The Research and Innovation in Culture and Heritage of Johor (RICHER) is an idea from YBhg. Professor Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir bin Omar, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation). This project aims to re-branding research and innovation activities on the culture and heritage of Johor. To ensure the success of the project, PTTA was appointed as the project coordinator with several committee members from the University Cultural Centre, School of Languages and selected faculties.
The objective of implementing this project is to develop a centralised digital materials portal whether in the format of pictures, videos, newspaper clippings and other materials related to Johor's culture and heritage. It also aims to digitize the selected content of RICHER exhibition materials using animation technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Maya Exploration (Virtual Tour).
In addition to promote Johor's culture and heritage, PTTA's involvement in the project is seen as strengthening the library's role as guardian of knowledge to the university.
UTHM Contract Grant has been obtained to realize this project led by Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Aida binti Mustapha, Head of Computerized Mathematics Applications Research Center (CERCOM), Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. Now the RICHER Portal and the PTTA AR-Gallery application have been successfully developed which displays the uniqueness of the art of ghazal music originating from the Batu Pahat district. This application would be consisting of two main modules, which is specifically about Batu Pahat and also about the Art.
A collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia has also been made to implement the Gambus@PTTA Exhibition which is planned for 2022. This exhibition will highlight the development of gambus artistic heritage in terms of history, instrumentation and game style which will be led by Dr. Mohd Nizam bin Attan, Director of the University Cultural Center.
Most recently, an initiative led by Dr. Zaihasra binti Abu Talib through the UTHM Contract Research Grant will bring the Showcase@UTHM: History of Iron Ore Mining in Sri Medan and History of Battle in Parit Sulong which will reveal the facts and history.
