(Miri, 23rd) Sarawak State Library Chief Executive Officer, Hajiz Japri Bujang Masli, stated that the inauguration of the Sarawak State Library Miri Creative Space (Regional Development Centre, RDC) marks an important milestone in empowering the community, promoting innovation, and lifelong learning. It signifies the library's entry into a new phase where knowledge, technology, and innovation converge.
He mentioned in his speech this morning at the Miri Sarawak State Library first-floor multimedia gallery, during the Miri Creative Space opening ceremony and the memorandum of understanding signing between the Library and the Malaysian Innovation Foundation (Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, YIM), that this event marks a new turning point in the library's efforts to provide creative, innovative, and learning spaces for the community.
Due to unforeseen urgent matters, Japri was unable to attend, so the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations), Wan Mazli bint Wan Razali, delivered his speech on his behalf.
He said that the establishment of this creative space reflects the library’s goal to serve as an open, inclusive, and progressive center for knowledge development. It is not only a platform to showcase technology and skills, but also a space to foster an open learning ecosystem, encouraging diverse groups—from students and local entrepreneurs to makers—to innovate, solve problems, design, and share creative ideas here.
He emphasized that in today's fast-paced, knowledge-driven era, mastering technology, creativity, and innovation is no longer optional, but a necessity. Therefore, the Miri Creative Space shoulders the responsibility of providing the community with a platform for foundational knowledge and application in areas such as IoT, robotics, photonics, creative crafts, and 3D printing, helping to meet the developmental needs of society in the future.
Japri Bujang Masli noted that the Sarawak State Library is the first institution in the country to set up a regional development center within a library. Since the program's launch in 2018, it has achieved remarkable results.
In 2023, in collaboration with 39 partner organizations, 36 activities were held, attracting 1,520 participants. In 2024, this rose sharply to 96 activities with 10,091 participants, and the number of partners grew to 87, including government, private enterprises, educational institutions, and NGOs. This demonstrates strong synergy, contributing to community innovation and development.
“Today we also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Sarawak state government and the Malaysian Innovation Foundation, signifying that both parties will launch more joint projects in talent development, grassroots research, and rural community empowerment, as well as promote suitable and sustainable technological solutions.”
He said the library is committed to becoming a strategic partner for Sarawak’s development. In addition to its mission of knowledge and cultural heritage, it actively supports the Sarawak Digital Agenda and the ‘Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030’ (PCDS 2030), believing that close cooperation will make all development plans more effective, targeted, and wide-reaching.
“I want to especially thank the Malaysian Innovation Foundation for building a strategic partnership with the Sarawak State Library, as well as all units and personnel, both directly and indirectly, involved in the construction of the Miri Creative Space, including library staff, partners, instructors, hosts, volunteers, and the wide user base who have always supported the library.”
He concluded by calling on all present—whether professionals, educators, students, or community members—to make full use of this creative space, turning it into a ground for nurturing new thinking, gathering creativity, and igniting innovative passion, so that today's efforts become lasting contributions benefiting the nation and future generations.