Malaysia’s National Library, Perpusatakaan Negara Malaysia (PNM) now houses the first ever Samsung SMART Library at its premises on Jalan Tun Razak. The first-of-its-kind digital book reading zone is located at the first floor of the National Library’s main building – Anjung Bestari. The project is fruits of labour of the public-private partnership between PNM and Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd.
The objective of the smart library is to provide a new and interactive reading experience for Malaysians, primarily children and youth.
Y.B Dato’ Seri Mohmed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia officiated the event, in the presence of YBhg. Dato’ Raslin bin Abu Bakar, Director-General of Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia, and Mr. Lee Dong Yong, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd.
In line Malaysia’s Vision 2020 aspirations, the Samsung SMART Library is the first step to support the Government’s efforts to transform Malaysia into a knowledge-based society, powered by ICT. The new high-tech library is set to benefit more than 400,000 yearly visitors to the National Library.
Focusing on e-Books, the library is set in a 1,300 square feet space with four specific concepts – Kids, Interactive, Reading and Work. Over 60 Samsung devices including different model tablets and large format displays are available for visitors.
“Since its inception, Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia has been tasked to make information available to all and encourage the cultivation of reading habit amongst Malaysians. Knowledge consumption has evolved. The era of digital content has overtaken traditional manuscripts. We are heartened to collaborate with Samsung Malaysia Electronics in creating a first of its kind in Malaysia – a SMART Library – designed to enhance knowledge accessibility and learning through the use of the latest technology for all,” said Dato’ Raslin bin Abu Bakar, Director-General of PNM.
“In the past few years, we have witnessed how ICT and technology have significantly influenced the economy, education and society. We live in a digital era where knowledge sharing and learning is increasingly taking place online. The Samsung SMART Library offers an enhanced reading experience through our latest product offerings that makes learning enjoyable, interactive and more engaging with rich media content,” said Lee Dong Yong, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd.
In the Reading Zone, over 2,500 e-Book titles of various genres in English, Bahasa Melayu and Chinese are available. Additionally, e-Magazines, e-Newspapers and interactive websites can be accessed at the Interactive Zone. For the productive, the Work Zone offers Office Suite and e-Book publishing. Children and the young at heart can play at Kids Zone.
The Samsung SMART Library project is part of Samsung’s Global Corporate Citizenship efforts to utilise its technology and expertise for the betterment of local communities.
