Melaka to Host Pivotal ASEAN Workshop on Cultural Heritage Value Creation
MELAKA, 20 July: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), under its leadership within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar, is set to host the International Workshop on the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation from 23 to 24 July 2025 in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka.
Jointly organized with the ASEAN Secretariat, Think City, and Telekom Malaysia Berhad, the two-day workshop aims to harness Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage as a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, creative innovation, and social cohesion.
The event will convene more than 100 esteemed participants, including cultural heritage experts, creative industry leaders, academics, and representatives from ASEAN Member States, SOMCA (Senior Officials Meeting on Culture and Arts), and other key stakeholders. Together, they will engage in dynamic discussions and working sessions to explore transformative strategies in heritage conservation and value creation.
Highlights of the workshop include:
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Panel discussions on heritage-led development and inclusive growth
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Breakout dialogues on regional cooperation and community engagement
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Plenary sessions focused on integrating culture into sustainable policy frameworks
A central goal of the workshop is to maximize the socio-economic potential of ASEAN’s cultural heritage, strengthen whole-of-ASEAN collaboration, and promote public awareness and community participation in cultural preservation efforts.
The key outcome of the event will be the Melaka Declaration, which is expected to significantly shape future cultural policy direction in ASEAN. The declaration is anticipated to be a core contribution to the ASCC outcome document to be tabled at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
By positioning cultural heritage as a driver for inclusive development and innovation, the workshop reaffirms ASEAN’s collective commitment to protecting its shared legacy while building a resilient and culturally vibrant future.
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