The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum 2022 (ACCF) provides useful platform to gain cultural insights and awareness as well as understanding, which is aligned to ongoing efforts to bridge cultural differences, promote common values, diverse cultures, and spirit of unity through cultural exchanges and sharing, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS, Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah said.
She made these comments at a three-day programme of the ACCF which commenced on December 13 in Hong Kong.
She recognised the strong links between culture and nation building, and the importance to continuously explore and pursue constructive collaborations to fulfil this aspiration. Dr Siti Norkhalbi also mentioned about the successful revitalisation project in Brunei Darussalam that saw the transformation of the old Royal Customs and Excise building into the new Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja.
The Acting Director of the Museums Department and an officer from the Brunei Darussalam History Centre also participated.
The forum’s main highlight was the hybrid ministerial panel, where heads of delegation exchanged ideas and shared views on raising cultural cooperation.
A hybrid plenary session was also held focussing on ‘Revitalisation and Conservation of Historical Heritage’. The session was held at the Bethanie Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.
Throughout the three day programme, the Brunei delegation also attended a gala concert.
They also visited places of interests such as the M+ Museum, Pokfulam Village, and Art@Harbour in Tamar Park.
The forum saw the participation of cultural ministers and senior government officials from 15 countries, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
ACCF is an initiative by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China to foster regional cultural co-operation, sharing good practices and promoting culture and the arts.