ESEAP Conference 2024/Report/Rombituon

From May 10 to 12, 2024, I attended the ESEAP Conference 2024 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kota Kinabalu. This regional conference brought together Wikimedia communities from across the ESEAP region, and it was my first time participating. I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship from the Wikimedia Foundation, for which I am deeply grateful.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the conference

As Organizer

Trust & Safety team, ESEAP Conference 2024
I was on shift during the C3 Session: Wikidata, D3 – Language workshop, H2 – Malay Heritage and indirectly served as a member of the T&S team in another session I attended due to wearing a yellow lanyard

As Presenter
Presenter for the Kent Wiki Club IPGM Campus Kent: Globalizing Kadazandusun Language and Culture via Wikimedia ESEAP session
As Participant, sessions that I have participated in:

- Welcome Sunset Reception & Dinner, and Cultural performance
- Session A: Opening Ceremony
- Session B: ESEAP Hub Introduction
- C3 – Wikidata
- D3 – Language workshop
- E2 – Community Spotlight: Malaysia
- Cultural Village Trip
- H2 – Malay Heritage
- I1 – Campaigns
- J1 – Tools
- K1 – Copyright
- Session L
- ESEAP Hub (3) – Future Plan
- Session M
- ESEAP Hub (4) – The Plan

I was also appointed as a translator from Kadazandusun to Malay for the presentation sessions. Unfortunately, I was unable to carry out my responsibilities due to technical issues, which prevented the translation session from taking place.

Things learned at the conference

I learned many things from my first experience as part of the Trust & Safety Team; such as how to handle problems, the parties to refer to for resolving issues, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Wikimedia policies and much more.

* Session C3 - Wikidata

Wikidata can help document various things, including languages. I learned that many projects can be undertaken using Wikidata in efforts to preserve languages, heritage, and much more.

* Session D3 - Language workshop

This workshop provided me with knowledge, ideas and inspiration on using Lingua Libre and Wiktionary to add more entries for the Kadazandusun language. Projects on Lingua Libre and Wiktionary can evolve into community initiatives, especially in efforts to preserve languages with dwindling numbers of speakers. In my opinion, these platforms are also very suitable for use in teaching and learning in schools as educational aids.

*Session E2 - Community Spotlight: Malaysia

I had the opportunity to make a presentation in Kadazandusun titled "Kent Wiki Club, IPGM Kent Campus: Globalizing Kadazandusun Language and Culture through Wikimedia ESEAP," together with my friend, Jurina. In this presentation, we shared a bit about the activities of the Kent Wiki Club, which has been very active since its launch on August 18, 2023, at Wikimania Singapore 2023, as well as the challenges faced by club members and ways to overcome them. Every community surely faces challenges, especially in attracting the interest of the younger generation to actively contribute to Wikimedia. However, the most important aspects are commitment and strong cooperation from all parties involved. Therefore, I hope that members and alumni of the Kent Wiki Club will continue to maintain momentum in preserving Kadazandusun language and culture, and help in expanding digital references for Kadazandusun.

* Cultural Village Trip

Cultural Village Trip is a great opportunity to learn about local culture and experience traditional music, dance, food, crafts, and more. These aspects contribute to a satisfying and enriching experience that can broaden one's horizons and foster a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. Through this session as well, I can interact with other Wikimedians to share knowledge, build friendships, and collaborate in improving and enriching information in Wikimedia projects.

During session G, Taufik and I accompanied a participant to the hospital.

*H2 – Malay Heritage

Wikisource serves not only as a manuscript repository but also as a valuable resource for learning transcription.
Audio-visual media documentation is one of the ways I can contribute to the preservation of the Kadazandusun language and culture.
In education, Wikipedia can help enrich experiences and develop lifelong learning skills.

* I1 – Campaigns

The optimal use of social media can attract people's interest in Wikimedia projects. It also can provide a source of knowledge and build a sustainable network.
Collaboration between Wikimedians and educational institutions is crucial. This collaboration can achieve similar success or interest within the community (for example, the establishment of Wiki Club Kent).
Wikipedia and the Wikimedia projects play a crucial role in democratizing knowledge by providing access and control over the free dissemination of information, accessible to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. The open nature of Wikimedia fosters the emergence of collaborative initiatives, projects, and programs tailored to accommodate the enthusiasm and aspirations of the younger generation.

* J1 – Tools

The establishment of decentralized and community-based internet governance, especially in AI, is relevant.
The proper and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Wikimedia is highly beneficial for Wikimedians to contribute or share knowledge/information.
To create a better environment for sharing knowledge, collaboration within contributors are needed.

* K1 – Copyright

To promote Freedom of Panorama (FOP) in ESEAP, we need knowledge about the legislative backgrounds of the ESEAP countries.
Awareness of copyright issues is important for all individuals who wish to contribute to Wikimedia projects.
Through streamlined video editing, I can elevate the quality and impact of multimedia contributions on Wikimedia Commons

Before the closing ceremony, all participants of the Wikimedia ESEAP 2024 conference gathered to discuss future plans for the ESEAP hub, which included planning and voting for the ESEAP Summit 2025 and the ESEAP Conference 2026.

Plans after the conference (from what was learned or contributed in the conference)

Include more Kadazandusun words in English Wiktionary and LinguaLibre
Participate in more Wikimedia programs/workshops that can enhance my knowledge and skills
Initiate additional projects to increase community engagement in Wikimedia and to support the promotion of not only the Kadazandusun language and culture but also other ethnic languages through Wikimedia. (Bring in participants from underrepresented groups)
Explore other Wikimedia projects
Share learning and experience with other community members

Comments/ suggestions about the conference

Suggestions

The technical aspects need to be examined more carefully.
All presentation slides can be stored in a single platform/folder (Google Drive or Commons), organized neatly for easy retrieval by presenters and other participants.
Summary announcements before breaks would have been beneficial to ensure all participants were in the right place at the right time.

Comments

This ESEAP conference provided opportunities for learning and also strengthened relationships among Wikimedians.
The amenities and food were excellent.
Overall, it was an enriching experience that provided me with new knowledge, expanded my network, and inspired me to apply what I've learned in my work.

Special thanks to