Initiated by the SEAMEO Secretariat, the Lectures Series on Managing Intangible Cultural Heritage was conducted from 24th to 26th February 2016 at SEAMEO CHAT in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), Japan. The objectives of the programme were,
- To appreciate the value of cultural heritage resources, and
- To expand the knowledge on managing intangible cultural heritage
Ms. Naoko Sato, Senior Specialist for Cultural Properties, Traditional Culture Division, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan gave three-day lectures to 26 participants from Department of History, Department of Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Department of Myanmar Language from Universities in Yangon area, University of Mandalay and Researchers from Historical Research Department, Ministry of Culture.
Three-day lectures to the academic staff from Universities in Yangon area and Mandalay University, researchers from Ministry of Culture gave wider as well as in-depth knowledge on the Japanese system to protect Intangible Cultural Properties. Moreover, Designation and Recognition of holders/group holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties and Living National Treasure, Measures for the protection of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, documentary films of Intangible Cultural Properties in Japan were also benefits for the participants and gave a new idea to conduct the research on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Myanmar. Also, they have learned some teaching strategies from the lecturer.
All the participants had comprehensive and fruitful deliberations, sharing of knowledge and experiences to improve the quality of research on Intangible Cultural Heritage. The lectures are not only invaluable in widening the knowledge on intangible cultural heritage but also help the academic staff to do their research effectively and systematically. The participants were given certificates of appreciation by SEAMEO CHAT on the last day.