Deputy Culture Minister Dr. Pierre Tzu-pao Yang (楊子葆) delivered a talk on Taiwan's culture and technology at King's College London on Nov. 23 during a four-day trip to Europe.
Under the title "Cultural and Technological Experiences from a Taiwanese Perspective,” Deputy Minister Yang shared and exchanged his views concerning the development of culture and technology in Taiwan with audience members.
Deputy Minister Yang first answered questions about Taiwan's current important cultural policies that he received via email before the talk, to which he noted that Taiwan and the UK share the same issue of cultural divide. Thus, Taiwan hopes to bridge the class gap and promote cultural equality and access to culture by combining culture with technology in an innovative manner.
Deputy Minister Yang also stated his belief on how culture is a universal right, citing a French saying comparing culture to oxygen. Technology is also an exceptionally important element in this era, especially since the application of artificial intelligence has brought cultural performances to a new level, he added.
For instance, he said, Taiwan choreographer Huang Yi's (黃翊) digital performance of "Huang Yi & KUKA (黃翊與庫卡)” and the application of interdisciplinary arts in gaming all bring new and thrilling possibilities.
He stated that technology is the key to unlocking the cultural hierarchy in terms of leveling the playing field and redistributing resources. Moreover, virtual reality makes it possible to truly experience and interact with art with all five senses, making culture more practical and intimate to everyday life.
Touting Taiwan as a hub of world technology that manufactures and supplies most tech products used globally around the world, Yang pointed out how Taiwan has participated in designing content for numerous video games.
This interdisciplinary junction of culture and technology will contribute to cultural equality, enable equal access to culture, and deepen the reach of culture in daily life, he affirmed.
Attended by individuals from cultural, academic, and political circles, the talk began with introductory speeches delivered by King's College London Vice-Principal Funmi Olonisakin and Professor Jeanette Steemers of the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries.
Following the talk, a wine reception was held for participants and media representatives to learn more about the island nation and create collaborative opportunities in culture and arts through the exchange of ideas between Taiwan and the UK.