Some experiences stay with you not because they are monumental but because they remind you why you do the work you do. In June, I had the opportunity to present a poster at the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL XIX) in Kuala Lumpur. Sharing the history of the UTM Virtual Gallery and showcasing the hard work of numerous individuals who have developed and supported it over the years was a significant opportunity.
When our poster, “From Gallery to Gateway: Showcasing Institutional Knowledge & Heritage Through UTM Virtual Gallery”, was announced as the First Prize winner in the CONSAL Boulevard Poster Competition, it was both a pleasant surprise and a humbling moment. It was never about competing or winning. It was about telling a story that shows how libraries can evolve, connect people with knowledge and keep institutional memory relevant in a changing world.
A Story Built by Many
UTM Virtual Gallery has always been a team effort. What we presented at CONSAL was the result of years of dedication by people who believed that knowledge is more than information. It is the living memory of a university’s identity, its achievements and its journey. Our role was simply to share that story on behalf of everyone who had contributed to it.
Together with fellow librarians – Nabilah Jamil, Nas Rashidah Mohd. Muztaza and Muhammad Hazim Yusof, we illustrated how the UTM Virtual Gallery acts as a bridge between past and present, using technology to bring UTM institutional knowledge to life. Every part of the poster, from early ideas to the final product, reflects teamwork, creativity and a shared belief in the importance of preserving and sharing our collective story.
A Small Step, A Meaningful Reminder
This was also our first time participating in a poster competition and that made the experience even more special. It reminded me that growth often comes through sharing what we do with a wider audience. Hearing positive feedback from peers across the region was reassuring. It showed that our efforts resonate beyond the university and that the work of connecting people with heritage and institutional knowledge has value far beyond our own walls.
Looking Ahead
For me, the recognition at CONSAL XIX is not an endpoint but a gentle nudge to keep moving forward. It reinforces the importance of finding new ways to make heritage and institutional knowledge accessible and engaging, whether through digital platforms, storytelling, or emerging technologies.
Most of all, it reminded me that success in our field is rarely about big moments. It is about quiet, consistent work and the collective effort of many people working toward a shared purpose. I am grateful to have had the chance to represent that effort, and I look forward to continuing the journey of connecting the past with the present, one small step at a time. Most importantly, I hope the legacy of UTM’s institutional knowledge will continue to inspire the future.