The ASEAN–China Heritage: Dimensions of National Arts 2.0 (ACH-DNA 2.0) brought together cultural practitioners, creative entrepreneurs, researchers, designers and other stakeholders from ASEAN and China to promote cultural heritage through innovation, sustainability and creative exchange. Led by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and supported by the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund (ACCF), the programme was held under the theme “Reimagining Heritage Through Innovation.”

The first programme was held from 10 to 13 August 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, featuring knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops and exhibitions on sustainable textile innovation, heritage preservation, technology and creative development. The programme was officially opened by YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) of MOTAC, who highlighted the importance of embracing modern technology while safeguarding cultural authenticity.

The programme continued from 17 to 21 September 2026 in Nanning, China, in conjunction with the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026. It was officially launched by Dato’ Mohd Yusri, featured textile and craft exhibitions, craft innovation talks, live demonstrations, business matching and cultural visits. In particular, the business matching and networking activities connected cultural and creative practitioners with potential partners and industry stakeholders, providing opportunities to explore market linkages and potential collaboration between ASEAN and China. In his remarks, Dato’ Mohd Yusri highlighted the programme as a platform for ASEAN and China to exchange knowledge, experiences and innovative approaches to heritage preservation and development.

Through its activities in Malaysia and China, ACH-DNA 2.0 provided a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration among cultural practitioners and creative industries across ASEAN and China. Supported by the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund (ACCF), the programme contributes to the longstanding ASEAN–China partnership by strengthening people-to-people connections, promoting the preservation and innovation of cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for the sustainable development of the cultural and creative economy.