On the 19th February 2019, Representative Yang was invited to the Centre for Asian Studies in Trinity College Dublin to share Taiwan’s experiences in combining technology and culture.
In his speech, Representative Yang described how modern and contemporary art has become less of an ‘art’ and more like a type of philosophy. However, this type of philosophy can simply be out of reach for some; whilst all beings are born equal and enjoy basic cultural rights, contemporary art can become unattainable or difficult to access due to the development of history and society. Thus, a divide/gap appears, where certain members of society are denied the right of equal access to culture, a severe disadvantage in this day and age.
Technology, similar to art, has become an integral element in our daily lives, and is now more pivotal than ever before. The development of technology is particularly prevalent in Taiwan, which clearly signifies the arrival of the new age, an age in which artificial intelligence has a major part of our lives. In this new era, it is now easier than ever before to combine culture and technology, which makes culture more accessible. Taiwan initiated “Digital Learning Centre Program (ADOC)” under the framework of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) to eliminate digital gap before. Now Taiwan is using technology to eliminate cultural gap.
Representative Yang used these aforementioned points to stress the importance of science and technology, and the avenues that they open up for modern society and human life. Science and technology also allow for the creation of combined art, exemplified by Taiwanese dancer Huang Yi’s “Dance with Robots” a performance which merges culture with innovative technology. Another example is the “Mixed Reality (MR)” designed by Artist Huang Hsin-Chien and Scientist Yi-Ping Hung. MR allows views to appreciate art from all senses such as sight, touch, taste and smell. In this way, art is more down to earth. Art is no longer limited to pieces displayed in galleries, and therefore more accessible to the masses.
The Centre for Asian Studies in Trinity College Dublin is a vital platform for Asian influence to filtrate into Ireland therefore the Western World. Representative Yang’s speech in the centre proved to be very popular, with many members of the audience asking questions or offering their opinions and perspectives. It is events like these that raise an awareness and appreciation of Taiwan’s cultural and technological strengths in Ireland. Moreover, Taiwan's positive approach to technology, as opposed to using it as a tool to tighten control on the population, is reflective of Taiwan's free and fair democratic society.
Representative Yang Delivers Speech at the Trinity Centre for Asian Studies.
