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Source : Press Release DBP (Translation by MCYS)

Photos : Muhd Azinuddin - MCYS

ERAKAS, Thursday, 5 Zulkaedah 1447 / 23 April 2026 — The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), through its Library Division, held the Launching Ceremony of the National Reading Strategy at the Atrium, Setia Point, Jalan Jaya Setia, this afternoon.

The ceremony was organized in conjunction with the celebration of World Book Day and enlivened with a variety of programs and activities, including lectures, discourses, exhibitions, and initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of reading. During the event, the strategic initiatives and action plan of the National Reading Strategy were also introduced.

In the morning, the program began with a series of lectures. Dr. Noradinah binti Haji Jaidi, Lecturer at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, delivered a talk entitled “Reading Together, Educating Together: An Integrated Synergism.” This was followed by Dr. Nordiana binti Haji Zakir, Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education and Care at the same institution, and Dayangku Siti Nor Fatin Hafizah binti Pengiran Samsu, Clinical Mental Well-being Officer, Clinical Psychology Unit, Child Development Centre, Ministry of Health, who presented a lecture on “The Effects of Excessive Screen Time and Parental Strategies to Manage Usage.” The session highlighted the importance of cultivating a reading culture within families as the foundation for nurturing a knowledgeable generation.

In the afternoon, the Launching Ceremony of the National Reading Strategy was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as the Guest of Honour.

The event began with welcoming remarks by Yang Mulia Awang Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Acting Director of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), who served as Chairman of the Ceremony.

It was further enriched by a keynote address delivered by Yang Mulia Dr. Awang Haji Md. Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Md. Yunos, entitled “Cultivating the ‘Resilient Reader’: Our Weapon Against the Digital Tsunami.” In his speech, he emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to preserve the existing reading culture while fostering a new one — that of “Resilient Readers” — capable of facing the challenges of the digital era.

Before the ceremony concluded, the Guest of Honour presented awards in several categories, including Reading Diligence, Best Library Service Stop, Best Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Library, Best Library Collaboration Partner, and Literacy Hope Champion.

The National Reading Strategy is highly significant, representing a sustained effort and strong commitment to support the Government’s aspiration of building a knowledgeable, information-literate, and reading-oriented society in the face of globalization and the knowledge-based economy. Reading not only opens wide avenues for exploring diverse fields of knowledge and new ideas but also serves as an important medium to strengthen mastery of the Malay language as a national identity and official language. This initiative simultaneously plays a role in preserving identity, enriching heritage, and reinforcing national character, ensuring its continued relevance and appreciation by present and future generations.

World Book Day is a global celebration dedicated to honoring books, authors, and the culture of reading. It also underscores the importance of copyright and intellectual property protection in the publishing and writing industry. The celebration is observed in more than 100 countries worldwide, including Brunei Darussalam.​