Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Fudan University, China are organising the Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum 2024, which will take place from October 1 to 5, 2024 in Kuching.
The forum is supported by the China Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak. It was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at Swinburne Sarawak yesterday (May 31).
The forum will feature over 100 university students from 20 countries, showcasing best practices in cultural heritage protection and utilisation, promote the sustainable development of cultural heritage and strengthen cultural exchanges.
The New Sarawak Tribune interviewed some students on their thoughts and expectations on this upcoming event:
IQKLIMA AZMAN, 23
Accounting & Finance Student
I am intrigued by the collaboration between Malaysia and China and learning more about Chinese culture is particularly interesting to me as I am of Chinese descent.
I believe this is a crucial stepping stone for Swinburne to once again expand its reputation globally and I hope this forum will expand my understanding and appreciation of my heritage.
THIRUSHA BALAMURALI, 23
Accounting & Finance Student
I would say that at least I’ve experienced something new because I’ve never really seen or heard other people from different universities, especially abroad, coming to Swinburne.
Yes, I am definitely excited. Our board of directors have inspired me with their passionate speeches to pursue entrepreneurship and to become more involved in business.
JASLYN WONG CHEE CHEE, 24
Accounting & Finance Student
I love making friends and this forum is a fantastic opportunity to meet Chinese students and learn about their culture and traditions. I’m especially interested in the traditional items and history of China.
This event definitely needs more publicity to become well-known and with better promotions, more interested people will attend. Perhaps increasing the scale of the event will also be beneficial.
ADRIAN KAMARN IGNATIUS NYALENG, 19
Engineering & Science Foundation Student
I find it interesting because, from the perspective of a debater, youth represent one of the most crucial voices in shaping the future of any nation, particularly in the context of nation-building.
I think there should have one-to-one sessions for the youth themselves to discuss how they can integrate cultures.
MICHAEL WONG JOO JIA, 19
Computer Science Student
I think getting an idea of how the cultures are in other places outside of Sarawak and how they do things in their places can be very interesting and helpful.
I hope we will eventually get the opportunity to interact with youth from other countries. As it is a cultural heritage forum, I hope my insight, my viewpoint and the things I know can prove to be as valuable to them as they are to me.
SOUL RUHUNG BENEDIKT JELYDIN, 19
Business Student
I appreciate the message the forum brings. It is true that the preservation of culture and heritage depends on youth because after all, we are the ones who will carry them forward.
The event highlights how crucial it is for young people to preserve their heritage. Culture is more than just language; it is music, food and traditions that shape our identity.
I believe the best approach is to leverage the prevalence of social media among youngsters and by promoting the event on these platforms and enlisting influential youth members to spread the word will, undoubtedly, attract more attention.
