Ever wonder what it is like being the first Malay warrior captive, Panglima Awang or Enrique de Malacca, during his circumnavigation of the world in the 15th century?
Now, you can have the opportunity to experience his travels using the Reka Gallery Metaverse System (METTAREKA) presented through the Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project exhibition by Ahmad Fuad Osman at the National Art Gallery. The VR experience will run through Jan 31.
The Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project is a national permanent collection exhibition at the Reka Gallery since 2016, showcasing the story of Panglima Awang or Enrique de Malacca, also known as Henry The Black, who circumnavigated the world with Ferdinand Magellan's fleet from 1519 to 1522.
The METTAREKA for the Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project is an initiative undertaken by the National Art Gallery in collaboration with the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Head of the METTAREKA Project, Assoc Prof Dr Tengku Siti Meriam Tengku Wook said that METTAREKA is a virtual environment system that applies metaverse technology to transform the way users delve into and explore the maritime history of South-East Asia in the 15th century.
"We are revolutionising the way we learn history by offering a dynamic and engaging learning experience as it combines elements of virtual reality and digital storytelling to create a learning experience that transcends boundaries,” she says.
The METTAREKA system consists of four modules designed to provide users with a comprehensive exploration of the maritime history of South-East Asia.
These modules include 360-degree spatial navigation of the Reka Gallery, 3D character animation of Panglima Awang, navigation compass models, Astrolabe, and teleportation experiences on the ship, the Trinidad. - Bernama