KK TAN

CEO, Asian Heritage Museum

Importance and respect accorded to local history have not been significant enough but heritage and history are expected to be given a boost by the new and culturally progressive government. This is why we must preserve and conserve (as much as we can) our heritage via various means, such as promoting the setting up of more galleries and museums, and publication of more literature in this area. The press also plays an important role in keeping heritage issues alive. There should be a halt to any destruction of existing heritage buildings and sites.

Our social enterprise, Asian Heritage Museum Sdn Bhd (AHM), has benefited from the government from the use of the 40ac government site, Carcosa Seri Negara. The two colonial mansions (Carcosa and Seri Negara) were in a derelict state when we took over last year. We have done some restoration to the two registered national heritage buildings at our own costs and with some donations from the public. Our free patriotic and national unity Jalan Merdeka (Road to Independence) exhibition opened to the public in September last year and is still going strong. It was organised by AHM in collaboration with four relevant government agencies – the Department of Museums Malaysia, National Archive, National Film Board and National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) – and the 173-year-old The New Straits Times. Many corporations, GLCs and some philanthropists also sponsored Jalan Merdeka, which has been hailed as a most comprehensive and inclusive history on the struggle of the people of all ethnic backgrounds for our independence in 1957.

Malaysia is not yet fully taking advantage of the opportunity to use heritage and arts to draw tourists. This can only be addressed by top policy makers and the ministries concerned in giving greater emphasis in this area. On our part, AHM is planning to set up a world-class and innovative peace museum at Carcosa, and an arts, culture and nature centre at Seri Negara.

Yes, I have great hope that greater emphasis will be given to promoting heritage, culture and arts, and greater recognition of the economic benefits from promoting this sector, especially via tourism. The greatest issue that AHM is trying to address is to promote sustainable peace in Asia using stories from the region’s multi-cultural heritage. We need greater awareness of the need for sustainable peace (with justice), and the need to promote peace and goodwill using cultural heritage and arts.