By: Zaidul Khair bin Jungkim
KOTA KINABALU: Sept 29, 2026 — Technology must be harnessed to strengthen the role of librarians in the dissemination of knowledge in the digital era.
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister James Ratib said artificial intelligence, digitalisation, automation and social media, including digital platforms, have transformed the information delivery landscape.
“Technological change is not a threat, but a catalyst to strengthen the role of librarians.
“Libraries must continue to evolve from being places to obtain reading materials into hubs of knowledge, learning, innovation and community,” he said.
He said this in his speech text, read out by Assistant Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Jordan Jude Ellron, at the opening ceremony of the Borneo Librarians Conference 2026 (PPB2026) at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Library.
He added that librarians need to enhance their competencies in digital literacy, technology, data management, communication and critical thinking.
The conference runs from Sept 29 to 30, with the participation of about 100 librarians from across Malaysia, including Brunei Darussalam.
Source: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
