Ministry proactively identifying, safeguarding S’wak’s ethnic groups’ traditional musical instruments

Snowdan (eighth left) and others pose for a group photo during one of the museum visits.

KUCHING, Jan 14: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak is proactively identifying and safeguarding traditional musical instruments belonging to the State’s 34 ethnic groups.

Through collaboration with a higher learning institution, the ministry is conducting a comprehensive study to complete a detailed database on Sarawak’s traditional musical instruments within the next two years, according to a press release.

It was stated that MTCP deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan led a delegation from the ministry on a recent visit to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and three other museums in Arizona, USA.

The delegation included esteemed members such as Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Senator Robert Lau, MTCP permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Datu 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.

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

It went on to say that the globally acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, celebrated for its remarkable collection of musical instruments from around the world, boasts a staggering 7500 instruments from over 200 countries.

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

“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 noted. — DayakDaily