Latest news with #AaronAgoDagang
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN Digital Library Key To Equitable, Inclusive Knowledge Access
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has called on ASEAN member states to accelerate their participation in the ASEAN Digital Library (ADL), describing it as a crucial step toward equitable and inclusive access to knowledge across the region. He said the ADL is among the most promising and forward-looking regional initiatives, demonstrating what can be achieved when ASEAN nations come together with a shared commitment to preserving, sharing and democratising knowledge. 'The ASEAN Digital Library is a collaborative digital platform that aggregates metadata from the national libraries of ASEAN member states. 'While the system is still expanding, it already enables seamless cross-border access to tens of thousands of digitised materials, including rare manuscripts, books, cultural artefacts, images, newspapers, and more,' he said in his opening remarks at the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians General Conference and Meeting (CONSAL XIX), launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today. Aaron said to maximise ADL's potential, member states must invest in shared digital infrastructure, strengthen capacity-building for librarians and archivists, and adopt interoperable metadata standards to enable smoother integration of national collections. He also emphasised the need for bold efforts in supporting the digitisation of indigenous knowledge systems and local languages to ensure that the region's digital archives reflect the full spectrum of ASEAN's rich and diverse heritage. Meanwhile, Aaron said inclusive access to knowledge must be at the heart of nation-building, especially in rural and underserved communities. 'In building knowledge-based societies, we must ensure that no one is excluded, whether due to geography, economic status, age, gender, ability or language,' he said, adding that true inclusivity means the benefits of education and information must reach every corner of society. This includes expanding outreach efforts such as mobile libraries, digital kiosks and alternative service models which act as lifelines for learning, particularly for children, farmers, women and the elderly in rural areas.
Free Malaysia Today
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
10 key social deficits hindering national unity, says minister
National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said investing in social cohesion is an investment in Malaysia's future resilience and prosperity. PETALING JAYA : National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang has identified 10 key social deficits undermining social cohesion in Malaysia, warning that a failure to address them could fuel distrust, alienation, and conflict. The 10 include persistent ethnic divisions, religious tensions, social class disparities, fragmented education systems, insufficient emphasis on the national language, generational gaps, gender inequalities, as well as the politicisation of identity and federalism. The remaining key social deficits are urban-rural divides, and the influence of traditional and digital media in spreading misinformation. 'By naming these deficits clearly, we commit ourselves to confronting them head-on together, so that Malaysia's diversity becomes our greatest source of strength, not division,' he said. The minister was speaking at the launch of youth-led NGO Architects of Diversity's report, 'Building a United Malaysia: Investing in Social Cohesion', which he described as insightful, 'bold, rigorous, and necessary'. Aaron said the 10 social deficits did not exist in isolation but intertwined and compounded one another, creating barriers to trust, mutual understanding, and a shared sense of belonging. 'Recognising these social deficits is essential because only through honest appraisal can we develop focussed, inclusive policies that heal these divides and strengthen the very foundation of our unity.' He said the question the government must seriously consider is whether its policies are 'truly inclusive'. 'Are we empowering the next generation to build bridges, or to inherit walls? Are we investing in social cohesion with the same urgency and intensity as we invest in infrastructure, economy, and defence?' Aaron added that investing in social cohesion was an investment in Malaysia's future resilience and prosperity. 'Unity is not the job of one ministry. It is the responsibility of an entire government, and the duty of every Malaysian. If we treat it as a slogan, we will fail. But if we treat it as a shared mission anchored in policy, supported by evidence, and powered by civic partnership, then we can succeed.' The minister also said he would ensure that the report's key recommendations are tabled before the review committee of the National Unity Policy in the coming weeks.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From shelves to society, librarians lead the way
PUTRAJAYA: Librarians serve not only as custodians of reading materials but also as agents of social transformation, facilitators of information and promoters of an inclusive reading culture, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. The National Unity Minister said librarians play a vital role in nation-building and cultivating noble values aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises the development of a knowledgeable, united and cultured society. 'A nation's excellence relies on the depth of knowledge and unity among its people. 'As such, the role of librarians is crucial in nurturing a passion for knowledge, shaping the values of society and contributing to holistic national development,' he said in a statement in conjunction with Librarians' Day yesterday, Bernama reported. Aaron said Librarians' Day not only recognises the significant contributions of this group but also elevates the profession as a key driver of knowledge-based societal development. He said there are currently 1,149 librarians in Malaysia – 148 at the National Library, 139 in state public libraries, one in a community library, 210 in special libraries and 651 in academic libraries. Aaron added that the National Unity Ministry greatly values the commitment of librarians in supporting the National Reading Decade 2021-2030 initiative, which aims to make Malaysia a Reading Nation by 2030. 'This endeavour requires active participation from all parties, with librarians leading the way in promoting reading habits, enhancing digital literacy and fostering an information-literate society,' he said.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
International Archives Week 2025 brings history closer to Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: The International Archives Week 2025 celebration is not only a tribute to the service and dedication of archivists, but also a call for the public to connect with the nation's historical treasures that underpin national identity and unity. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year's theme 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), aligns with the aspirations of the MADANI government in ensuring that the nation's history and documents are accessible to all levels of society. 'Archives are the guardians of our nation's memory. They do not merely store the country's history but also unite the narratives of all communities in Malaysia — from the struggle for independence and nation-building, to today's efforts to strengthen national integration. 'Without archives, history would be lost, identity would fade, and unity would diminish. Therefore, we must continue to support archival institutions and uphold the value of history as a shared national asset,' he said in a statement today. He said in conjunction with the celebration, the ministry through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) welcomes Malaysians to visit 10 Memorials of National Leaders, which are open to the public free of charge throughout the year. Aaron said this initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, especially the younger generation, by connecting them with the legacy of national leadership — a symbol of past leaders' struggles and sacrifices. 'In conjunction with International Archives Week, let us together make full use of the nation's historical treasures, nurture a love for the country, and strengthen the spirit of unity through an appreciation of past struggles,' he said. Aaron said the ministry also fully supports initiatives like Community Archives and local documentation efforts, including oral histories of the Orang Asli, and the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as minority cultures — which all help to broaden the nation's historical narrative in a more inclusive and equitable manner. He added that ANM is an active Institutional Member (Category A) of the International Council on Archives (ICA), making it an archival institution with international networks to collectively share and discuss archival matters at the global level. He also extended his wishes for a meaningful International Archives Week 2025 to all archivists, researchers, civil servants, and Malaysians who appreciate the nation's documentary heritage.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Celebrate International Archives Week 2025: Accessible Archives for All
KUALA LUMPUR: The International Archives Week 2025 celebration is not only a tribute to the service and dedication of archivists, but also a call for the public to connect with the nation's historical treasures that underpin national identity and unity. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year's theme 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), aligns with the aspirations of the MADANI government in ensuring that the nation's history and documents are accessible to all levels of society. 'Archives are the guardians of our nation's memory. They do not merely store the country's history but also unite the narratives of all communities in Malaysia — from the struggle for independence and nation-building, to today's efforts to strengthen national integration. 'Without archives, history would be lost, identity would fade, and unity would diminish. Therefore, we must continue to support archival institutions and uphold the value of history as a shared national asset,' he said in a statement today. He said in conjunction with the celebration, the ministry through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) welcomes Malaysians to visit 10 Memorials of National Leaders, which are open to the public free of charge throughout the year. Aaron said this initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, especially the younger generation, by connecting them with the legacy of national leadership — a symbol of past leaders' struggles and sacrifices. 'In conjunction with International Archives Week, let us together make full use of the nation's historical treasures, nurture a love for the country, and strengthen the spirit of unity through an appreciation of past struggles,' he said. Aaron said the ministry also fully supports initiatives like Community Archives and local documentation efforts, including oral histories of the Orang Asli, and the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as minority cultures — which all help to broaden the nation's historical narrative in a more inclusive and equitable manner. He added that ANM is an active Institutional Member (Category A) of the International Council on Archives (ICA), making it an archival institution with international networks to collectively share and discuss archival matters at the global level. He also extended his wishes for a meaningful International Archives Week 2025 to all archivists, researchers, civil servants, and Malaysians who appreciate the nation's documentary heritage.
