Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 26, 2026 — The inauguration ceremony of the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Fund, established under the World Public Welfare Alliance Foundation (WPWAF), was successfully held today at the Foundation’s office in Kuala Lumpur. The event began at 2:00 PM, with the official appointment ceremony completed at 2:30 PM. Entrepreneurs, academic experts, public figures, and public welfare partners from Malaysia and abroad attended to witness this important milestone in global intangible cultural heritage (ICH) preservation and international cultural exchange.
During the ceremony, Mr. Lim Soon Ann, President of the World Public Welfare Alliance Foundation, and Mr. Shane Wen, Executive Chairman, jointly announced the establishment of the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Fund. Ms. Yin Hongling was formally appointed as Director and will oversee the Fund’s strategic planning, project implementation, and international partnerships.
The establishment of the Fund marks a significant step in the Foundation’s commitment to cultural public welfare and the preservation of humanity’s cultural treasures. Its mission is to build a professional and internationally oriented platform for the protection, promotion, and sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage, enabling traditional cultural practices to transcend geographical boundaries and flourish globally.
The Fund is dedicated to advancing innovation, preservation, and international collaboration in the field of intangible cultural heritage, guided by the principles of preserving cultural roots, promoting exchange, empowering innovation, and ensuring sustainability. It will integrate resources from government, business, academia, media, and the public welfare sector to create a comprehensive platform for heritage transmission, cultural cooperation, and industry development.
In its initial phase, the Fund will focus on strengthening cultural connectivity between China and Malaysia. Efforts will be directed toward introducing high-quality Chinese intangible cultural heritage projects to Malaysia through exhibitions, skills exchanges, educational programmes, and business partnerships. These initiatives aim to deepen cultural ties between the two nations and encourage mutual appreciation and integration between Chinese traditional culture and Malaysia’s diverse local heritage.
A cultural exchange forum was held alongside the ceremony, where distinguished guests engaged in discussions on cultural inheritance, innovation, and cultural confidence. Participants agreed that intangible cultural heritage represents both the roots of a nation and a shared treasure of humanity. They emphasised that cultural preservation must remain grounded in historical authenticity while embracing contemporary relevance to ensure lasting vitality.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Yin Hongling expressed her commitment to fulfilling the Fund’s mission and leading the team in implementing the first phase of China–Malaysia heritage collaboration projects. She also pledged to expand the global network for heritage cooperation, safeguard traditional skills, and promote cultural essence to ensure that intangible cultural heritage remains vibrant, relevant, and internationally recognised.
Mr. Shane Wen, Executive Chairman of the World Public Welfare Alliance Foundation, stated that the establishment of the Fund is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new era in global heritage preservation. Moving forward, the Foundation and the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Fund will work closely with partners around the world to deepen efforts in cultural preservation and international exchange, using public welfare as a driving force to support the flourishing of human civilisation.
Reprinted from ASEAN Expo Forum
