In conjunction with World Heritage Day on April 18, Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM), a non-governmental organisation, is introducing an exclusive webinar series titled ‘BWM Talk Series: Spotlight on Sarawak’, or #TokSarawak, for short. The six-part programme, curated by YBhg Tan Sri Leo Moggie and Puan Sri Elizabeth, will cover a wide range of topics from the architectural history of longhouses, ancient forts of Sarawak and origins of the Baram Regatta. Sarawakian textiles, cuisine as well as cultural, historical and natural heritage assets will also be discussed.
The talk series scheduled to begin on April 21, will feature an impressive line-up of guest speakers, such as Tun Jugah Foundation Research Director, Dr Robert Menua Salleh; the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) Chairperson, Datin Dona Drury Wee; and UNIMAS Institute of Borneo Studies Associate Research Fellow, Dr Valerie Mashman.
“We are extremely grateful to host this webinar series in collaboration with leading academics and heritage specialists to showcase Sarawak’s unique and diverse heritage. In Malaysia, we are at threat of losing both our built and intangible heritage due to modernisation and urban transformation. Heritage assets tell a story of our history, places and diverse culture. Inherited from our predecessors, we must learn to appreciate and safeguard it for generations to come,” said BWM President, Lim Wei-Ling.
BWM Life Member, Tan Sri Leo Moggie, shared, “Heritage appreciation is crucial in helping us develop not just as a state, but a nation. As a proud Sarawakian, I hope that this series will shine a light on the state’s rich heritage and encourage more young people to participate in preservation activities as well.”
“PETRA Energy Berhad is happy to support #TokSarawak and partner with BWM to play a role in culture and heritage preservation, highlighting the history, heritage and communities of Sarawak. PETRA started and has been operating in Sarawak for over 30 years. Preserving culture, heritage
and diversity are elements aligned to the Groups’ sustainability targets and ESG goals,” said its Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Anthony Bujang.
Although BWM has been involved in numerous heritage preservation activities, from the restoration of Stadium Merdeka to old kampung houses like the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman in Kuala Lumpur, through this series, BWM hopes to encourage the public, private sector as well as the government, to save the nation’s invaluable heritage assets.
The BWM Talk Series: Spotlight on Sarawak or #TokSarawak, will be free for all registrants. It is organised in partnership with PETRA Energy Berhad, and supported by Creador Foundation, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad, COPE Private Equity Sdn Bhd and Centriq PR Sdn Bhd.
| Date and Time | Topic and Speaker |
| 21 April 2022 5.00PM* | ‘The Heritage of Sarawak’s Traditional Longhouse’ By Dr Robert Menua Saleh Introduction by BWM President, Ms Lim Wei-Ling; Official opening by BWM Life Member, Tan Sri Leo Moggie. |
| 28 April 2022 5.00PM* | ‘The Baram Regatta’ By Dr Valerie Mashman |
| 19 May 2022 5.00PM* | ‘Sarawak’s Exotic Food Heritage’ By Datin Dona Drury Wee |
| 9 June 2022 5.00PM* | ‘The Forts of Sarawak’ By Dr John Ting |
| 23 June 2022 5.00PM* | ‘Traditional Textiles and Costumes’ By Dr Welyne Jehom |
| 7 July 2022 5.00PM* | ‘Sarawak’s Endangered Heritage’ By Mr James Yong Official closing by BWM Life Member, Puan Sri Elizabeth Moggie. |
| *Malaysian time | |
BWM continues to seek additional funding for its educational and advocacy work via this event and hopes all heritage lovers will join the talk series as a valued participant for the inaugural specialised series under its ’BWM Talk Series’. For more information, kindly visit badanwarisanmalaysia.org/spotlight-on-sarawak/ or email heritage@badanwarisan.org.my.
About Badan Warisan Malaysia
Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM), also known as The Heritage of Malaysia Trust, is the leading national heritage NGO established in 1983, as an independent registered charity. BWM works to raise awareness of heritage issues and advocate for a conservation-friendly environment in Malaysia. BWM works throughout Malaysia, cooperating with community groups, institutions, the private sector and all levels of Government to promote the conservation and preservation of our historic buildings and places. BWM plays a pivotal role in advocacy through a range of activities including heritage education, and we initiate research and documentation of our heritage assets and contribute to debates at international, national and local levels, on the quality of our built and cultural environment.
For more information, kindly visit badanwarisanmalaysia.org