BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The 12th Teluk Brunei Dialogue 2026 is serving as a platform to strengthen literary and cultural networks among language, literature and cultural practitioners in the Brunei Gulf region.
Organised by Angkatan Sasterawan dan Sasterawani (ASTERAWANI), in collaboration with the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) and Kumpulan Putra Seni (KPS), the two-day dialogue was held from September 4 to 5 at Balai Sarmayuda, DBP, Berakas.
Themed ‘Crossing Roots and Borders: Literature, Identity and Social Realities of the Brunei Gulf’, the dialogue brings together practitioners from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia to strengthen regional literary relationships and networks, particularly among communities surrounding the Brunei Gulf.
The official opening ceremony was held on Friday evening (Sept 4), with Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Aliuddin Abdul Rahman as the guest of honour.
The two-day programme featured three paper presentation sessions followed by question-and-answer sessions, involving presenters from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia.
The regional literary initiative was first held in Labuan in 1987 and organised by PERWILA. It subsequently continued in Bandar Seri Begawan in 1988, followed by Limbang in 1990, Kota Kinabalu in 1997, Sipitang in 2001, Labuan Federal Territory in 2008, Miri in 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan in 2012, Membakut in 2014, Lawas in 2017 and Miri in 2024.
The dialogue was temporarily suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic before resuming and returning to Bandar Seri Begawan this year.
The event brings together language, literature and cultural practitioners from coastal areas of Borneo, including Miri, Bandar Seri Begawan, Limbang, Lawas, Labuan, Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, Membakut and Kota Kinabalu.
It also involves the participation and collaboration of various language, literature and cultural associations, including ASTERAWANI of Brunei, Badan Bahasa dan Sastera Sabah, Ikatan Penulis Sabah, Persatuan Penulis Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan and Persatuan Karyawan Sastera Sarawak. Gabungan Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia was also invited to participate.
Over the years, the dialogue has helped foster closer ties among writers, academics, cultural practitioners and literary enthusiasts across the Brunei Gulf region.
It provides opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge while contributing to literary development and nurturing the talents of emerging young writers. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
