Malaysia is a country with a history as vibrant and engaging as its food scene and natural attractions. In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, Bank Negara Malaysia and Art Gallery (BNM MAG) invites visitors to learn about Malaysia's background from the financial end. So if you're in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia anytime from today until 30 June 2020, consider swinging by the BNM MAG to check out their new exhibition, ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking'.
Perfect for the history buffs, this exhibition offers a different perspective to Malaysia's history through the eyes of Bank Negara Malaysia and its growth and development as an institution. Held in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, the exhibition was launched by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, (the grandson of Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.)
The narration of the exhibition begins with the story of the establishment of Bank Negara Tanah Melayu by a small group of 67 employees within a small office space; moving on to Bank Negara Malaysia replacing the Currency Board as the only Malaysian currency issuer in 1967. This follows the empowerment of local banking supervision up to the era of fintech innovation and further discussions on the future of digital banking, including financial advisory and services initiatives.
Visitors can take a step back in time to the recollections of the important economic and financial moments of Malaysia during the Deposit Taking Crisis 1985, the Asian Financial Crisis 1998, and how the Government together with Bank Negara Malaysia planned its own unconventional economic recovery efforts. This exhibition also features behind-the-scenes stories from the Bank's internal perspective through interviews with more than 60 employees and former staff members of the Bank – all packed with learnings and inspirations.
There are more than 100 exhibits from 80 years ago up to recent years on display, including previously unseen artefacts, nostalgic films and photos. For example, the Japanese Invasion Money’s banknote printer and printing plate, various pattern banknotes (proposed designs that did not make the final cut), Bon Simpanan Malaysia (first 1993), shredded unfit banknotes, earliest ledger that recorded the number of currency stocks in circulation, old annual reports, vintage money boxes and evolution of staff attire over 60 years of service.
‘60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’ (opens March 2020)
Complementing this exhibition is the new art exhibition on Level 3, titled ‘60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’ that features 60 local artworks of different genres and mediums acquired from as early as the 1960s. There are four main genres of artwork on display: figurative, landscape, built environment and abstract. Whilst there are similarities and differences in the artists’ background, education and experience, this art exhibition offers diverse stylings traceable to different periods in time.
Among those on display are the works of pioneer artists such as Yong Mun Sen, Abdullah Ariff, Chuah Thean Teng and Hoessein Enas, as well as modern and contemporary artists such as Syed Ahmad Jamal, Yeoh Jin Leng, Nirmala Shanmughalingam, Jaafar Taib, Mad Anuar, Amron Omar, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Chang Fee Ming, Chang Yoong Chia, Raja Shahriman, Multhalib Musa, Najib Bamadhaj and Anniketyni Madian.
There will also be a line-up of programmes, hands-on workshops and Curator Tours for all age groups. For more information about the ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ exhibition, visit www.museum.bnm.gov.my/bnm60th.
Duration of the exhibition: 16 Dec 2019 – 30 June 2020
Opening Days and Hours : Opens from 10am to 6pm daily, except for first 3 days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Admission: FOC for all international and local visitors
Guided Tours: Available FOC for group bookings (minimum 20 pax, advance booking is required).
Address: Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 9179 2784 / infomuseum@bnm.gov.my
Website: www.museum.bnm.gov.my/