People interested in learning about Bhutanese intangible cultural heritage can access improved qualitative and quantitative information through the ichLinks platform. ichLinks is a one-stop online platform for Asia-Pacific region to facilitate exchange, documentation and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. The online platform was developed by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP). Information officers from eight countries attended a capacity building workshop in Thimphu for the last two days.
The ichLinks platform offers a wide range of content, including documentaries, write-ups, photos, and audio materials of intangible cultural heritage of the member countries.
During the workshop which involved information officers from eight member countries, including Bhutan, were trained on carrying out research and uploading content on the platform. The archivist of the National Library and Archives of Bhutan is the information officer in Bhutan.
According to the officials from the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, this online platform will help promote Bhutanese intangible cultural heritage and boost tourism.
Yeshi Lhendup, Deputy Chief Librarian National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development said “The main objective of ichLinks is to showcase our intangible cultural heritage to local and international audiences such as Drametse Ngachham, Marchang, Chibdrel and ways of writing Dzongkha scripts. Details of culture and history can be found in ichLinks by typing ‘Bhutan’ in the link’s search bar.”
Similarly, information officers from other countries said that the workshop will enhance their ability to produce qualitative content on the platform.
Saruul Arslan, Head of Registration and Documentation of the National Centre for Cultural Heritage in Mongolia said “We learned lessons for improvement. Usually, we work with specific documentation from our cultural field. However, we learned that we should also consider the general education, general public, and keep in mind the promotional objectives while making content for ichLinks.”
Venina Qiolevu Moce, Senior Culture Officer of Fiji said “What really excited me was about how we can improve our content as we continue to contribute to the ichLinks platform. In another way, this means informing the world of what we have done in Fiji with regards to the intangible cultural heritage initiatives we have undertaken.”
Sangmook Park, Programme Specialist of Information and Research Office of ICHCAP in South Korea said “We are actually planning to expand the partnership, especially including more countries in the partnership, as well as the cultural institutions, while improving the quality and the consistency of data shared through the platform.”
The International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region plans to introduce multiple languages on ichLinks to ensure greater accessibility.
Namgay Dema & Dechen Choden
Edited by Tshering Zam
