ARCHEOTOURISM, the art of exploring the past through the lens of the present, is poised to usher in a cultural renaissance in Malaysia. As the world increasingly seeks authentic and enriching travel experiences, Malaysia stands at the cusp of redefining its tourism landscape.
Think City, a trailblazing organisation committed to cultivating vibrant and sustainable urban environments, recently orchestrated a mesmerising documentary screening event. This gathering was nothing short of an illuminating journey through the historical and cultural riches of Peninsular Malaysia's northern region.
The event not only highlighted the significance of connecting the region's secondary towns, but also unveiled a transformative vision. Think City led the charge, collaborating with Yayasan Hasanah under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance Ministry, to preserve and harness the region's archaeological and heritage treasures, fuelling a culture-centric economy.
RIVETING DOCUMENTARIES
The spotlight was the screening of three captivating documentaries. These cinematic marvels, produced by docu-filmmaker Iman Corinne Adrienne in partnership with Serpentiga Films, revolved around the Northern Region Archaeotourism Network Programme (NRAN).
The NRAN's mission is to create a tapestry connecting historical and cultural sites across the northern region, with Lenggong and Bujang Valley as its initial focal points.
The documentaries that held the audience spellbound were:
Exploring the Northern Region of Malaysia: This documentary provided an immersive overview of the programme's objectives, showcasing the relentless dedication to preserving and promoting the northern region's cultural heritage.
Lenggong Valley: Unearthing Our Past: A mesmerising journey deep into Lenggong's archaeological treasures and cultural wonders, offering profound insights into Malaysia's rich anthropology and history.
Bujang Valley: The Cradle of Malaysia's Early Civilisation: An exploration of Bujang Valley's archaeological and cultural treasures, spotlighting its pivotal role as a centre of early civilisation in Malaysia.
PRESERVING OUR PAST
Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong, who was the guest of honour, recounted a fascinating conversation he had with a Tibetan priest, shedding light on the influential legacy of Dharmakirti.
Sim shared that Dharmakirti, a revered figure considered the forefather of a religious tradition later introduced to Tibet by his illustrious student Atisa, was believed to have resided in the historical enclave of Lembah Bujang in Kedah.
This revelation echoed the historical record, which established that King Cudamaṇivarman of Kedah had sponsored Dharmakirti's seminal work, the Durbodhaloka. Moreover, the geographical location of Kedah aligned seamlessly with Atisa's daring ocean voyage, further corroborated by insights gleaned from an illuminated manuscript created in 1015.
This manuscript demonstrated an exceptional depth of knowledge about the region. These revelations served as a testament to Malaysia's historical sites, affirming their profound global value and significance.
The event reached its pinnacle with a keynote address by Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid, a luminary in the field of archaeology. She underscored the paramount importance of actively appreciating and safeguarding Malaysia's cultural and historical assets.
Dr Zuraina emphasised that heritage is a reflection of identity, urging collective efforts to ensure its preservation, passing on a rich tapestry of Malaysia's our country's history and thriving cultural practices to future generations. "Our heritage is a reflection of who we are and each of us plays a role in its preservation," she said.
This event marked the culmination of Think City's tireless work within the NRAN, initiated in April 2022. The mission was to reinvigorate and interconnect heritage assets into a curated network of archaeotourism, cultural heritage and natural sites. These sites are poised to serve as catalysts for economic resilience and socio-economic growth, fuelled by a RM10 million investment.
EMPOWERING ONE AND ALL
The initiative aims to create jobs, attract investments, and showcase the nation's cultural heritage. This includes bolstering the ecosystem around these sites, establishing multiple entry points into a narrative-driven neural network grounded in the northern region's overarching story — a multi-year programme designed to sustain and enhance local economic development.
Hamdan Abdul Majeed, managing director of Think City, spoke passionately about the Northern Region Archaeotourism Network Programme, an ambitious endeavour to connect the region's historical heritage, cultural sites, natural wonders, archaeological marvels, and monuments.
He highlighted the initiative's role in raising awareness among government bodies, stakeholders, communities, and the broader public. He emphasised the collective effort required to preserve Malaysia's cultural heritage, expressing eagerness for the Budget 2024 announcement to further catalyse growth in these cities.
The event also celebrated 18 grantees of the Cultural Economy Catalytic Grants Programme Cycle 2, a vital component of the NRAN. These grants empower individuals and organisations to actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Think City has completed two successful grant cycles, with 42 grantees receiving funding for their programmes. These cycles have made significant contributions to Perak, while expanding the network to connect sites like Wang Kelian and Kedah.
Think City's collaborative spirit extends to partnerships with 14 other organisations, encompassing four projects as part of a comprehensive management initiative. Collectively, the NRAN has generated a combined value of RM15.6 million in grants, partnerships, and management initiatives within the region.
In a world where the echoes of history resonate with newfound vigour, Malaysia's archeotourism revolution, steered by the visionary efforts of Think City and its collaborators, stands as a beacon of hope.
This extraordinary journey, unveiled through captivating documentaries, hasn't only rekindled the flame of cultural preservation, but also ignited the flames of economic prosperity.
As we celebrate the renaissance of Malaysia's northern region, we bear witness to the fusion of past and present, heritage and innovation, all harmonising to create a brighter future.
With unwavering commitment, the nation's rich tapestry of history and culture now unfolds before the world, a testament to the power of collective action, showcasing the wonders that lie beyond the horizon — a future where the past is a guiding light, and Malaysia's heritage a treasure to be cherished.