SHAH ALAM, Nov 30 — Local publishing house Hikayat Fandom today launched two publications — Kepulauan Melayu: Ensiklopedia Berilustrasi Tamadun Dunia Silam, and Trailblazer: Life and Legacy, Abu Bakar of Pahang — at the Selangor International Book Festival (SIBF) today.
Hikayat Fandom co-founder Ninot Aziz said the two new offerings provide depth insights into the rich history and legacy of the Malay Archipelago and the life of Pahang’s Sultan Abu Bakar.
“The encyclopedia is a collaborative work of 19 esteemed academicians and researchers from six countries, delving into the ancient kingdoms, mythology, and shared traditions of the Malay Archipelago,” she said, pointing out that the encyclopedia will provide perspective on the role of the Malay world in global civilisation to scholars and general readers.
“On the other hand, Trailblazer: Life and Legacy, Abu Bakar of Pahang sheds light on the exhilarating and often perilous life of Sultan Abu Bakar, the fourth sultan of modern Pahang sultanate.
“With meticulous attention to detail, these books skillfully intertwine history, heritage, and hikayat in exquisitely illustrated editions led by Walid Muhammad and Ariyana Ahmad, and I’m sure readers will be captivated by them,” she said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, at SIBF, Ummi Sham and Teoh Choon Ean were inducted into the Storyteller Guild for their invaluable contribution to the art of storytelling.
Ummi Sham and Teoh, also known as Cikgu Ean, are influential figures in Malaysia’s storytelling scene, known for their dynamic performances of folklore and cultural narratives and play key roles in preserving traditional oral storytelling and educating new generations of Malaysians.
— Bernama
