KUCHING: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has outlined a comprehensive set of initiatives for 2025, aimed at elevating the Malay language, literature, and cultural engagement on both the national and international stages.
Among the key goals is the continued promotion of the Malay language through various international platforms, including the nomination of a Malay writer for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Lauding DBP’s global efforts, chairman of the DBP Board of Governors Datuk Dr Mohd Anuar Rethwan stressed the importance of enhancing the Malay language’s presence worldwide.
“The publication and activities of DBP for 2025 need to be organised and implemented.
“On the international stage, we aim to develop a Large Language Model for Malay language and promote the internationalisation of the Malay language through initiatives such as Foreign Studies Centres.
“As for the Nobel Prize in Literature, we will continue with the nomination process, translation of works, and promotion,” he said in his New Year’s address.
As Malaysia becomes a partner in BRICS starting this year, Mohd Anuar said DBP will align its programmes and activities to further strengthen cultural ties and promote the Malay language in this new partnership.
Another highlight of DBP’s 2025 agenda is the Southeast Asia (SEA) Write Award, which will honour established writers while also spotlighting emerging talents, including young Malay writers with great potential.
Additionally, DBP plans to launch a project with ITBM, showcasing the works of 12 creative writers and their translations—six from Peninsular Malaysia, three from Sabah, and three from Sarawak.
The project will be launched at the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) and internationally.
In line with DBP’s commitment to promoting the Malay-Islamic world, the ‘Samudera Berbicara: Pembentukan Dunia Melayu-Islam’ programme will continue, offering periodic coverage and discussions on the current and future landscape of the Malay-Islamic world.
He added that DBP is also exploring the possibility of receiving accreditation from UNESCO, recognising its unique role as a cultural and linguistic institution.
On the national front, he assured that DBP continues to advocate for the widespread use of the Malay language, particularly in government and local businesses.
Citing DBP director general, Mohd Anuar said “Malaysia is a unique country. Its people are reluctant to use the national language.
“This is not a failure of DBP. The country needs a more comprehensive language ecosystem across all aspects of life for its diverse population.”
As such, he congratulated the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for enforcing regulations that ensure the proper use of Malay on business signage, stressing the importance of correct language, spelling, and grammar.
He asserted that DBP also aims to foster greater language inclusivity across various sectors, targeting public and private sectors, as well as children, teenagers, and adults of all ethnicities.
The initiatives will span various levels of society, from district to national programmes, incorporating both traditional and digital approaches.
In light of this, he expressed optimism that the ongoing amendment of the DBP Act will enhance the institute’s capacity to strengthen its role in the nation’s linguistic and cultural development.
