The Chain of Civilisation – Digital Intangible Cultural Heritage Co-Creation Initiative” Global First Stop

20 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The “Chain of Civilisation – Digital Intangible Cultural Heritage Co-Creation Initiative” will make its Global First Stop in Malaysia from 27 February to 1 March 2026 at Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative is guided by the China National Society for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and organised by The Chain of Civilization Organising Committee

Held under the theme “Chinese Visions on Paper”, the exhibition focuses on the art of Chinese paper-cutting, showcasing works from China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage project, Yuxian Paper-Cutting, alongside creations by contemporary paper-cutting artists. Through the integration of digital technology, immersive spatial design and contemporary artistic expression, the exhibition explores how traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve within a modern context.

The press conference will offer members of the media first access to the core exhibition zone. Among the highlights are approximately 40 original works by Zhou Shuying, Representative Inheritor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage project Yuxian Paper-Cutting, including her “Twelve Zodiac” and “Flora and Fauna of Fortune” series. The exhibition will also present the “Thousand-Pattern Project” series by contemporary artist Cui Xiaoqing, which examines the relationship between Chinese character structures and traditional paper-cut motifs.

Visitors will experience the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Cube”, an immersive digital exhibition zone combining light, shadow and video installations, alongside continuous screenings of “The Chain of Civilisation · Chinese Visions on Paper”. A “Master Workbench” semi-public creative space will demonstrate traditional processes such as drafting, cutting and colour separation, offering insight into the craftsmanship behind the art form.

In addition, a “New Year AI Interactive Greeting Card” installation will enable visitors to merge traditional paper-cut motifs with digital generative technology to create personalised works inspired by Chinese aesthetics. Joint guided sharing sessions by a Chinese paper-cutting instructor and a Malaysian batik teacher will further highlight a cultural dialogue between traditional crafts from China and Malaysia.

As the Global First Stop, the Malaysia edition reflects both cultural connectivity and regional significance, positioning Southeast Asia as the starting point for broader international engagement.

The detailed programme and official media invitation will be circulated on Monday, 23 February 2026.