National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said it would function as a special trust fund to support conservation initiatives, exhibitions, research, as well as the expansion of Malaysia’s arts and heritage.

“Through Dana Wakaf Khazanah Warisan, the corporate sector, interested bodies and the general public can channel contributions in the form of financial or material support,” he said in officiating the launch of the Chagee Malaysia and the Department of Museums Malaysia campaign at Muzium Negara here today.

He gave the example of the Australian Museum in Sydney, which raised over A$9 million with cost-sharing between Westpac Bank, the New South Wales government, and major donors.

Aaron said such a partnership model proved that government and corporate collaboration could have a significant impact on the sustainability of heritage institutions.

“Dana Wakaf Khazanah Warisan in Malaysia can be a strategic platform that connects the government, corporate sector and community in preserving and enhancing the country’s arts and heritage on the world stage,” he said.