New Exhibitions: ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ and the ‘60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’

In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery (BNM MAG) has launched a new exhibition titled, ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’. This on-going exhibition is held until 30th June, 2020 at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur.

‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ exhibition was launched by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

This 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).

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus delivers opening remarks at the launch of ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ exhibition.

Speaking at the event, Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said, “In conjunction with the 60th anniversary this year, Bank Negara Malaysia is presenting an exhibition titled, ‘For the Nation: 60 Years of Central Banking’ that illustrates the retrospective narrative in the context of Bank Negara Malaysia’s growth and development as an institution.”

On the role of the central bank, she reiterated that, “The Central Banking Act provides a clear mandate for Bank Negara Malaysia to promote monetary stability and financial stability conducive to the sustainable growth of the Malaysian economy.”

“In order to carry out this trust, the role of Bank Negara Malaysia as an independent and professional central bank as stated in the Act is essential to ensure that the mandate given is effectively fulfilled and enables Bank Negara Malaysia to focus on the long-term economic and financial perspective,” said Governor Shamsiah.

This exhibition condensed six decades of central banking that provides the historical context needed to understand the institution that has been tasked from day one to develop the financial and economic landscape of Malaysia.

The narration of the exhibition began 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 followed 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.

The current exhibition also presents 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.

Visitors to the exhibitions have the privilege to view more than 100 exhibits from 8 decades ago up to the recent years, including previously unseen artefacts, nostalgic films and photos.

Members of the public who visit the exhibitions have the privilege to view more than 100 exhibits from 80 years ago up to recent times, 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 issued in 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. This comprehensive exhibition also feature 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.

Visitors can learn about BNM’s mandates and wide ranging developmental roles, significant achievements, key financial and economic events in Malaysia’s history, and interesting facts about the nation’s central bank in conjunction of its 60th anniversary.

The Chosen 60
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.

Complementing the exhibition is this 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.

Among the items 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, namely 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. The aforementioned ’60 Koleksi Bank Negara Malaysia’ exhibition is open until March 2020.

There is also 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: 16th December, 2019 until 30th June, 2020
Opens from 10am to 6pm daily, except for the first 3 days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Admission: Free for all international and local visitors
Guided Tours: Available free-of-charge for group bookings (minimum 20 pax, advance booking is required).

For more details, visit www.museum.bnm.gov.my or follow Facebook @BNM.MAG and Instagram @bnmmag