Bureau's books topped up
By Shareen Ham

Bandar Seri Begawan - Books will always remain relevant even with the threat of other forms of media through information communications technology and the so-called new media.

Dato Paduka Hj Mahmud Hj Bakyr, acting director of the Language and Literature Bureau, told The Brunei Times that books are "indispensable" and it is generally difficult to inculcate healthy reading habits amongst Bruneians.

"Even Bill Gates has said that books will never (cease to exist) even with the information made available on the Internet, because on the Internet itself, you still have to read and the source of reading comes from books first," he said.

Dato Hj Mahmud, an avid reader himself, said he reads a variety of books, from comics to novels and reading materials could be found in his car, bag and room.

He has also expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government after receiving a total of 38 books from Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Hashimoto Itsuo at the bureau yesterday.

"This is not the first time that the Japanese government has donated books to us, we appreciate any contribution that the Japanese government has given to us," he said.

Since 1995, books donated under the Library Support programme of the Japan Foundation totalling 586, including 207 books to Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The Foundation is a government institution that is aimed at promoting Japanese language learning and raising awareness of Japanese lifestyle, its culture, history, politics and in turn, cultivate a broad understanding of the country.

Ambassador Itsuo stated that the purpose of the programme is to "promote understanding and research on Japan through the donation of books".

He hoped that Bruneians will find the books useful to obtaining a better understanding of Japanese history and culture.

He added that the donation of the books will further strengthen the relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic field.

The English books cover a wide range of topics, including Japan's globalisation issues, its pop culture and women workers. The books are now available at the Brunei National Library of the Language and Literature Bureau in the capital.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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