“Tastes of Asia – A Cultural Journey: Asian Peace through Cultural Understanding” is a commendable example of efforts by non-governmental organizations in the safeguarding of cultural heritage through the involvement of youths and communities. Organized by the International Folk Art, or “IOV”, an international NGO established in 1998, the event took place in Sarawak, Malaysia, on 20-26 January 2014, with the participation of 90 youth representatives from 16 countries.
These young volunteers with diverse cultural, educational and professional backgrounds, dedicated their time and knowledge in the preparation and implementation of the congress. Various constructive activities included homestay nights at the Iban Longhouse, where participants get to experience the local way of life and build a relationship with the community through daily practices including meal preparation and traditional dance.
These youths also learned about one another through cultural performances, culinary demonstration, local market visit, delegate presentations, lectures and workshops, with a focus on gastronomical traditions and practices. The strong relationship between “food” and the ways of life was examined, leading to their awareness for the need to safeguard their heritage, especially through the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
After lectures and speeches delivered by Assistant Minister of Communications and Assistant Minister of Sports Sarawak; President of IOV; Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, Sarawak; representative from UNESCO; and culinary experts, the young delegates further explored and expanded the various concepts of safeguarding measures for intangible cultural heritage in following group work sessions. Ideas for plans to protect and promote their heritage in their hometown were formulated, shared and discussed among members.
The Youth Asia Congress 2014 equipped this young generation of people with tools and knowledge to help them in their work in cultural heritage safeguarding. It is through this meaningful event that friendships blossomed and people – youths, communities, and practitioners – developed and strengthened their network. Through these hands-on experiences, the participants came to better understand and appreciate different cultures, leading to mutual respect for one another, and finally peace that transcends beyond any cultural differences.
For more information, please visit: http://iov-world.com/