Database on traditional musical instruments to safeguard heritage

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts is proactively identifying and safeguarding traditional musical instruments belonging to the state’s 34 ethnic groups.

The ministry said it is conducting a comprehensive study with the goal of completing a detailed database on Sarawak’s traditional musical instruments within the next two years through collaboration with a higher learning institution.

As such, the ministry led by its Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, has made a significant visit to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, along with three other museums in Arizona, the United States.

The delegation were also joined by state Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Senator Robert Lau, ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, Sarawak Museum director Nancy Jolhi, and officers from the ministry.

“The primary objective of this visit was to gain insights into the latest trends, best practices, and challenges prevalent in the heritage sector of Arizona.

“The ministry is actively involved in safeguarding the heritage of Sarawak while concurrently promoting the Creative Industry of Sarawak.

Snowdan (fifth right) and others pose for a photo during a visit to one of the museums in Arizona, USA.

“This visit serves as a valuable networking opportunity with the state of Arizona, which is also dedicated to protecting its 36 ethnic groups,” the ministry said in a press release yesterday.

The ministry also said that the globally acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, celebrated for its remarkable collection of musical instruments from around the world, boasts a staggering 7,500 instruments from over 200 countries.

“In addition to the Musical Instrument Museum, the delegation also explored the Arizona Natural History Museum, IDEA Museum, and Mesa Arts Museum,” it added.

The ministry said in recognising the pivotal role of exhibition design and presentation in delivering an engaging and effective visitor experience, Snowdan and the delegation engaged in insightful discussions with the museum management teams.

“These exchanges covered the latest trends, best practices, and challenges faced by museums, contributing significantly to the enrichment of knowledge and practices for the ministry,” it said.