KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam has called on Malaysia to highlight the significance of history and cultural heritage as crucial aspects of knowledge.
Ali said such an initiative is urgently needed, citing the necessity to ensure that the younger generation is able to shape a more promising future while preserving their historical heritage.
"It is essential for all parties to play their roles in promoting the significance of history and cultural heritage as crucial disciplines.
"Now is the right moment for educational institutions to establish and foster platforms for scholars, lecturers and students to present their research findings.
"This endeavor aligns with the University of Malaya's pursuit of academic excellence," he said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the International Conference on History and Cultural Heritage in the Malay World (Paswam) at Universiti Malaya today.
The conference, which kicks off today, aims to gather new insights into the history and cultural heritage of the Malay world and envision its role as an instrument for harmony in today's digital society.
Ali also expressed his hope for other educational institutions to organise more conferences or discussions pertaining to cultural heritage topics in an effort to uphold its significance to society.
"I believe that through conferences like this, it can become a platform for the exchange and cultivation of ideas among history lecturers and students.
"In addition, they serve as a space for interaction and networking among lecturers and students at the department and university levels.
"Hopefully, all these efforts together will further dignify the history and heritage in the country."
The organisation of the conference is expected to be a starting point for more comprehensive regional cooperation efforts to utilise the contributions of all presenters for strategic planning and joint realisation.
Also present at the event were historian Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali, UM board chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar and National Book Development Foundation board chairman Tan Sri Prof Datuk Wira Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar.
Previously, Ali Rustam was awarded a Doctorate in History and Archeology by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences for his research on "The Government's Role in Empowering Leadership and Socioeconomics of Youth in Malaysia, 1963-2013".
He received his doctorate from UM Chancellor, Sultan Nazrin Shah, on the first day of the university's 63rd Convocation.