Answer for Oral Question PL029

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin

YANG BERHORMAT DR. AWANG HAJI MAHALI BIN HAJI MOMIN asked the MINISTER OF CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS to state the strategy for developing the Brunei Darussalam History Centre (PSB) as the core of an integrated historical experience ecosystem encompassing museums, heritage sites, digital narratives and historical trails.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan

In establishing PSB as the core of an integrated historical experience ecosystem encompassing museums, heritage sites, digital narratives and the country’s historical trails, PSB’s main strategy is based on strengthening its position as an Authoritative Historical Centre and Centre of Excellence for the History and Monarchy of Brunei. This position has been developed through its achievements in research, heritage preservation, strengthening of reference functions, scholarly publication, digital transformation and strategic collaborative networks locally and abroad.

From the research perspective, PSB has to date successfully collected and documented more than 10,000 historical materials covering the history of the Brunei Monarchy, the genealogies of the Brunei Kings, important national figures, heritage sites and the history of communities throughout the country. To enhance the standards and quality of this research, PSB has also established cooperation with various institutions locally and abroad, such as Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Islam Johor Sultan Ibrahim.

At the same time, conservation efforts for the tombs of the Sultans of Brunei and historical sites continue to be carried out on an ongoing basis. This initiative not only preserves the country’s physical heritage, but also transforms it into a centre of knowledge and historical reference on the Brunei Monarchy that can benefit present and future generations.

In terms of strengthening its reference functions, PSB currently houses more than 87,000 collections of historical materials comprising manuscripts, documents, scholarly books and various historical sources on the Monarchy and Borneo, which are kept in the library, the Borneo Research Centre and the Research Division. To date, nearly 50,000 materials have been successfully digitised to ensure long-term preservation and facilitate access for researchers, students and the general public.

In the field of publication, PSB has published more than 220 historical book titles, including academic works as well as translations in Arabic and Chinese, which help introduce Brunei’s history at the international level. This achievement further strengthens PSB’s position as an authoritative and trusted historical reference centre for Brunei and Borneo, and enables it to continue developing as a professional scholarly institution at the regional and global levels.

In line with global technological developments, PSB has also implemented digital transformation to enrich the exhibition experience through the use of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 360-degree displays and interactive video games, as a result of strategic cooperation with Universiti Teknologi Brunei. In addition, PSB has begun incorporating the use of artificial intelligence or Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the production of visual materials, publications and digital exhibition content to improve the quality of historical information delivery. At the same time, efforts are also being undertaken to enhance the understanding and skills of officers and staff in the use of AI, so that this technology can be optimally utilised in the research and management of historical materials.

In terms of cultivating an appreciation of history, PSB continues to expand the reach of history to the community through various educational programmes, forums, talks, workshops and historical roadshows conducted in schools, institutions of higher education, mukims and villages, government agencies and the private sector. In the past three years alone, from 2023 to 2026, a total of 937 historical programmes and activities were successfully conducted, involving more than 165,000 participants overall. In addition, through roadshow programmes such as Kembara Sejarah and Perjalanan Kebudayaan, PSB has conducted various travelling exhibitions and historical activities throughout the country, involving thousands of participants each year. This approach has successfully brought history beyond the institution and directly closer to the community, thereby enhancing understanding and appreciation of the country’s history and the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja as the foundation of national identity. Based on the number of programmes and activities conducted, a total of 113 strategic collaborations were successfully implemented during the period from April 2025 to February 2026 alone.

In terms of capacity building, PSB also places emphasis on enhancing the professionalism of its officers and staff through various training programmes, seminars, workshops and scholarly conferences locally and abroad. In the past three years alone, more than 300 capacity-building programmes have been conducted to strengthen expertise in historical research, heritage preservation, digital technology and scholarly publication.

In addition, PSB also plays an important role in supporting the development of the creative and arts industries through the organisation of historical writing workshops, historical essay and speech competitions, calligraphy and khat art workshops, the production of literary works and historical syair, as well as historical documentaries and animations that inspire the younger generation to promote the country’s history through creative and innovative mediums.

With these achievements and direction, PSB will, InsyaAllah, continue to develop not only as an authoritative historical resources centre, but also as a Centre of Excellence for the History and Monarchy of Brunei, playing a role in preserving, empowering and broadening knowledge of the country’s history.

Through its strengths in research, heritage preservation, scholarly publication, digital innovation and strategic collaborative networks locally and abroad, PSB will continue to strengthen its position as a trusted historical reference centre, not only in Negara Brunei Darussalam but also as a recognised institution at the regional and global levels. This will ensure that the legacy of the Brunei Monarchy continues to live on, be understood and be respected by future generations and the international community.