MoU to promote two-way exchange of culture

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Library has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of France to promote French culture and foster a two-way exchange of ideas and practices.

The MoU signing witnessed by its chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, took place on Monday (Oct 14) at Le Coin Français (French Corner) in the Sarawak State Library here.

According to State Library Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Japri Bujang Masli, this collaboration aims to emphasise both parties’ access to cultural heritage.

“This will improve understanding, and I hope this cooperation and collaboration will lead to a better world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thieery d’Anna, the Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs representing Ambassador Axel Cruau, expressed his gratitude to the State Library for dedicating a space to France and the French-speaking world.

“The French Corner is a place for dialogue, exchange and openness, dedicated to promoting the French language and culture while respecting multilingualism.

“It also offers teaching aids for learning French and can be used to organise cultural events and exhibitions previously restricted to Venezuela, Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur and Penang, which can now be presented in Sarawak where it can accommodate French-speaking experts, authors and scientists visiting the country,” he said.

He sees the MoU as more than a cultural exchange, paving the way for collaboration in training library and archive staff.

Furthermore, Thieery said both libraries have taken a similar institutional approach, striving to balance comfort, architectural quality, and functionality.

Le Coin Français, located in the library on the first floor, offers a wide range of resources, including books in French or by French authors, from children’s classics to contemporary works, essays, and books on French civilisation.

Currently, the State Library houses fewer than 100 French books, but the library’s partnership with the French Embassy will bring more books, access to French films, and opportunities to host both in-person and virtual programmes featuring artists, experts, and speakers from France.