THE DIGITALIZATION OF MANUSCRIPT: PUBLIC AWARENESS TOWARDS DIGITAL MANUSCRIPTS INBALAI KHAZANAH ISLAM SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH (BKISHHB)

Abstract

This study explores the public awareness, accessibility and engagement with historical manuscripts in Brunei, with a specific focus on the role of Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB). Through a quantitative survey involving 101 Bruneian youth aged 18–40, findings reveal a high level of general awareness (81%) and strong interest (85%) in learning about old manuscripts, especially those written in Jawi and Arabic. However, active engagement remains low due to structural, educational, and policy-related barriers, including limited digitisation, insufficient exposure to BKISHHB, and lack of training in classical scripts. The study highlights the transformative potential of digital libraries and online repositories in improving access, enhancing public interest, and preserving cultural heritage. Ten strategic recommendations are proposed, including integrating manuscript studies into educational curricula, expanding digital access and strengthening BKISHHB’s public visibility. The paper concludes that manuscripts should be viewed not only as historical artifacts but as dynamic tools for education, identity formation, and nation-building in Brunei's digital and cultural landscape.