Mawan signing the book witnessed by (from left) Misnu and Aishah.
KUCHING: The practice of one generation passing skills and knowledge on to the next has brought about social and cultural changes in society.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the existence of technology had allowed people to own and use the knowledge learnt in raising the quality of their lives.
“We have progressed way ahead of our forefathers in almost all spheres of life,” he said in a speech read by Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan before the closing of the ‘Social Transformation Conference and Facilitated Workshop’ at a hotel here yesterday.
Due to the diversity brought by modern conditions, the people have led a heterogenous (of foreign origin) life which has contributed to different social problems among different communities,” Adenan added.
As such, he urged the urban folk that despite having fast and convenient communication means via ICT, they should also strive to experience the human connection.
“We are often reminded to bring back the ‘kampung’ spirit into our urban communities. We need to reduce anomie (breakdown in social norms) and build social capital that can bridge the differences as well as strengthen social cohesion, all of which are the foundation for social harmony.
“A safe environment will allow people to strengthen social stability, enabling communities to thrive economically, socially and spiritually,” he advised.
Themed ‘Setting Directions’, the conference was organised by Social Development Ministry and served as a meeting of the minds on the re-examination of societal development in the current light of the government transformation plan, as well as the new economic model and what course of action to be taken towards achieving the desired social transformation outcomes,
Also at the function were Deputy State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha and secretariat Aishah Edris. A book on social transformation was also launched at the event.