BRUNEI BOOK FAIR 2013
THE Language and Literature Bureau on 28 Feb 2013 urged by the minister of culture, youth and
sports to collaborate with relevant government agencies, education institutions and book experts to
conduct a study on Brunei's reading culture.
Speaking at the launch of the Brunei Book Fair 2013, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma
Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah cited His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam's vision for a well-educated population.
"As a nation and society that wants to achieve progression, we need to see that reading books is
magical, in which books can provide an overview of different perceptions to every reader. This is
because the contents of a book does not have edges, does not have limited depths of thought but
gives colour which is not limited to the minds of its readers," he said, adding that reading was like a
window to various forms of knowledge and skills.
During the launch of the Pesta Buku Brunei 2013 (Brunei Book Fair 2013), the minister spoke of the
event's significance in shaping the sultanate's image of prioritising knowledge and honing the minds
of its citizens to be critical and open minded for the nation's development. He said that only through
reading could society achieve a high level of thinking and compete successfully in a world without
borders.
At the same time, it is hoped the book fair will generate a love of reading among young people,
which is important for the development and growth of their minds.
"Reading books can help them gain more knowledge, enrich their vocabulary and communication
skills," he said.
Additionally, YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said the book fair should not be limited only to the book
market. He said it should be packaged with relevant knowledge-gaining activities such as meeting
local writers, book reviews and discussions, children's storytelling, illustration, among other things.
The minister officially launched the Brunei Book Fair 2013 at the National Indoor Stadium.
In conjunction with the event was the launch of 48 books and magazines by the Language and
Literature Bureau, as well as a book published by the State Mufti's Office.
The book fair will be open to the public from 8.30am to 10pm until March 10, when a special closing
ceremony will be held in the evening with deputy minister Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman as the
guest of honour.
The Brunei Times. 1 March 2013
Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013
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