The Star - May 2014

Our education system is partly to blame for the lack of interest in Malaysian heritage. It is a sentiment shared by both Elizabeth Cardosa, executive director of Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) and Chen Yoke Pin, programme manager of Penang-based Arts-ED.It is a sentiment shared by both Elizabeth Cardosa, executive director of Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) and Chen Yoke Pin, programme manager of Penang-based Arts-ED.

While students get their fill of history in school, Chen thinks the design of the syllabus isn’t exciting and interesting enough to create a lasting impression.

“They’re too national and not localised enough. There’s no connection to the youth’s immediate surroundings,” she explained. “Understanding heritage is not just about big landmarks in KL (for example), it’s also about the temple next to your school and the people in your state.”

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