BATU PAHAT: Historical, cultural and artistic resources in Johor are being digitalised by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), through its Tunku Tun Aminah Library, said its board of directors chairman, Datuk Seri Ibrahim Ahmad.
He said the effort, known as the Research and Innovation in Culture and Heritage of Johor (Richer), would develop a centralised digital portal that includes photographs, videos, newspaper clippings and other materials.
He added that researchers, students, or anyone interested in Johor’s history, culture, or arts could obtain accurate information by just browsing the Internet or smartphone application.
“We will also display historical resources with the use of technological animation, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and a virtual tour to attract the younger generation.
“For a start, Richer will emphasise three projects, namely Gambus, the Parit Sulong battle, and the history of iron ore mining in Sri Medan.
“Apart from that, UTHM will also open a public gallery in connection with Richer at the library,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of Richer and “Bicara Negarawan – Tun Hussein Onn”, which was officiated by Johor deputy speaker Datuk Samsolbari Jamali and attended by the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) director-general, Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman.
Apart from UTHM, the Richer project also involves collaboration with ANM, the Malaysian Museum Department and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“I believe that this effort will facilitate and provide benefits to Johor, especially among historical researchers.
“Through the same project, we will also develop the ‘Projek Laman Web Peta Johor’,” he said, adding that the effort was supported by the state government.
He said the effort could preserve the state’s treasure in the form of a new reference source.
“This effort is to rebrand Johor’s heritage research using the latest methods, in line with the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0),” he added. — Bernama