Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib
Encyclopedia
Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib (born 1985, Singapore
) is a poet, editor, critic and writer. He has edited three books including "Bahasa Sumber Intelektual Peribumi", "RESAN : Antologi Puisi dan Cerpen Sayembara Noktah Putih 2008" and "Evolution of Malay Language : 2000 Years". His poems are also regularly featured in various print mediums in Singapore and Malaysia including Berita Minggu (Singapore), Berita Harian
(Malaysia). His thoughts and critiques on art and literature has also been published in Dewan Budaya (Malaysia) and Majalah Gong (Indonesia). He is currently an undergraduate of the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya
and a recipient of the National Arts Council Singapore
Bursary Award (Overseas) 2009.
and Yusof Ishak Secondary School
before moving on to Singapore Polytechnic
(Diploma in Interior Design) to pursue his polytechnic education. In 2008, while serving his National Service with the Singapore Police Force
as a sergeant, he made a decision to pursue a Bachelor of Malay Studies (Hons) at the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya
where he is currently reading Malay language
and literature.
His involvement with the Malay society began at a very young age through his involvement with Silat
, a traditional Malay martial art. At the age of 14, he then also dabbled with traditional Malay dance. His talent and commitment in Silat was recognised in 2004 when he was groomed to serve the Singapore Silat Federation as one of its referees and jurors. Prior to lending his professional views as a referee and juror, he also served Seligi Tunggal Angkatan as instructor and Sendeng Sekilas as chief instructor.
In the same year (2004), he was also involved in a few key performances in the Malay performing arts community. Among the appearances that he made were at Victoria Theatre
for Malam Kilir Jati '04 where he served as a performer under the tutelage of Azmi Juhari. Alongside his involvement in Silat
, he also danced under the care and guidance of Azmi Juhari and Fathurrahman Said. As a dancer and designer (due to his professional design training in Singapore Polytechnic
) who was sensitive to the changing landscape of art and society, he assisted Fathurrahman Said in conceptualising numerous dance choreographies which has been staged at Republic Polytechnic's The Republic Cultural Centre and Kaliurang, Jogjakarta, Indonesia
as part of Asia-Tri Jogjakarta Arts Festival 2007. In 2008, he was the Assistant Stage Manager for Gentarasa 2009 held at the Esplanade.
Throughout his involvement in various forms of art and activism, he would pen his views and thoughts in the form of poetry. His talent for writing was first noticed by Dzakir (Aki) of Mashmellow, a local Malay band who invited him to be the band's resident songwriter for its second album. His stint with the band however was short-lived due to a fallout between its members. The incident however never stopped him from writing.
His passion and academic and literary excellence was further recognised and revered by his colleagues and peers which earned him the post of President of the Malay Language Society in the university (PBMUM). His appointment marked a major historical feat in the history of the society by making him the first foreign student to be allowed to head a society in the University. Among the notable figures who has led PBMUM
includes revered figures in the academic circle such as Associate Professor Dr. Nuwairi Haji Khaza'ai (Academician), Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim
(Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister) and Datuk Ahmad Shaberry Cheek (Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister). He served as president of the society for two consecutive years from 2009-2011.
His unique ability to seek a synthesis between traditional and modern culture makes him unique in the field of literature and design. He was described by Nur Naqiah Abas (2009:3) :
Sensing the loss of traditional values in today's modern society, Muhammad Jailani propagates the use of traditional and contemporary art forms to instill a sense of humanity in the society. His inclination towards humanitarian and societal development in art can also be observed in 2006 through his voluntary act of serving as a volunteer and facilitator with Peace Community Resources (PCR) in its community based project on rendering psychological assistance to children of broken homes. Throughout his years of serving humanity and art, he also acted as a voluntary Silat trainer. To Muhammad Jailani, there is little difference between varying forms of art and that the only truth towards art is that it should always seek to bring about a positive catharsis in the society. Over the years, he has played an active role in various art institutions through various roles and act.
Between 23 September 2010 to 27 September 2010, under his helm, PBMUM spearheaded the first Malay Book Festival. The festival marked a milestone in the history of literary development in the Malay society with the festival being the first of its kind that acts as a platform solely meant for books written in the Malay language.
, Berita Minggu, Dewan Budaya and Majalah Gong. In 2008, he won second prize in the Portrait Poets Poetry Competition. In the same year, he also won a poetry competition held by the University of Malaya. In 2009, he won the Golden Point Award (2nd) for short stories while clinching third in the Portrait Poets Poetry Competition for that year.
He is also active as an academic essay writer and has had his research papers published in "Bahasa Sumber Intelektual Peribumi", "Evolution of Malay Language : 2000 Years", "Berita@Asas 50" and on scribd.com. He has also given a lecture on Malay Costumes and Malay Magic in literature at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University and the Indonesian Arts Institute, Jogjakarta, Indonesia. His expertise on contemporary literature and art is also sought by University of Malaya where he was invited to sit as a panelist for various forums as well as lend his professional expertise as a judge in a poetry competition in 2008. In 2009, he was also invited to sit in the READ! Singapore Sub Committee panel overseeing the selection of Malay works to be featured in the READ! Singapore initiative by National Library Board
, Singapore.
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
) is a poet, editor, critic and writer. He has edited three books including "Bahasa Sumber Intelektual Peribumi", "RESAN : Antologi Puisi dan Cerpen Sayembara Noktah Putih 2008" and "Evolution of Malay Language : 2000 Years". His poems are also regularly featured in various print mediums in Singapore and Malaysia including Berita Minggu (Singapore), Berita Harian
Berita Harian
Berita Harian is a major Malay language newspaper in Malaysia. Its Sunday Edition is called Berita Minggu. It was founded on 31 August 1957, which also marks the date of Malaya's independence...
(Malaysia). His thoughts and critiques on art and literature has also been published in Dewan Budaya (Malaysia) and Majalah Gong (Indonesia). He is currently an undergraduate of the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya
University of Malaya
The University of Malaya is located on a campus near the centre of Kuala Lumpur, and is the oldest university in Malaysia. It was founded in 1905 as a public-funded tertiary institution...
and a recipient of the National Arts Council Singapore
National Arts Council Singapore
The National Arts Council of Singapore was established in September 1991 "to nurture the arts and make it an integral part of life in Singapore.-History :...
Bursary Award (Overseas) 2009.
Background
Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib underwent formal education in Bukit Panjang Primary SchoolBukit Panjang Primary School
Bukit Panjang Primary School is a government, co-educational primary School located at Bukit Panjang, Singapore.-History:The school started with in January 1932 with two classes and 60 pupils....
and Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School is a government secondary school located in Bukit Batok, Singapore. The school is named after Yusof Ishak who was the first president of Singapore....
before moving on to Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic , the first polytechnic established in Singapore, was founded in 1954. The former campus was originally located at Prince Edward Road...
(Diploma in Interior Design) to pursue his polytechnic education. In 2008, while serving his National Service with the Singapore Police Force
Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
as a sergeant, he made a decision to pursue a Bachelor of Malay Studies (Hons) at the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya
University of Malaya
The University of Malaya is located on a campus near the centre of Kuala Lumpur, and is the oldest university in Malaysia. It was founded in 1905 as a public-funded tertiary institution...
where he is currently reading Malay language
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
and literature.
His involvement with the Malay society began at a very young age through his involvement with Silat
Silat
Silat Melayu is a blanket term for the types of silat created in peninsular Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore. The silat tradition has deep roots in Malay culture and can trace its origin to the dawn of Malay civilization, 2000 years ago...
, a traditional Malay martial art. At the age of 14, he then also dabbled with traditional Malay dance. His talent and commitment in Silat was recognised in 2004 when he was groomed to serve the Singapore Silat Federation as one of its referees and jurors. Prior to lending his professional views as a referee and juror, he also served Seligi Tunggal Angkatan as instructor and Sendeng Sekilas as chief instructor.
In the same year (2004), he was also involved in a few key performances in the Malay performing arts community. Among the appearances that he made were at Victoria Theatre
Victoria Theatre
There are several theatres of this name:*Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, located in Singapore*Victoria Theatre , located in the United States of America*Victoria Theatre , located in West Yorkshire, England...
for Malam Kilir Jati '04 where he served as a performer under the tutelage of Azmi Juhari. Alongside his involvement in Silat
Silat
Silat Melayu is a blanket term for the types of silat created in peninsular Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore. The silat tradition has deep roots in Malay culture and can trace its origin to the dawn of Malay civilization, 2000 years ago...
, he also danced under the care and guidance of Azmi Juhari and Fathurrahman Said. As a dancer and designer (due to his professional design training in Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic , the first polytechnic established in Singapore, was founded in 1954. The former campus was originally located at Prince Edward Road...
) who was sensitive to the changing landscape of art and society, he assisted Fathurrahman Said in conceptualising numerous dance choreographies which has been staged at Republic Polytechnic's The Republic Cultural Centre and Kaliurang, Jogjakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
as part of Asia-Tri Jogjakarta Arts Festival 2007. In 2008, he was the Assistant Stage Manager for Gentarasa 2009 held at the Esplanade.
Throughout his involvement in various forms of art and activism, he would pen his views and thoughts in the form of poetry. His talent for writing was first noticed by Dzakir (Aki) of Mashmellow, a local Malay band who invited him to be the band's resident songwriter for its second album. His stint with the band however was short-lived due to a fallout between its members. The incident however never stopped him from writing.
His passion and academic and literary excellence was further recognised and revered by his colleagues and peers which earned him the post of President of the Malay Language Society in the university (PBMUM). His appointment marked a major historical feat in the history of the society by making him the first foreign student to be allowed to head a society in the University. Among the notable figures who has led PBMUM
PBMUM
Persatuan Bahasa Melayu Universiti Malaya is a Malay language, literature and culture oriented student body that has played an active role in the development of the modern Malay language in Malaysia and Singapore.-History:PBMUM was established as Persekutuan Bahasa Melayu in Singapore on 29...
includes revered figures in the academic circle such as Associate Professor Dr. Nuwairi Haji Khaza'ai (Academician), Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar bin Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician who served as Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister from 1993 to 1998. Early in his career, Anwar was a close ally of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad but subsequently emerged as the most prominent critic of Mahathir's government.In 1999, he was sentenced...
(Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister) and Datuk Ahmad Shaberry Cheek (Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister). He served as president of the society for two consecutive years from 2009-2011.
Art & Activism
Muhammad Jailani holds on to the belief that art should be used as medium towards bringing good to the society. Due to this belief, he constantly seeks new avenues of exploring art as a tool to bring about positive changes to the society. The above is apparent in the works that he has produced. Holding firmly to this belief, he believes that artists should give nothing but their best for each artwork produced would have an impact on the society. It is also in this framework that he is active not only as an art practitioner but also as an activist. In 2007, together with Fathurrahman Said, he conceptualised a dance choreography about the impact of natural disasters towards humanity. The choreography was performed at Mount Kaliurang, Jogjakarta, Indonesia in a bid to create awareness of the then recent earthquake.His unique ability to seek a synthesis between traditional and modern culture makes him unique in the field of literature and design. He was described by Nur Naqiah Abas (2009:3) :
"..His works encapsulates the soul of the Malay culture into lively pieces of art. His works hover on the side of being traditional and contemporary at the same time. A core ideal that has brought him from strength to strength in his creative principles in the fields of literature, culture, language, design and art."
Sensing the loss of traditional values in today's modern society, Muhammad Jailani propagates the use of traditional and contemporary art forms to instill a sense of humanity in the society. His inclination towards humanitarian and societal development in art can also be observed in 2006 through his voluntary act of serving as a volunteer and facilitator with Peace Community Resources (PCR) in its community based project on rendering psychological assistance to children of broken homes. Throughout his years of serving humanity and art, he also acted as a voluntary Silat trainer. To Muhammad Jailani, there is little difference between varying forms of art and that the only truth towards art is that it should always seek to bring about a positive catharsis in the society. Over the years, he has played an active role in various art institutions through various roles and act.
Between 23 September 2010 to 27 September 2010, under his helm, PBMUM spearheaded the first Malay Book Festival. The festival marked a milestone in the history of literary development in the Malay society with the festival being the first of its kind that acts as a platform solely meant for books written in the Malay language.
Publications & Professional Appointments
His poems have been published in the poetry anthologies "Reflecting On The Merlion : An Anthology of Poems" and "From The Window of This Epoch" as well as various notable print and online mediums in the region including Berita HarianBerita Harian
Berita Harian is a major Malay language newspaper in Malaysia. Its Sunday Edition is called Berita Minggu. It was founded on 31 August 1957, which also marks the date of Malaya's independence...
, Berita Minggu, Dewan Budaya and Majalah Gong. In 2008, he won second prize in the Portrait Poets Poetry Competition. In the same year, he also won a poetry competition held by the University of Malaya. In 2009, he won the Golden Point Award (2nd) for short stories while clinching third in the Portrait Poets Poetry Competition for that year.
He is also active as an academic essay writer and has had his research papers published in "Bahasa Sumber Intelektual Peribumi", "Evolution of Malay Language : 2000 Years", "Berita@Asas 50" and on scribd.com. He has also given a lecture on Malay Costumes and Malay Magic in literature at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University and the Indonesian Arts Institute, Jogjakarta, Indonesia. His expertise on contemporary literature and art is also sought by University of Malaya where he was invited to sit as a panelist for various forums as well as lend his professional expertise as a judge in a poetry competition in 2008. In 2009, he was also invited to sit in the READ! Singapore Sub Committee panel overseeing the selection of Malay works to be featured in the READ! Singapore initiative by National Library Board
National Library Board
The National Library Board is a statutory board of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore...
, Singapore.
Works
- "Reflecting On The Merlion : An Anthology of Poems", by Edwin Thumboo and Yeow Kai Chai (2009, Singapore : firstfruits publications), ISBN 978-981-08-4300-7
- "Antologi Puisi Malaysia dan Singapura : Dari Jendela Zaman Ini", by ITNM and NAC (2009, Kuala Lumpur : Institut Terjemahan Negara Malaysia), ISBN 978-983-068-480-2
- "Bahasa Sumber Intelektual Peribumi", by Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib & Mohamed Pitchay Gani Bin Mohamed Abdul Aziz (2009, Singapore : Asas 50 Press), ISBN 978-981-08-3689-4
- "Evolution of Malay Language : 2000 Years", by Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib (Ed.) (2009, Singapore : Asas 50 Press & Malay Heritage Centre), ISBN 978-981-08-3561-3
- "RESAN : Antologi Cerpen & Sajak", by Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib and Mohamed Pitchay Gani Bin Mohamed Abdul Aziz (2009, Singapore : Asas 50 Press), ISBN 978-981-05-9077-2
- "Rumpun Kita", by Shamsudin Othman, Rahimidin Zahari, Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad, dan S.M. Zakir (2009, Kuala Lumpur : Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia), ISBN 978-967-5485-00-8
- "Jejak Para Kaul 1", by Leonowens SP (2010, Jakarta : Bisnis 2030), ISBN 978-602-8543-47-7
- "Jejak Para Kaul II", by Leonowens SP (2010, Jakarta : Bisnis 2030), ISBN 978-602-8543-48-4
- "Susur Pendekar : Koleksi Puisi", by Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib (2010, Singapore : Reka Media), ISBN 978-981-08-5150-7
- "Kampung Warisan Kuala Lumpur : Antologi Puisi 56 Penyair", by Pyanhabib + Dinsman (2010, Kuala Lumpur : Seniman Paksi Rakyat), ISBN 978-967-5695-01-8
- "Instrospek", by Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib (2008, Kuala Lumpur : Academy of Malay Studies, University of MalayaUniversity of MalayaThe University of Malaya is located on a campus near the centre of Kuala Lumpur, and is the oldest university in Malaysia. It was founded in 1905 as a public-funded tertiary institution...
)
Awards
- 2008 - Certificate of Distinction for Menggapai Angkasa by Angkatan Sasterawan 50
- 2008 - First Prize for Syukran! Ya Allah! by Ungku Aziz College, University of Malaya
- 2009 - Essay Cheeseman Award by University of Malaya
- 2009 - Certificate of Distinction for Antara Tumasik dan Singapura by Angkatan Sasterawan 50
- 2009 - Golden Point Award by National Arts Council (Singapore)
- 2009 - NAC (Overseas) Bursary Award by National Arts Council (Singapore)
- 2009 - Youth Activist Icon (Tokoh Belia Aktivis) by National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
- 2010 - Model Young Writer (Tokoh Penulis Muda) by Mutiara Minda, MPH, Malaysia
- 2011 - Honorary Award (Anugerah Penghormatan) by Malay Language Society, University of Malaya
- 2011 - Gold Award (Anugerah Kencana) by Malay Language Society, University of Malaya
- 2011 - Alumni Award by University of Malaya
External links
- SCRIBD.com, Muhammad Jailani Abu Talib Scribd Page