Gema Bumi, a visionary sound mapping project led by SEGi’s Yii Kah Hoe, has officially launched its highly anticipated interactive SoundMap — an online “museum” of Malaysia’s unique soundscapes, blending nature, culture, and heritage in a powerful digital archive. With categories spanning rivers, caves, forests, historical markets, and traditional performances, the SoundMap is a creative innovation that redefines how Malaysians experience their national identity through sound.
Currently featuring 20 soundscape videos, the map is a living project, set to expand over the next five years with audio contributions from across the nation. Visitors can simply click on the map’s interactive icons to listen and immerse themselves in each unique acoustic environment. The SoundMap not only preserves Malaysia’s intangible heritage, but also provides an accessible, inclusive platform for education and cultural appreciation. Explore the map at www.gemabumi.com.
This initiative strengthens efforts to digitally preserve traditional knowledge systems in line with the United Nations’ call to protect cultural and natural heritage. As younger generations grow increasingly distant from traditional roots, projects like this ensure that cultural memory is not only preserved but also reintroduced through innovative and immersive technology.
Soundscapes are known to shape emotional memory, cultural connection, and community identity. According to World Forum for Acoustic Ecology research, preserving sound environments enhances environmental awareness and strengthens community ties, particularly in rural and indigenous settings.
SEGi College Subang Jaya’s leadership in this national-level creative archive reflects its mission to fuse education, culture, and technology in ways that deliver long-lasting social impact. By combining artistry with digital innovation, the SoundMap supports Malaysia’s wider goals in heritage conservation, sustainable development, and public accessibility to cultural resources.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
