Preserving Hakka Heritage Through Interdisciplinary Digital Integration: YunTech’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation Joins Hands with Hakka Culture Development Center Through MOU

Integrating Historical Research and Advanced Digital Technologies to Cultivate the Next Generation of Hakka Digital Heritage Professionals

The Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) and the Hakka Culture Development Center (HCDC) under the Hakka Affairs Council officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 5 at the Liudui Hakka Cultural Park. The agreement marks the beginning of a five-year collaborative partnership focused on four key areas: Hakka history and settlement investigations, digital interpretation of historical documents and archival materials, development of WebGIS geographic information platforms, and storytelling applications for intangible cultural heritage. Together, the two institutions aim to establish a comprehensive digital knowledge system for Hakka history and culture that combines local perspectives with an international outlook.

The MOU was signed by Professor Lan-Tung Lin, Chair of YunTech’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation, and Sheng-Hsin Hsieh, Director of the Hakka Culture Development Center. Under the theme “Interdisciplinary Digital Integration for Preserving Hakka Community Memory,” the partnership symbolizes the convergence of traditional Hakka collective memory and cutting-edge digital technology, bringing new academic momentum to Taiwan’s efforts in digital cultural heritage preservation.

YunTech Demonstrates Excellence in Humanities and Technology Integration

The Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation at YunTech is the only academic unit in Taiwan that comprehensively covers the fields of heritage investigation and research, digital archiving, and technology-based conservation and restoration. Professor Lin noted that the department is well prepared to engage with the extensive cultural resources accumulated over more than three centuries in the Liudui region and possesses two key strengths.

The first is its strong expertise in field investigation and documentary research, enabling rigorous studies of historical developments, land ownership changes, settlement beliefs, and local industries within Hakka communities. The second is its advanced capability in digital technologies and integrated applications, allowing the systematic encoding, interpretation, and management of historical documents, archives, maps, and related materials.

Professor Lin emphasized:

“Our work goes beyond simple data collection and cataloging. Through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and WebGIS technologies, we can visualize and reconstruct the spatial memory and cultural landscapes of Liudui. By applying innovative digital interpretation methods, we transform scholarly historical research into storytelling scripts, AR/VR-guided experiences, and educational materials. We are confident in our ability to convert static archival collections into a dynamic and interactive knowledge repository that engages contemporary society.”

Safeguarding Three Centuries of Community Memory While Cultivating Cultural Technology Talent

Director Hsieh stated that Liudui represents a powerful symbol of Hakka identity in Taiwan. From the Chung-Yi Pavilion faith tradition, which has long fostered community cohesion, to the irrigation systems and industrial landscapes shaped by local adaptation to the natural environment, Liudui embodies a rich history of everyday life and collective memory. With the participation of YunTech’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation, the maintenance, integration, and multidimensional application of Hakka historical and cultural databases will be significantly enhanced.

Over the next five years, the two organizations will jointly organize activities including historical site investigations, thematic exhibitions, and social media outreach initiatives, helping valuable Hakka community memories transcend geographical boundaries and be translated into forms that resonate with both the public and international audiences.

Another major highlight of this collaboration is its commitment to talent cultivation for the next generation. Through public lectures, workshops, international conferences, and field internship programs, the partnership will foster practical exchanges among researchers and students. Together, the two institutions will nurture future professionals who possess both deep cultural literacy and advanced digital competencies, creating a new generation of experts in Hakka studies and digital heritage applications while advancing the shared goal of sustainable development through the integration of academia and local culture.

Academic Exchange and Cooperation Signing Ceremony.

Director Sheng-Hsin Hsieh of the Hakka Culture Development Center (left) and Professor Lan-Tung Lin, Chair of YunTech’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation (right), sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Professor Lan-Tung Lin, Chair of YunTech’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation, delivers remarks at the ceremony.

Organizing Unit: Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation
Department Chair: Professor Lan-Tung Lin
Contact Person: Pei-Yu Liao
Tel: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 3061