Young minds to shape cultural legacy

KUCHING: The 2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum is set to kick off from Oct 1 until Oct 5 at the Borneo Cultures Museum.

This event, a joint initiative of Swinburne Innovation Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SWIM) and Fudan University, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among young heritage professionals.

A delegation from SWIM, led by Professor Wallace Wong Shung Hui, recently visited Fudan University in China to finalise preparations for the forum.

During their visit, the delegation met with university representatives, including Professors Huang Yang, Sun Yunlong, Ba ZhaoXiang, Zhang ChaoZi, and Zhen Danni.

“Over 100 participants from various Asian countries have registered to attend the forum,” said SWIM in a statement today (Sept 6).

The event will focus on integrating traditional knowledge with innovative technology to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.Professor Zhang ChaoZi and Dr Bibiana Lim from Swinburne Sarawak will serve as Co-Chairs of the forum.

“South East Asia and China share deep cultural ties, rooted in centuries of trading and migration,” Professor Wong said.

“By empowering young minds, we aim to safeguard these cultural treasures for future generations.”

The Swinburne 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 in the face of urban development, a key theme that will be explored during the forum.