In conjunction with Bulan Bahasa (Language Month), Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF) organised the second Sembang Ilmu (Knowledge Chat) Series (SIS) in collaboration with NUS Malay Studies Society (NUSMSS). This time, the discursive forum titled “Ada Apa Dengan Bahasa”, was held online via Zoom. NUS undergraduate, Syazwani Sanep moderated the 2-hour long session. MHF’s Chairman, Dr. Norshahril Saat and Vice-Chairman, Dr. Azhar Ibrahim were also present for the session.
Saturday, 12 September 2020 – Moderator, Ms. Syazwani Sanep began the forum introduction by highlighting the main course of discussion for the morning which was on the empowerment and culture of the Malay language in the community. The aim of the session was to reflect on the development of language discourse and assess the different factors affecting it. The forum also paved the way for language and culture activists to think about language issues that are not commonly talked about and what we can do to address them.
Dr. Azhar addressed the online participants with an opening speech, stressing the importance of language before commencing the forum proper. Shortly after, Syazwani invited the first panel speaker, Mr. Shahril Shaik Abdullah, who is a writer with an educational background in policy leadership and change, to present. Mr. Shahril’s presentation touched on the views and ideology surrounding the Malay language and the connection between these themes. The second speaker, Cikgu Andi Zulkifli, a Malay language educator who has a keen interest in cultural language, Literature and education. He shared his perspectives on language pedagogy in Singapore’s education system and how it is currently being implemented.
Ms. Syazwani then invited the third and final speaker, Ms. Liyana Nasyita, a Malay Studies graduate and language activist, who is currently studying Malay literary relationship with the community. Ms. Liyana’s presentation for SIS focused on building a language community by sharing existing efforts to develop the Malay language in society, culture and social challenges in the Malay language.
The 2-hour forum session concluded with a routine Q&A session where panelists answered several questions from the virtual audience. Almost a thousand people reached the Facebook video and 30 participants registered for the session. Those in attendance for the Zoom session consisted of the Malay language scholars, working professionals and tertiary students. SIS is part of an ongoing initiative that provides a discursive platform for our youths and young professionals to deliberate and discuss issues relating to the socio-cultural development of the Malays in Singapore with MHF.
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