Project assessment vital to ensure success

MAKING an assessment on a project prior to its implementation is imperative to ensure it is being managed efficiently and get the best results, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat was speaking at an event to mark International Museum Day yesterday at Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, Tutong.

He described this year's International Museum Day theme: "Museum and Tourism", as tea and sugar, saying how these two different subjects complement each other.

"Museums have the role of exhibiting their collections, whereby tourists are the recipients of the exhibits that museums display," he said, adding that with the existence of tourists, it will further encourage the development of the museum and will increase the number of attractions that could be visited by tourists.

He added that with museums, more tourists would be attracted to visit the country. He said in this regard, the Department of Museums have been working to assist and strengthen the national economic diversification process through tourism and contribute towards the country's income.

The minister said that this year's theme also touches on the community's contribution in planning activities for tourists. "The term eco-museum and eco-tourism represent something new that refer to the local community and its surroundings," he said, whereby such terms have gotten the attention of tourist industries in many countries worldwide.

In 2008, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources through the Tourism Development Department launched a tourism product to encourage locals to be tourists in their own country, known as Kenali Negara Kitani (KNK) or "Know Your Country".

He said this was why this year's theme was chosen, so that tourism activities could be enjoyed and be taken advantage of by everyone, including the local community.

He also hoped that better ties and interaction between tourists and the community could be forged.

Among the activities held yesterday included choir presentation from the Museums Department staff which was followed by the presentation of the Model Employee Award 2009 and certificates for retirees and sponsors.

A cultural performance by Kg Merimbun residents further enliven the event.

The minister also officially launched the Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park before going for a closer look at a bazaar which sold various local traditional products.

Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad also went trekking at the Benunih trail, a secondary forest in the park, accompanied by several officers of the Museums Department and the ministry. (AFH1)

The Brunei Times