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Source : Press Release JMM

Photo: Muhd Nasrullah - JMM

HAB TENAGA BRUNEI DERMAGA DIRAJA, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Saturday, 01 Safar 1447/26 July 2025 - The Department of Museums, through the National Archives of Brunei Darussalam organized a forum in conjunction with the International Archives Day 2025, celebrated annually on 9th June, to recognise the vital role of archival institutions in safeguarding the nation’s documentary heritage, ensuring its accessibility and preserving them as a collective memory and reference source. The forum themed “Archives Are Accessible: Archives For Everyone” was held today, 26th July 2025, at Gallery 4, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja.

This year’s theme “Archives Are Accessible – Archives for Everyone”, aims to raise public awareness on the importance of access to archival information and the role of archival institutions in preserving the nation’s records while ensuring they remain accessible to all. 

The National Archives of Brunei Darussalam invited three panellists to the forum: 

• Yang Mulia Profesor Dr Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail from the field of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Academy of Brunei Studies, University Brunei Darussalam

• Yang Mulia Profesor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah from the field of Malay Literature and Culture, Faculty of Art and Social Sciences, University Brunei Darussalam and

• Yang Mulia Awang Zul Hilmi bin Haji Mohd Zain, Acting Senior Archives Officer/Archives Officer, National Archives of Brunei Darussalam.

The forum commenced with a welcoming address by Yang Mulia Pengiran Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Halus, Acting Director of Brunei Museums Department and Chairman of the International Archives Day 2025 Celebration Committee. In his speech, he emphasized the need to embrace a holistic understanding of accessibility, not only in digital form but also from physical, social and cultural perspectives to ensure that archival institutions remain inclusive and relevant to all.

The forum also served as an inclusive platform, bringing together key stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify shared approaches toward strengthening awareness and appreciation of the value and function of archival institutions in society.

In conjunction with the celebration, the “Wajah Brunei: Menyusuri Memori” Exhibition has now been extended until 3rd August 2025 for public visits at Gallery 4, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja. 

Present as the Guest of Honor for the forum event was Yang Mulia Awang Ajman bin Haji Meludin, Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance), Prime Minister’s Office. Also in attendance at the Forum was Yang Mulia Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, Acting Permanent Secretary (Culture), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. ​