KUCHING: Over 90 scouts from Malaysia and Indonesia came together for the annual Knowledge Camp hosted by the Sarawak State Library.
Held from June 21 to 22 at the Sarawak State Library complex, this year’s camp brought together members of the 25th Petra Jaya Scout Troop and a pramuka (scout) contingent from Sintang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The two-day programme featured a variety of knowledge-based, creative, and physical activities designed to promote teamwork, cultural appreciation, and effective learning methods.
According to Sarawak State Library deputy chief executive officer Salina Zawawi, the camp reflects the library’s evolving role as more than just a place for borrowing books.
“The State Library should not be viewed solely as a traditional library—a place just for borrowing books. In this modern era, it serves as a hub for knowledge development and a centre for intellectual discourse,” she said at the Cultural Exchange Night, held at the library’s auditorium on Saturday evening.
Head of the Indonesian pramuka contingent, Dra Siti Musrikah, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the programme.
“A camp like this plays a vital role in nurturing a love for knowledge among the younger generation. Digital reading may be fast, but it is just as quickly forgotten compared to materials read and studied through books in a library setting,” she said.
A total of 30 scouts from Petra Jaya and 30 pramuka members from Sintang camped on-site with their leaders, contributing to the overall participation of 42 from Indonesia and around 50 from Sarawak.
The programme featured camping, campfire activities, educational workshops, games, and training on identifying and using reliable research sources, all within a meaningful platform that fostered cross-border friendships and a shared passion for knowledge in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.