.
Resource Centre
Our Resource Centre has grown considerably in the past year, not only
in terms of additional books but also in its organisational structure.
Puan Sri Susan Jalaluddin, the Resource Centre coordinator, has completed
the computerisation of the book catalogue. The next goal is to complete
categorising books by key words to facilitate the search for publications
by subject.
We have acquired almost 50 new publications including journals, coffee
table books on architecture in Malaysia and Singapore, monographs, books
on Southeast Asian history and Islamic and Malaysian culture. Our deepest
appreciation to Dr Ghafar Ahmad, Linda Yip and Mohd Kameel bin Abdul Karim
who have donated several publications.
In addition to our new computerised cataloguing system, the filing system
for the office is being revamped and for that we must thank Chung Mei
Ling, Hasnah Salleh and Linda Yip. Continuing their diligent efforts were
Jennifer Harvey who reorganised the newspaper cuttings and spearheads
our research efforts and Diana Cooper who catalogues the photographs and
slides. The greatest challenges are the integration of the entire system
and volunteers for the Resource Centre. In the future we hope to upgrade
our computer system and develop our own website for which we are seeking
sponsorship. |
