Chongqing - On November 28, the First General Conference and International Symposium of the Scientific and Technological Committee of the Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (ACHA) convened in Chongqing, marking a significant step toward advancing scientific and technological cooperation in the protection of Asian cultural heritage.
On November 28, the First General Conference and International Symposium of the Scientific and Technological Committee of the Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (ACHA) convened in Chongqing. (Photo: The event organizer)
The ACHA Scientific and Technological Committee was jointly established by organizations and experts from Asia and beyond whose missions align with the Alliance’s objectives. With 57 member institutions now onboard, the Committee is committed to advancing innovation, research, and sustainable development in cultural heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the long-term preservation and use of Asia’s cultural treasures.
During the conference, participants reviewed and adopted the Committee’s working guidelines and elected its inaugural leadership team. Luo Jing, Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Education under China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), was appointed as the first Executive Chair. Xing Jun, a Level-One Inspector with the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, will serve as Secretary-General.
Looking ahead, the Committee plans to ground its work in scientific research, focusing on critical priorities and building a research framework tailored to the characteristics of Asian cultural heritage. It aims to strengthen collaborative innovation by deepening cross-national, cross-institutional, and interdisciplinary partnerships to address shared challenges and support talent development.
The Committee will also promote openness and resource sharing by accelerating the establishment of a regional cultural heritage technology database and shared achievements platform—facilitating data exchange, technological cooperation, and mutual learning across Asia.
“It is worth noting that the Secretariat of the Committee has been established in Chongqing, hosted by the China Three Gorges Museum,” said Xing Jun. “The Secretariat will strive to provide high-quality services to all members, advance scientific research, strengthen collaborative innovation, and promote openness and sharing. We aim to contribute Asia’s strength to solving major scientific problems in cultural heritage conservation and breaking through key common technologies.”
The symposium also featured presentations by 15 experts and scholars from eight countries, who shared progress and practical experience in areas including risk prevention, conservation and restoration, research and interpretation, resource management, and the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage.
The symposium also featured presentations from 15 experts and scholars from eight countries. (Photo: The event organizer)
Rao Quan, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China and Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, attended the conference and delivered remarks. Zheng Xiangdong, Vice Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, and Kong Vireak, Secretary-General of ACHA, also addressed the event.