KUCHING: The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) is ready to assist local writers in the publication of books, particularly those focused on the city of Kuching.
DBKU mayor Hilmy Othman said the initiative to bolster local literary works is in line with DBKU’s objective of developing the city.
“DBKU is ready to support writers in publishing books related to Kuching City that will benefit the community. We hope to implement more programmes involving local heritage and cultural arts, collaborating with various agencies, especially the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) and the National Institute of Language and Literature (DBP).”
He made these remarks during the unveiling of a compilation of local heritage poetry from North Kuching at Dewan Majma Mall today.
A poetry writing and illustration competition involving 14 primary and secondary schools under DBKU’s administration garnered the participation of 42 students.
Hilmy underscored that the inaugural DBKU competition seeks to gather the finest poetry works for publication, serving as a platform to educate city residents, particularly students, about the longstanding significance of national literary arts in education.
“This first-ever competition provides an opportunity for primary and secondary school students to develop their potential, unearth talents, and in-still patriotic values. The submitted poetry illustrations are of high quality, making such competitions a manifestation of concern for culture and heritage.”
In the endeavour to compile these works, Hilmy believes that taking this step is crucial in preserving the cultural and heritage treasures for the benefit of future generations.
