On Thursday afternoon 19 June Austrade and the Australian Office in Taipei hosted a seminar on Australian Heritage Conservation in Taiwan. The event was held in the Office’s auditorium at the President International Tower. The purpose of the event was to showcase Australian heritage capabilities and report on AusHeritage’s involvement with the China University of Technology (CUTe) and Quemoy National University regarding the management of Kinmen Island’s rich heritage resources. About thirty people representing both Central and County governments, education bodies and private sector interests attended the event.

Some of the participants at the Australian Office heritage showcase on June 19, 2014 (Photo: Australian Centre)

Mr. Steve Chiu, Senior Business Development Manager, Austrade Taipei, was the MC for the event. AusHeritage is particularly indebted to Dr. Alex Yen, Associate Professor of Cultural Properties Research Center, China University of Technology who provided interpretation services for the presentation and some valuable commentary especially related to the Kinmen Island Program.

Bruce Pettman during his AusHeritage showcase presentation at the Australian Office, Taipei (Photo: Australian Centre)

Dr. Nicholas Rodgers, Deputy Representative of the Australian Office welcomed delegates and was followed by a special address by Mr. Gwo-Long Shy, Director-General, Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture. AusHeritage Deputy Chair Ian Cook then presented an introduction and overview on AusHeritage, its objectives and current projects.

Two AusHeritage member showcases followed. The first focused on various projects and approaches related to the built environment was delivered by Principal Heritage Architect, Bruce Pettman from the NSW Government Architect’s Office in Sydney. Ian Cook presented the second showcase on AusHeritage members from the collections, education, materials science, engineering, cultural mapping and interpretation sectors. Finally, Bruce Pettman provided an update on AusHeritage’s involvement with heritage management and promotion on Taiwan’s Kinmen Island in association with CUTe over the last 4 years.

Professor Alex Yen, China University of Technology, Bruce Pettman and Ian Cook during the Q&A session at the Australian Office showcase. (Photo: Australian Centre)

There was an opportunity for questions about AusHeritage and its operations and skilled resources after the formal presentations and a final informal networking session wound up the event.