Youth urged to help foster global collaboration

KUCHING: The younger generation plays a critical role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting international cooperation, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum at the Borneo Cultures Museum today, Dr Sim highlighted the significance of Malaysia-China relations, which have extended beyond governmental ties to people-to-people connections.

“Heritage conservation is not just about preserving the past; it is about investing in the future.

“We must encourage our youth to be active participants in preserving our cultural legacies, as they will inherit the responsibility of safeguarding these treasures for future generations,” he said.

He stressed the importance of culture in defining a nation’s identity.

“Culture is the soul of a nation. Without it, we may have wealth, but we lack class. Your role is to ensure that the cultural values we inherit are not lost but evolve with time,” he added.

Dr Sim also stressed that while government relations may be temporary, friendships between people endure, urging the youth to continue building on the foundations laid by previous generations and shaping the future not just for their nations but for the world.

The forum, themed ‘Harnessing Local Wisdom, Innovate to Protect Our Cultural Heritage,’ provides a platform for future leaders to explore opportunities for international cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

Hosted by Swinburne Innovation Malaysia, a subsidiary of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, in partnership with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the forum runs from Oct 1 to 5.

It will feature workshops, panel discussions, and cultural showcases aimed at fostering deeper connections among participating nations.