International Council of Archives

A large part of our cultural legacy of the last 100 years is in the form of audiovisual recordings (sound and moving images). Audiovisual technology had developed gradually in sophistication, even as its use has become more widespread, especially educational establishments, business presentations, entertainment industries and other areas.

Audiovisual materials are of special importance as they appeal directly to the senses and their impact cuts through barriers such as age, language and levels of literacy. These materials, when they have historical content will be the best teachers of our history. Their universality in terms of the wide range of users enhances their value as archival materials. Their relevance will not diminish with time. Therefore, it is vital for such materials to be closely safeguarded and preserved for long term use by successive generations.

The preservation of audiovisual archives has become more complex, especially in the tropical regions where heat and humidity and even natural disasters pose the main threat. It is in this view, The Southeast Asia Regional Branch of International Council on Archives (SARBICA) with the cooperation of the National Archives of Malaysia as the host country is presenting to you a Seminar Workshop on "Issues and Challenges in Preserving Audiovisual Archives in the Tropical Region".

The key goal of the seminar workshop is to provide participants an avenue for practical discussions and means to come up with practical solutions in the area of audiovisual archiving and preservation. The seminar workshop will feature as

the facilitator, an expert and authority in this field Mr. Mick Newnham, who is currently the Senior Researcher at the Research & Conservation Group (RCG), National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) based in Canberra, Australia.

On a lighter side, the seminar workshop also features a welcome dinner, an exciting retreat excursion to the Land of Fairies (Fire Flies of Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor), institutional visits to the National Archives of Malaysia or the National Film Department of Malaysia and a bonus tour to Putrajaya, famously known as the ‘Intelligent Garden City', which is also the Federal Administrative Capital of Malaysia.

For the benefit of participants, a small trade fair will also be set-up during the seminar workshop to showcase and demonstrate the latest products, services, trends and opportunities in the field/market.

The 2010 SARBICA General Assembly and Seminar Workshop organising committee promises the warm hospitality, charm and beauty of the host country Malaysia - Truly Asia.

We hope to see you soon in Kuala Lumpur.

For further details please do not hesitate to call or e-mail to SARBICA Secretariat:

SARBICA Secretariat e-mail:

Ms. Yatimah Rimun, Secretary General SARBICA - 60 3 62005769

Ms. Gowri PS Thangaya, Treasurer SARBICA - 60 3 62005706

Ms. Wan Zainon Wan Awang, Secretariat Member - 60 3 62005824

Ms. Siti Sapinah Rahman Oh, Secretariat Member - 60 3 62005790

National Archives of Malaysia

General/Operator Line: 60 3 62010688

Fax N°:  60 3 6201567