KUCHING: The second Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum (ACHYF) at the Borneo Cultures Museum here sets out to highlight the understanding of shared histories and diverse traditions throughout Asia.

This was stated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian in his speech for the official opening of the five-day forum yesterday.

Hosted 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 is themed ‘Harnessing Local Wisdom, Innovate to Protect Our Cultural Heritage’.

For this edition, the organiser has registered the participation of representatives of over 100 universities from across more than 20 countries.

“The ACHYF is set to create a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and expertise in cultural heritage conservation. It features keynote addresses from distinguished scholars and conservators, student’s presentations, and immersive cultural experiences.

“A notable highlight is the ‘Asia Cultural Heritage Conservation and Utilisation Proposal’ competition, where 20 university teams are competing for grants from the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation,” said the organiser in a press release.

Over the next five days, the participants will explore the intersections between cultural heritage and contemporary issues such as urban development, tourism, and technological innovation.

The ACHYF is meant to encourage students to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging their diverse academic backgrounds to generate innovative insights and solutions.

“The forum’s agenda aligns with global initiatives, including Unesco’s call to action for heritage protection, and contributes to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly ‘Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities’, which focuses on safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

“As the ACHYF progresses, it is expected to cultivate a new generation of cultural heritage advocates equipped to address the challenges of heritage conservation in the 21st century,” said the organiser.

Also present during the opening event were Deputy Chinese Consul-General in Kuching, Song Chang Hong; Swinburne Sarawak pro-vice chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Lau Hieng Ho; Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation deputy director Zhao Yinjia; and Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman.