KUALA LUMPUR: The museum and heritage industry faces a shortage of experts in the future as fewer students are choosing to do their internship at local museums.

According to the Department of Museums, there were only 16 students undergoing training at over 150 museums in the country last year.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said more should be done to attract youths to the field.

"I have suggested the department introduce an allowance system for trainees as I have been told that currently, trainees are not provided with allowances.

"I want this matter to be studied as it involves the next generation of historians and curators," he said after launching the International Museum Day 2008 event "Museum as an Agent of Social Change and Development", at the National Museum yesterday.
Shafie said efforts to attract youths should include interactive and informative displays and exhibitions.

He said local museums should establish links with foreign museums as this would create a wealth of knowledge on the world's cultures.

"Youths should not think that museums are places where historical artifacts are kept, but it's also where they can learn about Malaysian culture and it's rich history," Shafie added.

A series of activities have been lined up for the week-long event.