BINTULU: Intellectual carnival is seen as the best platform to enable the community, especially young people, to be interested in knowledge related to language and literature, said Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Secretary Wan Ibrahim Wan Ali.

According to him, through the organization of various intellectual programmes, carnivals can benefit the community here especially in building intellect by attracting the interest of the community through language and literature activities.

"At the same time, it encourages the younger generation especially students to be interested in the field of literature which is worth studying because it is an invaluable national treasure," he said.

He said this at the opening of the 2023 Intellectual Carnival Procrastination Ceremony, Book Launch and Prize Presentation Competition in conjunction with the Intellectual Carnival 2023 at the BDA Library Auditorium here, yesterday.

Wan Ibrahim said this year's intellectual carnival saw 13 programmes implemented from 12 to 17 June such as Wacana 45

Tahun BDA, Creative Writing Guidance, Book and Magazine Briefing, Crossword Puzzle Competition, High School Poetry Declamation and High School Syair Competition.

There were also Modern Storytellers Competition, Jawi Quick Competition, Manuscript Acquisition Workshop, Book Talk, Relaxation Programme with Local Writers and Exhibition and Book Sales of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

"I believe that the visitors in attendance will be enthusiastic especially the teachers and parents who play an important role in ensuring that their protégés or children participate in the competition," he explained.

Thus, he said, the application of noble values such as competitiveness, cooperation and effort among students can help to realize Sarawak's efforts to achieve a developed state by 2030.

"It is also in line with the theme of the 60 Years of Sarawak Merdeka celebration this year which is Sarawak Maju and Makmur where the younger generation takes on the great responsibility of achieving this aspiration," he said.

Also present were DBP Sarawak Director Abang Haliman Abang July and Director of Borneo Ecoscience Institute Universiti Putra Malaysia representing Director of UPM Bintulu Sarawak Campus Syeed Saiful Azry Osman Al Edrus.

Date of Input: 20/06/2023 | Updated: 30/06/2023 | lanz