From February 6 to 8, 2025, the International Association of Cultural and Creative Industry Research (IACCIR) delegation visited Singapore to explore the integration of emerging technologies in the cultural and creative industries, particularly the academic researches and applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussions focused on key topics such as intangible cultural heritage preservation, computational design, cultural studies, and industry management.
The delegation met with key government agencies, including the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the National Arts Council (NAC), as well as leading institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Singapore campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. These exchanges laid the groundwork for future academic collaborations and cross-sector partnerships.
The delegation was led by Professor Weimin ZHANG, Dean of ICCI, along with Professor Ke XUE, Vice Dean and Chinese Director of IACCIR, and Professor Ben LEE, Foreign Director of IACCIR from the University of Southern California. Other scholars included Associate Professor Emma DUESTER, Assistant Researcher Dr. Lu XU, Senior Lecturer Ji HAN from the University of Exeter, and Ph.D. candidate Xiaotian LU from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
On February 6, the delegation held academic exchanges with LASALLE College of the Arts and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at NTU.
LASALLE College of the Arts, founded in 1984 by Brother Joseph McNally of the De La Salle Brothers, is one of two private institutions in Singapore granted equal status to public polytechnics. LASALLE integrates theory and practice, emphasizing academic creativity and offering modern facilities for artistic and creative practices. Building on prior collaboration between ICCI and LASALLE, both parties furthered discussions on collaborative degree programs.
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at NTU, established in 1992, has become a world-class research center in media and information. Ranked first in Asia and fourth globally in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, the school excels in areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, health communication, mobile communication, strategic media, neuro-media research, big data analysis, and film/documentary studies. Scholars from both institutions discussed the application of AI in news production, information systems, and network analysis, and explored future opportunities for research collaboration and academic programs.
Delegation Visited LASALLE College of the Arts
Delegation Visited Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at NTU
On February 7, the delegation visited the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the National Arts Council (NAC) of Singapore for further academic exchanges.
The National Heritage Board (NHB), established in 1993, oversees national museums and heritage institutions in Singapore. The NHB actively collaborates with communities and businesses to preserve and promote the country’s multicultural heritage. The delegation focused on the Heritage Plan 2.0, launched in 2023, which emphasizes identity recognition, community engagement, industrial cooperation, and innovation. This plan aims to strengthen cultural practices rooted in historical identity while driving dynamic cultural development, providing a foundation for the growth of Singapore's cultural sector.
The National Arts Council (NAC) leads Singapore’s arts and cultural development through national policies. The delegation was particularly impressed by the NAC’s year-round arts festivals, which showcased Singapore’s multicultural heritage and diverse artistic expressions.
The delegation also extended an invitation to the NHB and NAC to visit Shanghai, fostering potential cross-disciplinary collaboration between the two countries.
National Heritage Board Introduces Heritage Plan 2.0
Delegation Visits National Arts Council
The International Association for the Study of Cultural and Creative Industries (IACCIR) was founded by the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI). The association aims to foster global academic and industry collaboration in the field of cultural and creative industries. Its core objectives include advancing research, building bridges between academia and industry, and establishing international partnerships in policy planning and academic publishing.Since its founding in 2021, IACCIR has launched two rounds of global project calls, funding 23 research projects. These projects involve scholars from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, Zhejiang University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Imperial College London, University of Liverpool, Yale University, University of Southern California, Syracuse University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Zurich, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, University of Groningen, University of Helsinki, Curtin University and many others. Research topics cover various aspects of cultural and creative industries.
As of the conclusion of the first phase, over 60 high-level journal articles and conference papers have been published, and more than ten academic workshops and exhibitions have been organized. The association’s work has attracted widespread media attention, with coverage from People's Daily, Guangming Daily, and Yahoo News.
This visit marks the first international exchange since the launch of the IACCIR Phase II projects. The primary objectives were to integrate the association's research efforts, strengthen communication and collaboration among scholars across different projects, and foster international exchanges with leading research institutions.Dr. Ji HAN, Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter, remarked, “The exchange, with its diverse academic and industry perspectives, has been truly inspiring. It has provided new insights for my research and expanded opportunities for international collaboration. I am grateful to IACCIR for this invaluable opportunity and look forward to future activities that explore further cultural innovation possibilities.”
Looking ahead, as the IACCIR prepares to officially launch Phase III projects, the association will continue to organize annual academic discussions, international visits, and the dissemination of research outcomes. These initiatives will further enhance collaborative research, improve the association’s research impact, and elevate its international presence.