The Cultural Mapping Portal is a national arts and heritage database system that encompasses various categories including performing arts, traditional games, customs and traditions, traditional food, arts infrastructure, traditional attire, information on cultural figures, arts practitioners, and a directory of cultural NGOs. This portal was created as an information gateway with interactive access, in line with current needs for reference, promotion, and dissemination of arts and heritage information. In 2017, the program was recognized as one of the Public Service Transformation Initiatives by the Public Service Department (JPA).

Since its implementation, the Cultural Mapping Portal has become a key platform for the documentation and preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. With the advancement of digital technology, this portal continues to expand to ensure that cultural information is easily, accurately, and comprehensively accessible to all segments of society—including researchers, students, artists, and heritage enthusiasts.

In addition to functioning as an information repository, the portal also plays a role in strengthening cultural identity through collaborative initiatives with government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities. The diversity of data collected not only preserves cultural treasures but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations to understand, appreciate, and carry forward Malaysia’s rich and unique cultural legacy.

Looking ahead, the Cultural Mapping Portal will continue to be enhanced with digital innovations, including the integration of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to provide a more immersive interactive experience. Through these ongoing efforts, the portal is expected to become a catalyst for strengthening national cultural identity and elevating artistic heritage in the era of globalization.