SINGAPORE - The Malay Language Month promises to appeal to young and old when it returns in September.

Also known as 'Bulan Bahasa', it will feature exhibitions of Malay historical artifacts at the Asian Civilisation Museum where student volunteers will act as tour guides, guiding visitors in both English and Malay.

Malay music concerts, poetry recital and story telling sessions will be held there on Sept 6 and 7, with celebrities taking on the roles of Malay heroes.

Chairman of the organising committee Zaqy Mohamed said on Monday: "The activities are more mainstream so we can welcome all to Bulan Bahasa.

"Many might think that language festivals are organised by older people or the elite but we have youthful participants who have approached us to take part."

The month-long festival will also have a bigger presence in the heartlands, namely at Tampines and Taman Jurong Community Clubs, which will hold exhibitions about Malay marriage traditions, crafts and games.

Singing a pantun about love for the Malay language at the briefing, performer Ms Asnida Daud said: "The younger generation may be speaking Malay less, but as this pantun says if the love belongs to you, it will come back to you. "If you know you are Malay, the love of the culture will be embedded in you."