11.2 – Support of arts and heritage

11.2.6 – Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage

The record and preservation of cultural heritage at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) encompass a range of unique collections and artifacts that highlight the historical, intellectual, and cultural richness of Malaysia. Notable among these are the Malay Civilization Portal, Schacht Collection, an extensive library resource containing rare and valuable materials on Islamic studies; The Galeri Litograf, Karikatur & Manuskrip, showcasing lithographs, caricatures, and manuscripts that provide insights into the social and cultural landscape of Malaysia through historical visual records; and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Collection, which features materials donated by the former Pro-Chancellor, covering subjects from civil service to arts and heritage. Additionally, the earliest Malay manuscripts and distinctive local dialects, such as the Segamat dialect, represent Malaysia’s linguistic and historical diversity. These initiatives, collections, and exhibitions demonstrate UKM’s commitment to preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage, ensuring its accessibility to future generations and promoting research that deepens our understanding of Malay civilization.

No.	Type of Projects
1.	National Cultural Heritage i.   The Malay Civilization Portal ii.   The Schacht Collection iii.  The Earliest Manuscript of the Malay World iv.  An Illustrated Herbal Catalogue from Tibb Manuscript v.   The Qur’anic Manuscript Decorative Art Coloring Contest vi.  The Wahyu Exhibition vii. National Malay Gastronomy Seminar viii. Malay Manuscript Discussion Series
2.	Local Cultural Heritage i. First Student Magazine : SEMESTA ii. Tun Ahmad Sarji Collection
3.	Heritage of Displaced Communities i. The Lithograph, Caricature, and Manuscript Gallery, FSSK ii. The Segamat Dialect

National Cultural Heritage

1. Malay Civilization Portal

The Malaycivilization Portal is a Big Data platform that serves as a comprehensive database specifically designed to assist researchers and scholars in conducting studies on the Malay World and Civilization. This portal is also accessible to the general public who are interested in exploring Malay intellect and values, as manifested in the philosophy, thought, emotions, behavior, and lifestyle of the Malay world community.

This portal was established as one of the initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage of the Malay world and is freely accessible worldwide. It contains 24 databases, including Sejuta Pantun (A Million Pantuns), Peribahasa Melayu (Malay Proverbs), the N.A. Halim Collection, and the Tenas Effendi Collection.

2. The Schacht Collection

Schacht Collection is the first conscious attempt by the UKM library to set up a special collection. This sizable collection consists of a diverse and extensive range of materials. Its strength is not only its size, but more importantly the rare materials, books with fine binding and first editions of famous works. These materials are valuable to researchers on hadith, Qur’an, Islamic law, Sufism, history and civilization and biography-related studies of Islam. It is important to note that good care of these materials cannot be taken for granted. Library staff and readers need constant reminders of the importance of careful handling, proper storage and cleanliness so that these materials could be preserved as far as possible in their original formats for posterity.

Sources : https://journalarticle.ukm.my/4151/

: https://ptsldigital.ukm.my/jspui/handle/123456789/388891

3. The Earliest Manuscripts of the Malay World

The earliest manuscripts of the Malay world refer to written texts or documents produced during the early development of Malay civilization. These manuscripts were typically written in Jawi script or other ancient scripts, such as Pallava and Kawi, which originated from Indian cultural influences before evolving into local writing forms. These manuscripts play a crucial role in the history, literature, religion, law, and culture of Malay and broader Southeast Asian societies. The earliest Malay manuscripts are now preserved in Muzium Warisan Akademik UKM. This effort is essential to ensure that this heritage endures and remains accessible to future generations.

4. An Illustrated Herbal Catalogue From The Tibb Manuscript

This project was carried out by the Malay World Manuscript Research Centre (PPMAM), ATMA, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)The purpose of producing the illustrated catalogue of the Malay Tibb Manuscript is to introduce the various species of herbal plants from the Malay world that have been used by the Malay community as remedies for different ailments. This initiative aims to preserve traditional Malay medical knowledge by documenting and illustrating herbal plants according to the names recorded in the Tibb manuscript.

5. The Qur’anic Manuscript Decorative Art Coloring Contest

The Qur’anic Manuscript Decorative Art Coloring Contest is an annual program organized by Malay World Manuscript Research Centre (PPMAM) since 2020. This program aims to introduce the beauty of Qur’anic manuscript decorative art from the Malay world to the younger generation, aged between 7 and 15 years old. Each participation includes a book containing historical information and details about the design of Qur’anic manuscript decorations according to regions within the Malay world. This initiative serves as an effort to preserve and educate the younger generation on the importance of the artistic heritage of Malay manuscripts.

6. The Al-Wahyu Exhibition

The Al-Wahyu Exhibition, held from 26 May to 2 June 2024 at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam, was organized in conjunction with the Selangor Thurath Festival. This exhibition highlighted the role of the Qur’an as the foundation of education and the writing system in the Malay world, while showcasing the influence of Islam on Malay manuscripts, the pondok education system, and traditional ethnoscience knowledge. Attracting around 3,000 visitors, the event was a collaboration between ATMA UKM, the Selangor Research Centre (SRI), and the Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor. Through its thematic displays and historical documentation, the exhibition successfully recorded, preserved, and promoted Islamic and Malay cultural heritage, deepening public appreciation of Malaysia’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.

7.   National Malay Gastronomy Seminar II

The National Malay Gastronomy Seminar II, held on 1 October 2024 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), served as a national platform to explore the cultural, scientific, and sustainable aspects of Malay gastronomy. Organized by ATMA UKM with participation from the Ministry of Health, scholars, and culinary practitioners, the seminar discussed traditional Malay cuisine, its health benefits, and its role in shaping cultural identity. Through academic presentations and expert dialogue, SEGEMUK not only documented and analyzed traditional food knowledge but also promoted its preservation by integrating it into modern health and sustainability discussions. The event effectively recorded, celebrated, and safeguarded Malaysia’s culinary heritage, ensuring traditional food wisdom continues to be valued and sustained for future generations.

8. Malay Manuscript Discussion Series 

The Malay Manuscript Discussion Series is a program organized by the Malay World Manuscript Research Centre, ATMA. This series discusses various topics related to Malay manuscripts, including their historical, cultural, and astronomical aspects. It is conducted online and open to the public, with registration required through the provided link. 

This discussion series is very important as a platform to preserve cultural heritage such as language and other forms of knowledge.

Link : www.ukm.my/atma/

Local Cultural Heritage

1. First Student Magazine: SEMESTA

The first student magazine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was SEMESTA, published in 1971 by the First Residential College at UKM. The initial editorial team was led by Chamhuri Siwar. SEMESTA served as a platform for students to voice their opinions, share ideas, and showcase their creative works. It also acted as a medium for disseminating information about campus activities, current issues, and academic developments at UKM. This publication reflects the intellectual and cultural spirit of students during that era and has become an important part of the history of campus publications in Malaysia.

2. Tun Ahmad Sarji Collection

This distinguished collection was generously donated by The Most Honorable Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and former Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia. It comprises an exceptional range of materials covering subjects such as civil service, corporate administration, art and heritage, religion, humanities, and sports reflecting the breadth of his intellectual pursuits and contributions to national development. The Tun Ahmad Sarji Collection stands as a valuable repository of knowledge and leadership insight, accessible for reference only at the Anjung Pro-Canselor Tun Ahmad Sarji, Level 4, Tun Sri Lanang Library, UKM.

Source : www.facebook.com/media/

Heritage of Displaced Communities

1. The Lithograph, Caricature and Manuscript Gallery, FSSK

The Lithograph, Caricature, and Manuscript Gallery,  at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a unique gallery within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), showcasing an exceptional collection of lithographs, caricatures, and manuscripts. These items, which are not cataloged by other research institutions, provide invaluable insights into Malaysian heritage and history. The lithographs include works by colonial artists invited by the Portuguese, British, and French governments, depicting significant cultural events, society, and the unique flora and fauna of Peninsular Malaysia. The caricatures, drawn by local artists and originally published in newspapers and magazines, reflect political, economic, and social themes from the 1930s through the Malaya era and up to the formation of Malaysia. The manuscript collection includes Malay and Bugis texts, featuring an 18th-century diary from the Sultan of Bone, which documents the daily lives of the Bugis community and their trade relationships with regions like southern Johor and Sulawesi. The gallery is located on the 4th floor of Block A in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at UKM’s Bangi campus in Selangor, Malaysia.

Sources: www.ukm.my/sphea/mengenai-kami/

2. The Segamat Dialect

The Segamat dialect is a unique variant of the Malay language spoken in the Segamat district of Johor. This dialect has distinctive features that set it apart from standard Malay and other dialects in Malaysia. In terms of phonology, the Segamat dialect shows variations in vowel and consonant pronunciation compared to standard Malay. For example, the vowel ‘a’ at the end of words often changes to ‘o,’ as in “saya” becoming “sayo.” Lexically, it includes unique vocabulary not found in other dialects, such as the word “ghok,” which means “to sleep.” Morphologically, the dialect has distinct prefixes and suffixes; for instance, the prefix ‘me-‘ in standard Malay may be replaced with ‘nge-,’ as in “membaca” becoming “ngebaco.” Syntactically, variations in word order and sentence structure give the dialect its unique identity.

The Segamat dialect has special cultural significance. It reflects the cultural identity of the Segamat community and serves as a symbol of local pride. As part of Malaysia’s linguistic heritage, it contributes to the country’s linguistic diversity and is important for preservation and study. The dialect is also influenced by Segamat’s geographical proximity to Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, which has led to a unique blend of linguistic elements from these regions. For further information on the Segamat dialect and its distinctive features, refer to an article by Ungku Mohd Zaman Tahir in the book “Segamat: Sejarah & Mitosnya (Bahagian 2),” published in 2001. A copy of this article is available at the Library of the Institute of the Malay World and Civilization (ATMA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, with the call number 7845.

Sources:  malaycivilization.com.my/omeka/items/show/215102 

UKM plays a leading role in recording, documenting, and preserving Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through research, exhibitions and digital innovation. Initiatives such as the Malay Civilization Portal, Schacht Collection, and Malay Manuscript Discussion Series ensure that historical knowledge, traditional arts, and linguistic diversity are systematically preserved and made accessible to scholars and the public. Projects like the Illustrated Herbal Catalogue from the Tibb Manuscript, Qur’anic Manuscript Decorative Art Coloring Contest, and Al-Wahyu Exhibition further highlight UKM’s dedication to safeguarding Islamic and Malay cultural legacies. By also preserving local dialects, early student publications, and visual archives such as the Lithograph, Caricature, and Manuscript Gallery, UKM demonstrates a holistic approach to heritage conservation. These efforts not only sustain Malaysia’s intellectual and cultural identity but also foster public appreciation and research engagement for future generations.