Swinburne Innovation Malaysia, China’s Fudan University co-host 2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum

KUCHING (Sept 6): Final preparations for the Second Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum reached completion following a visit by a delegation from Swinburne Innovation Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SWIM) to Fudan University in China last week.

The forum, co-hosted by both institutions and supported by the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Business Events Sarawak, will be staged at the Borneo Cultures Museum here this Oct 1 to 5.

It is set to welcome over 100 participants including students, academics and heritage conservators from various Asian countries.

The event will focus on bringing together young voices and experienced professionals to exchange ideas and strategies on the integration of traditional knowledge and innovative technology to support cultural heritage conservation.

Led by SWIM chief executive officer Prof Wallace Wong, the Sarawakian visitors were received by Prof Huang Yang, Prof Sun Yunlong, Prof Ba Zhao Xiang, Prof Zhang Chao Zi and Assoc Prof Zhen Danni from Fudan University’s Department of History.

In addition to confirming the forum’s agenda during the visit, both parties also explored potential collaborations in research and cultural exchange.

Furthermore, Zhang alongside Dr Bibiana Lim from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus are serving as co-chairs of the forum.

Wallace remarked: “Southeast Asia and China share deep cultural ties, rooted in centuries of trading and migration, which have shaped the region’s rich and diverse heritage. Nurturing the next generation of leaders in heritage conservation is essential to preserving these traditions.

“Through this youth forum, we aim to empower young minds to safeguard these cultural treasures, ensuring they continue to inspire and educate future generations.”

The Sarawak delegation also visited several cultural heritage sites in Shanghai, including Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yuyuan Bazaar and the Bund.

These visits highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage amid urban development, a theme that will be emphasised during the upcoming forum.

The Second Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum will spotlight the region’s diverse heritage and encourage dialogue on conservation efforts among the next generation of heritage professionals.

For more information about Swinburne Sarawak, go to www.swinburne.edu.my, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), X platform (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).