2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum: Empowering the Next Generation for Cultural Heritage Preservation
The 2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum (ACHYF) recently took place, serving as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of cultural heritage conservation. The forum commenced with an opening ceremony led by Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, at the Borneo Cultures Museum on October 1, 2024.
Theme and Organization
Under the theme “Harnessing Local Wisdom, Innovate to Protect Our Cultural Heritage,” the forum was organized by Swinburne Innovation Malaysia, a subsidiary of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, in collaboration with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The event gathered over 100 university students from more than 20 countries, aiming to empower young leaders to actively participate in preserving Asia’s diverse cultural heritage. The agenda featured keynote speeches from prominent scholars and conservators, student presentations, and cultural experiences.
Opening Address
In the opening address, Professor Dr Sim highlighted the Sarawak government’s commitment to heritage preservation in an increasingly globalized world. He noted that initiatives like the ACHYF play a crucial role in fostering a greater understanding of shared histories and cultural diversity in the region. Professor Dr Sim stated, “Heritage conservation is not just about preserving the past; it is about investing in the future,” emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in safeguarding cultural legacies.
Key Competition
A key feature of the forum was the Asia Cultural Heritage Conservation & Utilisation Proposal competition, in which 18 university teams presented innovative restoration or conservation proposals for heritage sites in their respective countries, combining local insights with modern technological methods.
Discussion Topics
Discussion topics at the forum encompassed both tangible and intangible cultural heritage preservation. Objectives included enhancing awareness of cultural significance, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and encouraging international collaboration in conservation initiatives. The forum’s activities supported global efforts, such as UNESCO’s heritage protection campaigns and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,” which focuses on the safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage.
Contemporary Challenges
Participants addressed contemporary challenges intersecting with cultural heritage, such as urban development, tourism, and technological advancements, and were encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary strategies in addressing these issues.
Partnerships in Conservation
The forum highlighted the critical role of regional and global partnerships in conservation efforts, nurturing a new generation of advocates for cultural heritage. Support for this initiative was provided by notable institutions, including Swinburne Innovation Malaysia, the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and Fudan University in China.
Networking Dinner and Conclusion
The forum concluded with the SABERKAS 2nd ACHYF Networking Dinner, held at the Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant on October 4, 2024. This event was attended by various dignitaries and guests, including YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy President of SABERKAS.
The 2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum represents a significant advancement in collaborative efforts toward preserving Asia’s cultural heritage.
(Cited from original source)
