IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A
Abstract
Preserving Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is essential for sustaining national identity, promoting social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development. Despite the abundance of cultural assets and historical sites across the country, youth engagement in heritage preservation remains limited. This gap presents a significant challenge to the continuity of Malaysia’s cultural legacy. Recognising the critical role of youth as future custodians of heritage, this study introduces the Empowering Youth Guidelines—a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and participation among young Malaysians. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, digital platform analysis, and case studies, to explore youth perceptions, motivations, and barriers related to cultural heritage preservation. By leveraging digital platforms and fostering community partnerships, the study seeks to create immersive and meaningful experiences that resonate with contemporary youth, instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in safeguarding Malaysia’s cultural identity. Prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Langkawi Geopark and George Town offer context-specific insights, while digital trend analysis identifies effective communication channels for youth outreach. The findings inform the development of targeted, youth-friendly strategies aligned with national policies such as the National Youth Policy, the TN50 Youth Initiative, and the National Cultural Policy. Ultimately, this research contributes to a sustainable set of guidelines that empower youth as active participants in cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that Malaysia’s cultural diversity is protected and celebrated for generations to come.
Dr Haza Hanurhaza Md Jani is an academic and researcher at the International Islamic University Malaysia with eleven years of experience. She specialises in cultural landscapes and heritage preservation, focusing on integrating traditional design principles with modern landscape architecture. Her work in garden and community landscape design contributes to the conservation and revitalisation of heritage spaces, ensuring their relevance in urban environments. Dr Haza is dedicated to preserving cultural identity through design, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding Malaysia’s cultural legacy.
Dr Mazlina Mansor is an Associate Professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture, Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia. She holds academic qualifications in Environmental Design (University of Tasmania, Australia), Environmental Management (University Kebangsaan Malaysia), and Landscape Architecture (University of Technology Malaysia). Her research interests include urban public space, green infrastructure, human ecology, environment-behaviour studies, and cultural landscapes. Dr Mansor’s work focuses on exploring human perceptions, behaviours, and their relationships with urban natural spaces.
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Thursday 26th June, 2025