Tag: arts

Arts, Culture Essential for Sustainable Urban Development – Nga Kor Ming

IPOH, June 3 -- Sustainable urban development cannot be achieved through physical infrastructure alone, as arts, culture and strong community ties are equally important in shaping cities with a distinct identity and sense of belonging, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Speaking at the opening of the MADANI Philharmonic Musical Concert 2026: A Tune of Friendship and Unity in Harmony at the RTM Auditorium here on Tuesday night, Nga said the government's commitment to improving public infrastructure, upgrading facilities and providing more affordable housing must be complemented by efforts to nurture social and cultural development. “The progress of a city cannot be measured solely on its physical infrastructure. Without art, culture and human connections, even the most modern city risks losing its soul,” he said. Nga stressed that while Malaysia is capable of constructing world-class buildings and modern urban facilities, true success lies in ensuring residents experience happiness, inclusivity and a strong sense of community. “We are capable of building world-class skyscrapers, but if the residents cannot enjoy happiness and a sense of belonging, then we have not achieved true success,” he added. He noted that arts, cultural activities and community-driven initiatives play a crucial role in transforming cities into vibrant and welcoming spaces where people feel connected and valued. According to Nga, programmes such as the concert serve as important platforms for fostering understanding, compassion and mutual respect among Malaysians from diverse backgrounds. He also highlighted music as a powerful unifying force that transcends differences in language, culture and geography. “Malaysia’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a challenge, as it contributes to the nation’s creativity, resilience and dynamism,” he said. The concert featured performances by the Kinta Valley String Orchestra, the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra and the Feroci Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing together musicians from various backgrounds in a celebration of friendship, harmony and national unity through music. — BERNAMA

IPOH, June 3 — Sustainable urban development cannot be achieved through physical infrastructure alone, as arts, culture and strong community ties are equally important in shaping cities with a distinct identity and sense of belonging, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Speaking at the opening of the MADANI Philharmonic Musical Concert 2026: […]

MOTAC Approves Nearly RM22.9 Mln For 9 Terengganu Tourism Projects

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 5 (Bernama) -- The federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved nearly RM22.9 million for the implementation of nine projects in Terengganu between Jan 1 and April. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) include new builds, as well as upgrades to facilities, aimed at further boosting the state’s tourism sector. He said the projects include building and upgrading tourism facilities at Pulau Bidong State Park in Kuala Nerus, constructing a public jetty for tourists to Pulau Tenggol, along with other facilities in Dungun, upgrading existing tourism facilities in Hulu Kekabu, Guntung in Setiu, as well as improving signage and pathways throughout the Islamic Civilisation Park in Kuala Terengganu. “During the 12th Malaysia Plan period, MOTAC approved 76 projects worth RM31.26 million in Terengganu,” he said at the handover of the Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment and upgrading project for the Terengganu State Museum Board here today. Also present were State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong and Terengganu Tourism director Datuk Tengku Mohd Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman. Shaharuddin said the RM5.2 million project represents more than physical development, but a significant effort to preserve, elevate and strengthen Terengganu’s cultural heritage. He said that with upgraded, more modern and safer facilities, Terengganu Cultural Village is set to become a more attractive and competitive tourism destination, further contributing to local economic growth and the state’s tourism industry. “The Cultural Village serves as a platform to showcase the uniqueness of local arts, customs, traditional architecture and way of life to future generations. “On behalf of the ministry, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parties that these facilities must be properly maintained to avoid over-reliance on federal government funding,” he said. The Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment and upgrading project by the Terengganu State Museum Board include several components, among them the Laman Warisan Hall, pavilions, walkways and footbridges, toilets, as well as traditional structures such as Rumah Nelayan, Rumah Bujang Selasar, Rumah Bujang Berkembar, Rumah Limas Belanda, Rumah Tele and Istana Tengku Long. Approved under the Ministry of Finance’s Special Allocation (COVID-19), the project began on May 24, 2023, and was completed on March 3, 2026. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 5 — The federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved nearly RM22.9 million for the implementation of nine projects in Terengganu between Jan 1 and April. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) include new builds, as well […]