BACKGROUND
International Conference on Translation (PPA) is a biennial conference organized for the first time in 1984 initiated by the Malaysian Translators Association (MTA) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). This organization emerged by the awareness towards the necessity of translation in the endeavors of transferring knowledge which serves as the foundation in building national, race and religion success, not only in Malaysia but everywhere across the world. The significance of this grows increasingly in the era of globalization and interconnected world (a world with no boundaries/borderless world). Starting from 1993, together with the 4th International Conference on Translation, the Malaysian National Institute of Translation Berhad (ITNM), which currently recognized as Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITNM) was also invited as co-organizer of this conference. Since the 2nd conference, it had been held with the collaboration with a higher education institution that will be serving as the host of the conference.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
The objectives of this conference are;
- Foster the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences, and strengthen the collaboration among scientists, linguists, translators and students all over the world in order to enhance the quality of translation and interpretation.
- Stimulate the intellectual and professional discourse concerning contemporary theories, techniques and issues in translation and interpretation, as well as enhancing training and professional development in this field.
- Emphasize the roles of translation in the revitalization of indigenous language, promote the preservation of cultural heritage, and enhance the awareness of the challenges and opportunities in translating indigenous language in the context globalization.
- Highlight the purposes of Malaysian higher education institutions that are actively engaged in research, training and teaching translation course.
THEME
Theme “Heritage Conservation through Translation” was chosen because it emphasizes the importance of preserving and spreading cultural heritage as well as identity through indigenous language which appears to be more vulnerable due to globalization. Translation plays an important role in increasing the access to literary works and knowledge, promotes linguistic inclusivity, and ensures that all languages are valued. This theme also encourages innovation in research and translation practices, offers solutions to linguistic challenges and distinctive culture, and promotes intercultural dialogues in interconnected world.
SUB-THEME
Sub-theme of this conference are:
- Revitalization of indigenous language through translation
- Youth, Heritage and Translation
- Artificial Intelligence in Heritage and Translation
- Translation and Technology
- Translation of Innovation and Creativity
- Translation and Cultural Visibility
- Translation and Indigenous language
- Translation and Endangered language
- Translation and Local Community
- Translation and Diaspora Community
- Translation and Cultural Identity
- Translation and Gender
- Translation in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0
- Translation of Religious texts
- Translation of Historical Manuscripts
- Translation of Popular Culture
- Translation of Culinary Heritage
- Translation of Music and Traditional lyrics
- Translation of Literature
- Oral history heritage and Translation
- Cultural Narrative in Translation
- Ethics in Translation
- Localization and Transcription
INVITED SPEAKERS
The plenary presenters consisted of Prof. Jorge Diaz-Cintaz (Professor at the Centre for Translation Studies, University College London, United Kingdom), Mrs. Alison Rodriguez (President of the International Federation of Translators, Brisbane), Datin Kalsom Taib (Kalsom Taib Publishing, Malaysia). These three speakers have been fully sponsored by the Malaysian Translators Association for the hotel accommodation and flight tickets. Meanwhile, the other two plenary speakers are from the state of Sarawak, namely Dr. Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi (Head of Product Research and Development, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation) and Datu Dr. Sanib Taib (General Manager of the Malay Cultural Heritage Trust Foundation of Sarawak).
SPEAKERS AND PARTICIPANTS
Through the presence of approximately 300 participants and guests on the first day, followed by approximately 200 participants for the next two days, this conference succeeded in presenting discussions and exchange of ideas for its main theme of Preserving Heritage through Translation, with its subthemes that were highly relevant to the field of translation. This conference brought together participants from 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Ireland, Italy, postgraduate students from China, Peru (via video recording), and Malaysia itself. A total of four (4) policy papers, five (5) plenary papers, 59 ordinary papers have been successfully presented. Two (2) forums and one (1) workshop have also been successfully held. A total of 22 governments, privates, statutory bodies and NGOs extended their support to ensure the success of PPA-20. They were:
| Wikimedia Malaysia | Majlis Dekan-Dekan Bahasa Universiti Awam (MALDEC) | Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) |
| Malaysia Federation of The Deaf (MFD) | Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) | Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreter (MyASLI) |
| Sarawak State Library | Dayak Bidayuh National Association | Kuching High Court |
| Office of the Deputy Premier | Sarawak Mufti Department | Darul Ulum Islamic Institute, Kandangan |
| Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) | Padawan District Education Office | Kuching Resident Office |
| Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC) | Sarawak Indigenous Intellectuals Association (Perantis) | Unimas Publisher |
| Sarawak Islamic Council | Board of Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs | Sarawak Museum Department |
| Sarawak Public Works Department |
Meanwhile, the media partners worked tirelessly to provide fast and extensive coverage. Sincere appreciation is extended to the media partners as follows:
| Bernama | Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) | Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak |
| TV Sarawak (TVS) | Utusan Borneo | Suara Sarawak |
| See Hua daily | The Borneo Post | Sarawak Tribune |
(Vice President of MTA)
CONFERENCE RESOLUTION
As a result of convening for three days for in the conference, the following are the resolution of the conference:
- Elevating translation as a means of preserving heritage and national identity, particularly ethnic languages, through efforts in documentation, transliteration, and the publication of classical works.
- Integrating digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of human capital, including training for professional translators, mentor-mentee programs, and educational innovations, to produce a competitive future generation of interpreters;
- Internationalizing Malaysian works through translation into the world’s major languages, expanding strategic cooperation with international publishers, as well as active involvement in book fairs, seminars, and global forums;
- Recognizing translation as a bridge of cultural diplomacy that strengthens cross-cultural understanding, enhances international relations, and expands regional interconnectedness in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
- Encouraging translators to become creators of new meaning through transcreation, rewriting, and the development of creative narratives in films, dramas, documentaries, and advertisements, so that heritage can be conveyed in a fresh, relevant, and inclusive manner.
- Emphasizing the importance of ethics, cultural sensitivity, and social responsibility in translating religious, legal, political texts, as well as contemporary issues that carry significant impact on society; and
- Calling upon the government, institutions, and sponsors to provide continuous funding, as the preservation of heritage through translation entails high costs and is not oriented toward immediate profit but rather constitutes a long-term strategic investment that provides invaluable value to the nation’s identity, education, and cultural diplomacy.
Delegation of Malaysian Translators Association (MTA) and Members of MTA
