Not Just Another Ordinary Book Fair
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Visitors to the upcoming Brunei Book Fair (BBF) 2007 will not only find hundreds of new titles but will also be able to participate in activities and workshops as well as forums and talent shows.

The book fair, which runs from February 25 until March 6, will be held at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas.

The BBF 2007 secretary Hajah Siti Zaleha Haji Kaprawi said members of the public are welcome to attend an interesting forum, "Business Networking among Publishers in Asean" on the first floor lobby of the Indoor Stadium, February 25 at 2 pm.

Chaired by Dr Mataim Bakar, Chairman of the National Brunei Committee of Publishers, the panel will comprise presidents of publishers associations in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

"Interested individuals are welcome to attend the forum, which is free," she added.

Organised by Dewan. Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei (DBP) of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in conjunction with the 23rd National Day celebrations, visitors will be able to participate in a variety of activities where they will also stand a chance to win attractive' prizes and souvenirs sponsored by some 100 local and foreign exhibitors at the book fair.

Foreign publishers participating in the fair include Goodwill Book Store Manila, Asean Book Publisher Association Thailand, Grolier International Corporation Singapore, Maktabah Risalah, Aman Jordan, A' Star Interactive Singapore, Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia, Pustaka Nasional Pte Ltd Singapore, Asa Vision Sdn Bhd, and Pustaka Wira Sdn Bhd.

Government publishers, such as DBP, Pusat Sejarah Brunei, Department of Museums and State Mufti Office, are also expected to take part in the event.

Workshops on library management and children's book illustrations will also be held, said Hajah Siti Zaleha, who is also head of DBP Public Relations and Marketing.

"Activities for the public include contests such as computer games, drawing and colouring, jawi reading and writing and quizzes as well as talent shows and a storytelling session by the Women Graduates Association," she said.

The book fair is set to showcase the largest and most varied collection of literature, textbooks, education supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, popular novels, children's books, graphic novels, magazines, rare titles audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishing tools, and travel material.

It is considered the biggest book fair in the country, bringing out the best in book trading, while holding creative events designed to complement the industry and to delight book lovers.

Themed "Books Empower the Nation", the event brings together local and foreign publishers, wholesalers, retailers, book enthusiasts and collectors, librarians, writers, and major players in the publishing industry in its continuing efforts to promote a reading culture.

Among the side events at the BBF 2007 include motivational talks, storytelling competition, plays, forums, colouring and drawing contests, book launches, book signing sessions, lectures, and demonstrations on modelling for beginners. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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