BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB) will launch four books on the country’s history and literature on April 15.

During a press conference at UBD yesterday, APB Director Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Hj Brahim Ampuan Hj Tengah said the four books written by renowned locals are part of the academy’s initiatives to promote culture and history through Bruneian Malay literature.

The associate professor said the two books to be released by APB are Tradisi Dan Reformasi Pendidikan Merista Jasa Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, Jilid 1 and Tradisi Dan Reformasi Pendidikan Merista Jasa Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, Jilid 2. They consist of 58 topics written by 58 local writers.

“We want the book[s] to represent the locals, so we compiled essays and literature written over the years by renowned writers and faculty members,” he said.

Dean of FASS Dr Siti Norkhalbi Hj Wahsalfelah said her faculty will also publish two books, Pengawal Kuala, which was produced by the first recipient of the Southeast Asian Writers Award (SEA Write Award), Dato Hj Muslim Hj Burut, and Antologi Puisi Cahaya Terus Bersinar, a compilation of poetry and literature penned by 37 local writers.

The associate professor went on to say that the books can be used by UBD students as a reference to aid them in their academics.

“The books are written based on Brunei’s history, religious studies and Malay literature so this is beneficial for students who are majoring in these courses,” he continued.

He added that APB has been getting positive feedback from Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB) students, as they have been using the publications as references.

Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman is expected to launch the books this Wednesday at UBD’s Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences.

The Brunei Times