RELICS: digital preservation of the Malacca Sultanate’s historical events through animated narratives

Preservation of cultural heritage is crucial amidst globalization and modernization as part of the efforts to protect national identity and historical understanding for future generations. This study addresses the declining awareness of the Malacca Sultanate's historical currency, particularly among youth, by creating a 2D edutainment animation about the Malacca Sultanate’s Golden Dinar. The data were gathered through a semi-structured interview with a numismatic expert and a questionnaire survey involving high school students, with the aim of creating an animation that aligns well with teenagers' preferences. The results indicated a strong interest in anime and action genres, validating the animations’ effectiveness in making historical content engaging. The animation also successfully captured the youth's interest, proving to be a powerful tool for digital preservation and education. The blending of education with entertainment is thus proven as a promising approach to enhance the understanding and appreciation of history and cultural heritage, particularly among youth.