Hi, I’m a proud Melanau descendant from Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. I currently serve as a librarian at the Sarawak State Library in Miri, located in the northern region of Sarawak. I oversee the Technical Services Department and have been working in the field of librarianship for over nineteen years.

My role involves more than just managing books. I’m deeply involved in planning and implementing lifelong learning programs and reading campaign initiatives. I develop strategic annual plans and track our progress using a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) system to ensure we’re meeting our goals.

To bring these programs to life, I rely heavily on collaboration. Public support, local authorities, government agencies, NGOs, and strategic partners all play vital roles in making these initiatives successful. One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that accurate and relevant information reaches the public in a timely and accessible way.

I also take part in public outreach by presenting papers at both national and international conferences. Additionally, I facilitate talks, lead workshops, organize exhibitions, publish materials, and run various community-based projects including children’s programs and smart partnerships with other institutions. Another part of my work includes evaluating and acquiring library materials based on the evolving needs of our community.

Outside of my main duties, I’m actively involved in innovation and creative thinking within our library. I’m especially passionate about preserving local knowledge, and I’ve worked closely with universities on oral history and research projects to publish Sarawakiana books, highlighting our region’s unique culture and stories.

Being here in the United States as part of the Mortenson Associates Program is not just an honor, it’s a continuation of my journey as a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for libraries. I’m excited to bring back new insights, fresh ideas, and international perspectives to serve my community even better.

Here are the key learning goals I’ve set for myself during the program:

Digital and Print Library Collections: To improve my understanding of managing both digital and print collections to meet user needs.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Change Management: To strengthen my leadership, collaboration, and adaptability in handling challenges in modern libraries.

Innovation and Creative Design in Libraries: To discover new ways to foster creativity and improve library services and spaces.