Unimas launches National Language Movement, Writers’ Club, National Local Insight Seminar

KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) officially launched the Unimas’ National Language Movement, the Unimas Higher Education Institution (IPT) Writers’ Club, and the National Local Insight Seminar 2024.

According to Dr Remmy Gedat, the initiative is an effort to instil a sense of pride in the national language.

“The national language is a language of knowledge and unity in Malaysia while also highlighting local wisdom in Sarawak, particularly Malaysia, which is rich in invaluable cultural and historical values.

“The use and elevation of the national language is not only for communication purposes but also as a foundation for unity, national integration, a language of knowledge, and the development of our cultural identity,” she said on behalf of Dr Dilah Tuah, the Dean of the Faculty of Language and Communication (FBBK), Unimas.

She hopes that the National Language Movement can ignite a spirit of love for the national language among the community, especially the younger generation, ensuring that the Malay language continues to thrive and remains a cornerstone of daily life, along with its professional value in its usage throughout the country.

Meanwhile, she expressed the insights to be shared in the upcoming seminar, which also reflect the scholarly values of the panellists in highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) across various fields today.

“Local wisdom also plays a vital role in shaping national identity and the social cohesion of our society, reflecting our roots and serving as a foundation for innovation in various aspects of life, including education, economy, and social development,” she added.

Dr Remmy also expressed her confidence that the discussions in this seminar will greatly benefit all participants in understanding the importance of preserving and developing cultural heritage and local wisdom amid globalisation’s challenges.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Abang Haliman Abang Julai, director of the Institute of Language and Literature (DBP) Sarawak, said the seminar themed “Facing the Reality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Traditional Literature” aims to bring together scholars, researchers, writers, and linguists to share knowledge and findings on the preservation of indigenous languages and literature in Sarawak.

“The collaboration between DBP Sarawak and Unimas has enhanced the collection of local wisdom materials and stimulated intellectual discourse among the community in Sarawak,” he said.

He also stated that, based on an article entitled ‘Malay Language in the Era of AI Technology,’ the study examines the context of the Malay language and the application of AI, focusing on achieving innovative results to ensure that the Malay language remains dynamic and relevant as the national language.

“To ensure the continued benefits of AI technology in the development of the Malay language, it is essential to initiate comprehensive efforts to enhance literacy and digital knowledge among the community,” he quoted Associate Professor Dr Salmah Jan Noor Mohamad from the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)’s article.

Panellists of the seminar consisted of Chuah Kee Man from the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, Unimas who spoke about ‘Between Tradition and Technology: AI in the Development of Local Literature’; Dr Patricia Ganing from the Faculty of Language and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) who spoke about the ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Traditional Literature in Embracing the AI Wave’, and Dr Nordi Achie from the Center for Knowledge and Language Training, University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) who spoke about ‘The Impact of Dajalisme Technology (Artificial Intelligence) and the Hidden Dangers of Neocolonialism on Traditional Literature in Sarawak’ while moderated by Dr Santrol Abdullah from the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, Unimas.

Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, a Board Member of the Institute of Language and Literature Malaysia (DBP) and a Senior Fellow of the Malaysian Professors Council (MPN), attended the programme.