Education DG: Digitalisation will not Harm the Physical Book Publishing Environment

Discover how Malaysia's Education DG, Azman Adnan, champions digitalisation in book publishing, enhancing the industry while preserving its physical aspect.

on May 02, 2024

Education DG: Digitalisation will not Harm the Physical Book Publishing Environment | Frontlist

Azman Adnan, director-general of Education, stated that digitalisation in the book industry will not destroy the physical book publishing environment, but rather complement and elevate it.

Speaking at the pre-launch of the 41st Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL 2024) today, he stated that the digitization drive is likely to have a stronger impact by generating a more substantial database for the publishing business.

Digitalisation in the book publishing industry extends beyond simply translating reading materials to digital format. It also entails aiding the government and industry stakeholders in developing necessary policies that align with Malaysia MADANI's aspirations, which promote innovation and creativity," he said.

Azman also stated that the Ministry of Education (MOE) supports the digitalization of the book business through its Digital Education Policy, which is part of the government's goal to build digitally literate and competitive generations that include both educators and students.

As such, he stated that in order to reform the country's book sector, all stakeholders, including publishers, writers, and researchers, must work together to develop high-quality works that display Malaysia's intellectual sophistication to the rest of the world.

He stated that PBAKL 2024 will feature 241 exhibitors from both local and foreign participation, with the goal of attracting 1.5 million in-person attendees.

PBAKL 2024 will be held over ten days, from May 24 to June 2, at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PBAKL 2024 will feature several Asian countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, India, China, and Iran, with a variety of entertaining activities for guests.

Azman stated that the MOE would continue to support PBAKL and other book fair events and publishing initiatives aimed at improving education and boosting the reading culture among Malaysians.