MEASURES MULLED FOR YAYASAN KARYAWAN TO DIGITALISE MALAY LITERARY MASTERPIECES - ZAMBRY

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The government is looking into appropriate measures to assist Yayasan Karyawan, including financial support, to facilitate the transliteration and digitalisation of Malay literary masterpieces, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said. 

He said Yayasan Karyawan, in collaboration with a research team from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), is currently undertaking an important initiative to conduct research on the digitalisation and transliteration of Malay classics through the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) model and Malaysia’s own multimodal large language model (LLM).

He said this effort is highly significant, as with the application of new technology, the process of transliteration and digitalisation of classical works can be carried out more quickly, accurately and comprehensively.

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“High-impact projects such as this naturally require an extended implementation period and substantial research funding.

“Therefore, I assure that the government will make every effort to provide the necessary assistance, particularly in terms of financial support, to ensure this noble initiative proceeds smoothly and achieves its intended goals,” he said.

Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Malay Literary Masterpieces (PAKAM) 2025 here today, Zambry said the digitalisation initiative would enable the treasures of Malay literature and scholarship to be more easily accessed, understood and appreciated by society in today’s digital era.

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“I am also aware that Yayasan Karyawan currently operates under rather limited circumstances in terms of funding, human resources and office space.

“Therefore, I will ensure that the government studies appropriate measures to ease these constraints, including considering financial assistance and suitable facilities,” he said.

He said the collection of Malay literary masterpieces is a source of knowledge that should be explored and studied from various perspectives beyond history and literature.

“It is a source of philosophy and civilisation that provides inspiration and guidance in building a learned and cultured nation,” he said.

Zambry said that introducing manuscripts through transliteration and textual studies opens new avenues for researchers from various disciplines.

“New doors are now open to the younger generation from different fields. Young people should be encouraged to explore this body of knowledge across disciplines, enriching their understanding through technology and innovative methods,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Zambry said the Higher Education Ministry will collaborate with the National Unity Ministry and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to implement the digitalisation of manuscripts.

“These masterpieces will be rediscovered and elevated not only as reading or research materials, but as sources of great ideas that can be shared and inspire people,” he said.

-- BERNAMA