US-backed Tugu Negara project to boost local conservation expertise
KUALA LUMPUR: A RM1 million United States initiative to conserve Tugu Negara will enable an exchange of expertise between American and Malaysian heritage conservation specialists while training at least 50 Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) students and professionals.
A US-backed project to conserve Tugu Negara, Malaysia's national monument, aims to enhance local conservation expertise and train at least 50 students from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Cate Dillon announced the RM1 million initiative, emphasizing the exchange of technical knowledge between American and Malaysian specialists.
Tugu Negara, sculpted by American artist Felix de Weldon, originated from Malaysia's first state visit to the US in 1960, where the monument was inspired by the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The 12-month project, funded by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, will begin next week and conclude by August 31, with UMK serving as the research and knowledge partner.
UMK vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Arham Abdullah highlighted the importance of strengthening the university's expertise in conservation and restoration, ensuring that Malaysian academics and students can benefit from American specialists' knowledge. Dillon noted that the project aligns with Malaysia's 69th Merdeka Day and the US's 250th anniversary, fostering a historical connection between the two nations.
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