OPENING CEREMONY SPEECH

YB DATUK TS. MUSTAPHA SAKMUD
Deputy Minister Of Higher Education

SOUTHEAST ASIA LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE SUMMIT 2024

11 June 2024 (Tuesday)

---

Thank You Emcee’s!

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

And Very Good Morning

Salam Malaysia MADANI.

(SALUTATION)

1. I am delighted to welcome all of you to the Southeast Asia Libraries of the Future Summit 2024 in the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia. Under the theme of “Building the Library of Tomorrow, Sustainable Innovations for a Resilient Future”, I was informed that in this Summit, we have representatives from the Academic Libraries of Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and China.

2. In our rapidly changing world, libraries are more than just repositories of books and information. These days, they also serve as dynamic spaces that foster
community, innovation, and lifelong learning. As we look into the future, it is imperative that we integrate sustainable innovations to ensure that our libraries remain vibrant and act as resilient centres of knowledge for generations to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. The digital revolution has transformed the way we access and share information. To build the library of tomorrow, we must fully embrace digital technologies. This means expanding our digital collections, improving online access to resources, optimising and investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure. By doing so, we can provide equitable and timely access to information for all, regardless of geographical location or physical ability.

4. Furthermore, I am delighted that these efforts are aligned with the Ministry of Higher Education's (MoHE) Digital Transformation Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to modernise our educational institutions, enhancing their capacity to support cutting edge research and learning. Central to this plan is the development of sustainable digital infrastructure that serves not only our students and academics but also the broader community of MADANI citizens.

5. In this context, the Higher Education Electronic Resources Consortium (KONSEPT) initiative plays a crucial role. KONSEPT is committed to enhancing and broadening access to digital resources within higher education communities. By leveraging KONSEPT, we aim to provide a vast array of digital resources, from academic journals to educational tools, thereby enriching the learning and research experience for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

6. Libraries can serve as models of sustainability within our communities by incorporating green spaces, rainwater harvesting systems, and recycling programmes. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact, but also educate and inspire the community about sustainable living. I believe many libraries have implemented these practices by now.

7. Not to forget, libraries are also the heart of our communities. Globally, many academic libraries play impactful roles as community hubs. To ensure their resilience, we must foster an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone. This means creating accessible spaces that accommodate the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

8. With the new advancement in higher education, I also learned that academic libraries and librarians have played a crucial role in supporting research, managing research data, and promoting open access to knowledge. Thus, we must invest in sustainable and reliable digital repositories and platforms that provide open access to academic research, ensuring that knowledge is freely available to all.

9. Presently, academic libraries in Malaysia are also at the forefront of the open science movement, embarking on a journey towards providing and sharing scholarly and research content with the global research community. This initiative is part of our strategy to enhance the International Research Network (IRN). By committing to open science, our libraries contribute to a more collaborative and transparent research environment, fostering innovation and accelerating scientific discovery. Sharing knowledge openly not only benefits our local researchers but also positions Malaysia as a significant player in the global research landscape.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. In today's VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) scenarios, we must be willing to learn new skills and knowledge essential for future survival. We must proactively monitor emerging trends and challenges and be agile in our responses. Staff training and professional development are vital in order to be up to date with new technologies and methodologies. As such, this summit is an excellent example of competencies and networks that can be built among librarians and information professionals.

11. The library of tomorrow is a vision of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. It is a space where digital and physical worlds converge to provide unparalleled access to knowledge. It is a beacon of community engagement and environmental stewardship.

12. As we embark on this journey, let us work together to build resilient libraries that will serve as pillars of learning and hubs of innovation for generations to come. Together, we can create a future where our libraries not only survive but thrive, embodying the very best of human ingenuity and our collective commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.

13. I would like to commend the outstanding collaborative effort of Elsevier, a global leader in scientific information and analytics, along with esteemed academic institutions including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) in organising this landmark event.

14. This industry-academia partnership sets a new benchmark in driving innovation, advancing digital transformation, and empowering research within universities.

15. Before I end my speech, I hope it is not too late to wish Happy Librarian’s Day 2024 to all librarians and information professionals in Malaysia as we celebrate this event on 6th June annually. This year's theme, “Future Proofing Libraries: Innovate, Adapt, Excel”, reflects proactive milestones taken by the library community in Malaysia to stay relevant, competitive, and impactful.

16. I want to thank academic librarians in Malaysia for their outstanding contributions in providing welcoming physical libraries to the higher education community and their strategic initiatives in offering excellent digital platforms for the Malaysian and global communities.

17. With that, it is my honour to officiate the opening of the SOUTHEAST ASIA LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE SUMMIT 2024.

Thank you and congratulations!

Muat Turun:

  pdf Southeast Asia Libraries Of The Future Summit 2024 (176 KB)