 Badan
Warisan Malaysia has developed programmes in accordance with the Corporate
Strategy adopted last year, namely Education, Awareness, Technical Resources
and Financial Stability.
Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trails was a major accomplishment. Ten thousand
copies of each of the Merdeka Square, Market Square, Chinatown and Jalan
Tuanku Abdul Rahman booklets are now available at Tourism Information
Centres and No 2 Jalan Stonor. These Trails integrate history and architecture
and increase the awareness of Malaysians about the value of our built
heritage and introduce these jewels to foreign visitors. The inclusion
of No 2 Jalan Stonor in these booklets advertises our heritage centre.
In terms of communications with the Government, this project strengthened
our relationship with Arkib Negara and the sponsor, Malaysian Tourism
Promotion Board.
Education Programme: Pilot Project 2000 has made progress in achieving
its Plan of Action. The approval of the Ministry of Education has been
obtained for this Pilot. The Resource Centre has been reorganised to accomodate
the greatly increased number of researchers and students. The Badan website
has been launched on the eve of the millenium. Two computers were obtained
from IBM World Trade Corporation and one from Heitech Padu Sdn. The multimedia
Competition for Secondary Schools received sixty-two entries which were
exhibited on Heritage Day. This publicised the Pilot Project to students
and teachers from selected secondary schools. Some funds have been obtained
from the Canadian High Commission and committed by British Council to
enable the Education Committee to begin the Teacher's Kit and outreach
aspects of this programme.
The second exhibition associated with Heritage Day covered the Old Victoria
Institution, which was most recently known as the Panggung Derama. This
commemoration was expressed in an exhibition comprising a brief written
history, measured drawings, photographs, a map, and a line drawing recreating
the original campus.
Heritage Day was a successful event which attracted more than five hundred
adults, youth and children of all races to No 2 Jalan Stonor on 30 October
1999. The theme was Our Heritage On Stage and showcased selected aspects
of Malaysia's performance arts against the backdrop of its architectural
heritage. The early part of the evening featured interactive activities,
craft demonstrations and talks and a Heritage Hunt based on cultural and
architectural clues in the compound. The Badan appreciates the help of
the Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur in facilitating this event. This project
was made possible by a grant from the American Express Foundation and
the continued support of Nestlé (M) Berhad.
Besides the activities associated with Heritage Day, we have hosted four
other exhibitions this year. All these activities greatly increased media
coverage, promoted membership and created additional income. The media
exposure has led to an increase in groups of visitors who are interested
in the study and documentation of the buildings onsite and about the mission
and activities of the Badan.
All the foregoing activities would not be possible without the participation
and support of volunteers. The strength of an organisation such as the
Badan lies in its members of which there are more than three hundred.
The contributions from professionals on panels and committees of a more
technical nature are also very much appreciated.
Following on the announcement of the Awards for Conservation and Heritage
Development competition last year, the presentation ceremony was held
on 18 September 1999. The venue was the Syed Alatas Mansion as it was
selected the winner in the Restoration category. Three other entries were
presented Honorary Mention awards. Sponsorship for this competition was
obtained from Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan Sdn Bhd.
Kampung Cina, Kuala Terengganu has been recognised yet again as an endangered
site by the World Monuments Watch for its One Hundred Most Endangered
Sites 2000. American Express with the collaboration of the Badan held
a press briefing to launch the Kampung Cina, Kuala Terengganu brochure
on 11 October 1999. The Kampung Cina Committee and the consultant GDP
Perancang Sdn Bhd continue to work with the Government and the community
to finalise the area conservation and revitalisation plan. Arkitek Shilpa,
the consultant for the model project at 51/53 Jalan Bandar, Kuala Terengganu
has completed the delapidation survey and restoration proposal which is
being reviewed by the Committee and the family to ascertain the funding
requirements.
On 29 July 1999, I had the honour of presenting the Pelan Tindakan Kawasan
Warisan Melaka to the Majlis Perbandaran Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah.
This is yet another example of the Badan's work to promote the awareness
of the need to conserve heritage areas as well.
Members of the Badan participated in a number of seminars which are described
in the report. It is a reflection of the growing credibility of the Badan
that we have been invited to be represented at these events. We maintain
contact with the Government regarding our concerns on the subject of legislation
and financial incentives for the preservation, restoration and conservation
of heritage buildings.
Financially, this has been a challenging year and we appreciate your
prompt payment of fees and donations. The Badan has increased its fee,
sales and other income generated from about RM 37,100 last year to RM
62,600 this year. The Fundraising Committee, especially Datin Elizabeth
Moggie, has worked hard to obtain donations for the Badan and is still
exploring the possibilities of establishing an endowment fund.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and the volunteers
who have generously given their time and energy for the conservation of
Malaysia's built heritage.
TAN SRI DATO' SERI (DR) AHMAD SARJI BIN ABDUL HAMID
President
15 November 1999 |
