KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28: The Northern Region Archaeotourism Network (NRAN) programme, a Think City initiative, will soon link archaeology and cultural heritage assets in the north of Peninsula Malaysia as a socio-economic driver.
Think City’s managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed said the RM10 million project aims to create new jobs and attract investments in targeted locations while also showcasing the wealth of the country’s heritage and history.
“The NRAN programme is a highly aspirational endeavour to link the rich historical heritage, cultural sites, natural beauty, archaeological heritage and monuments in the Northern Peninsula Malaysia. This initiative also aims to raise awareness among the government, stakeholders, local communities and society,” he said at a documentary screening and announcement of the beneficiaries of the NRAN programme here.
The NRAN programme seeks to link historical and cultural locations throughout the Northern Region, with an initial focus on Lenggong and Bujang Valley supported by the Hasanah Foundation, under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance.
A total of three documentaries were screened, namely ‘Menjelajah Wilayah Utara Malaysia’, ‘Lembah Lenggong: Mencungkil Masa Silam’ and ‘Lembah Bujang: Tamadun Terawal Malaysia’.
Meanwhile, Professor Datuk Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid, 78, a Malaysian archaeologist, said the initiative was a wise move to realise and appreciate that the country’s history and heritage are economic assets.
“The Lenggong Valley is a world heritage recognised by UNESCO and is the best archaeotourism asset in Malaysia. Lenggong Valley has been set to be developed since 2012.
Siti Zuraina was the archeologist who discovered the world-famous Perak Man and was responsible for driving the recognition of Lenggong Valley as a UNESCO world heritage site.
— BERNAMA