Embargoed Press Release
3.00pm, 29 July 2016
BULAN BAHASA – THE NEXT CHAPTER
The Malay Language Council, Singapore (MLCS), will continue to celebrate the versatility of the Malay language, culture and heritage through its revitalised line-up of programmes and activities for Bulan Bahasa, which will take place from 15 August to 15 October 2016.
Presented for the first time at the National Museum of Singapore, Bulan Bahasa 2016 will rally partners and present through its programmes, the beauty, vibrancy and essence of Bahasa Ilmu (Knowledge), Budaya (Culture) and Mesra (Relationships), as well as the importance of preserving the Malay language.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Chairman of the Bulan Bahasa 2016 Committee, says, “We have come together to present the next chapter for Bulan Bahasa, which has already grown from strength to strength. This year, we have the increased support of new committee members, new partners in the community and at the heartlands, and youths and students, to power the momentum behind Bulan Bahasa. Our aim is to propagate the appreciation of the Malay language, culture and heritage and we would like to include everyone in this experience.”
During the Bulan Bahasa press conference, Ms Rahayu Mahzam also unveiled the new creative and visual identity for this year.
Inspired by the artistic curves and fluidity of the traditional written script, as well as the floral and decorative patterns of the tekat embroidery, the visual for Bulan Bahasa 2016 embodies the continuity of long-standing Malay traditions. The calligraphic script represents Bahasa Ilmu and Bahasa Mesra, symbolising written communication used to strengthen ties and relationships. The delicate threading of the tekat embroidery forms a decorative art that represents Bahasa Budaya, for all the values passed down from one generation to the next in the Malay community. Together, these elements fuse to express the woven ties of the Malay language as the cradle of community, preserving treasured aspects of Ilmu, Budaya, and Mesra.
A Festive Two-day Launch Weekend at the National Museum of Singapore
On the weekend of 3 and 4 September 2016, Bulan Bahasa programmes will be presented at various locations throughout the National Museum of Singapore, as the entire venue is turned into an immersive and presentation space for the Malay language, culture and heritage.
Visitors and participants can explore the history and stories of the captivating artefacts from Malay pioneers and community in the History Gallery, with the help of Rakan Bahasa (Friends of the Language) who will be conducting soapbox tours in both Malay and English.
Members of the public can be entertained by TEATRO’s staging of Noor Effendy Ibrahim's iconic play entitled ‘Bilik’, which brings the Malay language and its different nuances to life. Trained by Duta Bahasa, Aidli Alin Mosbit, TEATRO students from Temasek Polytechnic will present this production, making it a Bulan Bahasa highlight not to be missed.
The community can also participate in ‘Peti Tari’, a Malay dance trail organised by Sriwana. Performers will enthral the audience with a stunning showcase of traditional dance performances, with origins dating as far back as the 70s. The significance behind the expressive dance moves originally created in the olden days by distinguished individuals such as Mdm Som Said, Mdm Idayu Somad, Mdm Ah Choon, Md Ayu Samad, Nongchik Ghani and others, will also be told to viewers.
Interested members of the public can also learn the Malay language by participating in ‘Karang Sekarang’, a live variety game show presented by Big Tree Pictures. Pair up with well-known Malay celebrities, have some fun and win the language game by answering questions on Bahasa Melayu while playing Gerak Bahasa (charades), Serumpun (pyramid game) and Roda Impian (wheel of fortune).
Families can also test their knowledge on the Malay language, culture and heritage while they play games organised by students from Yumin Primary School, or participate in a shadow puppetry and Malay Literature quiz organised by Yusof Ishak Secondary School.
The launch celebration on 3 September will culminate in an evening concert featuring music performances by Kopratasa, Rausyanfikir and Singaporean bands set against the beautiful cultural and architectural landmark of the National Museum. Bring along your floor mats and picnic baskets and be treated to an evening of music under the stars.
Duta Bahasa (Language Ambassadors) 2016
The Malay Language Council Singapore appoints Duta Bahasa as champions and role models of the Malay Language. This year, three ambassadors have been identified based on their passion for the Malay language, culture and heritage.
1. Ms Siti Khalijah Zainal – Young Artist Award Recipient and Actress
2. Mr Megat Muhammad Firdaus – Founder and Conductor of Orkestra Sri Temasek
3. Ustazah Nurul 'Izzah Khamsani – Executive Officer at the Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah Mosque in Education and Dakwah
Greater support for Semarak activities and Bulan Bahasa in the heartlands
For the first time this year, Bulan Bahasa will also be presented in the Sembawang heartlands, extending Bulan Bahasa’s heartland outreach in addition to efforts by Nee Soon, Jurong, Choa Chu Kang and Tampines.
In addition, Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) and community partners will also continue to organise Semarak (fringe) activities island-wide.
Programmes such as these are made possible only by a community’s shared passion for the Malay Language as everyone comes forward to lend their expertise and experience to promote the use of the Malay Language.