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Creative Industry
Heading in the right direction
Lyna Mohamad
The creative industry is considered as one of
the most dynamic economic sectors, as it can
generate income in its diverse group and sits
not only on the boundary of human creativity
and ideas but also that of knowledge and
technology.
Over the past few years, the nation’s
youth have been called upon to step into
careers related to the creative industry as
it could help the country to further spur
the economy through their contributions
generated from their knowledge and skills
and vast backgrounds.
Brunei has seen some progress in this
industry with a number of talented individuals
and youth surfacing into the limelight, be it
in photography, video, arts and craft, music,
design, fashion, film, performing arts and
several others, while the number of students
interested in taking programmes and courses
related to the creative industry has also seen
a positive rise.
A keen observer of creatives, Iman Nur
Abiadh initially did not think Brunei had
a creative industry but, as time passed,
she has delved further into the creative
community and realised that Brunei actually
has many talented people. She highlighted
the importance of exposure and the need to
support and be able to amplify the voices of
the nation’s creatives.
Initiatives carrying the objectives to
provide a platform for local artistes to
showcase their creations were actively
implemented by creative people to go along
the government’s effort to get the creative
industry moving forward, further diversify
and strengthen the industry and carry it to be
on par with the creative industries abroad.
Malam Minggu Pusat Belia
(MMPB) is one
significant development of the local creative
scene. The initiative - which features activities
of art and culture, entertainment and
entrepreneurship from the creative industry
- drew increasing numbers of visitors with
each edition, until it went on hold due to the
coronavirus outbreak.
The MMPB council successfully fulfilled
its objectives and showcased a strong
collaboration with local youth entrepreneurs
and associations, while the diverse creatives
showcased their strength in the industry and
amazed the crowds that came to see them.
Art exhibitions in solo or by local art
studios have also been active in promoting
the creative industry in the country for
the past year, along with other creatives
such as those involved in documentaries,
film, photography and several others.
The country has also seen local artistes
find creative ways to contribute their talent
towards efforts in combatting the COVID-19
pandemic particularly in the music scene.
Names like Guardian of Rhythm, Eia, Zed
Peace and several other Bruneian artistes
were the talk of the town when they released
their very own written and composed songs
addressing matters related to the virus
outbreak. Local hip hop duo, Guardian of
Rhythm’s music video titled
Don’t Push It
won
the hearts of many when the song hit the
airwaves and social media.
Those working on the frontline in curbing
the spread of COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam
were among the most appreciative and
were honoured to have the song especially
dedicated to them.
The song not only showed appreciation
but was also written and composed to
give moral support while at the same time
providing a community reminder for all to
keep on praying and abide by the health
guidelines. Meanwhile, Eia along with Zed
Peace and other Bruneian artistes came up
with
Come Together
, a song to help spread
awareness, positivity and hope as well as
lift spirits during the difficult times of the
pandemic.
Haji Hasnul Hamdani, who heads the
Multimedia and Broadcasting Faculty at Kolej
International Graduate Studies (IGS), is a
keen and passionate observer of the industry.
Sharing his views on developments over the
past year, he noted that the industry is one of
the rapid growing sectors of the economy.
He said it can be described as highly
transformative in terms of income generation,
hence when talking about development,
the creative industry has shown how it can
promote social integration, social values
and culture as a source of information and
knowledge.
Borneo Bulletin, Wednesday July 15, 2020
Royal Birthday SPECIAL