ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) – Phase 2
| Proponent | : | ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing Agency | : | NTT DATA |
Background
The ASEAN region boasts a rich cultural heritage, which plays a vital role as it carries historical, social, and economic values for the communities. Despite its importance, cultural heritage is threatened by climate change, urbanisation, natural and man-made disasters. Digitisation of cultural heritage has been emerging as a crucial tool to improve the resilience of cultural institutions and safeguard the cultural assets from potential threats. This will ensure the sustainability of ASEAN’s heritage while fostering ASEAN identity despite the cultural, religious and historical differences among the ten ASEAN Member States.
ASEAN has been collectively harnessing the power of digitisation for its cultural heritage through the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) project. Phase 1 started in 2018 and successfully digitised a collection of over 160 cultural heritage items from 6 museums, galleries, and libraries from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It also launched the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) website that gives an in-depth look into the collections through three-dimensional (3D) models, images, and videos of valuable cultural heritage.
The whole project aims to cover all ASEAN Member States and will be divided into phases, with each phase focusing on two to three countries. The project also highlights the involvement of Japanese experts that have strong expertise, network and track record in digital archiving.
What is the project aiming for?
Phase 2 will support the digitisation programmes of cultural institutions of Cambodia and Myanmar. The project will carry on and build on the earlier achievements of Phase 1 through the following:
- Digitisation of cultural heritage items from Cambodia and Myanmar;
- Enhancement and maintenance of ACHDA Website; and
- Promotion activities to increase public awareness about cultural heritage of ASEAN.
Anyone can access many cultural heritages easily and instantly through this ACHDA Website anytime and anywhere. This is an innovative project benefitting not only ASEAN but the whole world. It is my pleasure to see advanced Japanese technology playing an indispensable role to launch this project using JAIF.
H.E. Chiba Akira
Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
Launching of the ACHDA Website
27 February 2020
Jakarta, Indonesia
The project contributes to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, particularly on raising ASEAN awareness and identity as stipulated in Strategic Measure A.2.vi: Promote ASEAN awareness among government officials, students, children, youths and all stakeholders as part of ASEAN identity. Further, it is in line with Priority Area 4.1.4: Utilize multi-media technology and online platforms to promote awareness on ASEAN heritage, culture, history and values of the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Culture and Arts 2016-2025.
ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA)- Phase 2 is slated to be implemented in two years, from 2021-2022.
As of 28 February 2021
