| Lyna Mohamad |
THE Brunei Book Fair 2019 will run from February 27 to March 5 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil yesterday announced this at a press conference at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Building in Berakas.
Media Specialist at the External Media Department, Ministry of Information, Sultanate of Oman Tahira Mohamed Amin al Zad-jali was also present.
The book fair is one of the side events to enliven Brunei’s 35th National Day celebrations and in commemorating the declaration of Bandar Seri Begawan as the Asian Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture 2019, under the initiative of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).
A total of 61 booths will be set up, with exhibitors comprising DBP (as the organiser), government and private book publishers, local bookstores and those from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Sultanate of Oman and Jordan.
The participation of the Sultanate of Oman as a Country of Honour is special as it celebrates 15 years of cooperation between Brunei and the Sultanate of Oman in the field of art and culture – between the MCYS and Monarchy Heritage of Oman.
Eight booths have been designated for the Sultanate of Oman at the book fair for the showcase on the arts and crafts of the Sultanate of Oman.
This year, several groups of youth entities will be involved in the fair particularly those from the fields of teaching, learning and media, including Al-Huffaz Management, Tarbiyyah Global, UF Academy, Darussalam Media and Happy Harun Truck.
Happy Harun Truck will showcase and promote educational activities in the form of moving activities, using the mobile truck platform, Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila said.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin is expected to officiate the opening ceremony tomorrow.
In organising the fair, DBP has published 32 book titles to be launched.
Four books come under the Science category, six books (general category), 13 adult literature books and nine children’s literature books. They will also launch the Coffee Table book on Bandar Seri Begawan as the Asian Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture 2019.
A host of activities has been lined up for the fair. These activities are contributed by DBP, Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Education, GAPENA Malaysia, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Press, UF Academy, A-Huffaz Management and also from several participating book publishers.
Activities will include Bedah Karya dan Bicara Buku, Cabaran Ria Bacathon (student and family), Finals Manifestation of Folklore Storytelling (CERRAK),Workshop on Children Book Writing, Discussions on UNISSA Press Publications, Session with book writers, Amazing Race, Generasi Berkarih and Patriotic Poetry Workshop in conjunction with the National Day.