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Digital Sustainability of Heritage: Exploring Indicators Affecting the Effectiveness of Digital Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Qualitative Interviews

Author

Listed:
  • Zi Yan

    (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Chen Kim Lim

    (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Sharina Abdul Halim

    (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Minhaz Farid Ahmed

    (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Kian Lam Tan

    (School of Digital Technology, Wawasan Open University (WOU), George Town 10050, Penang, Malaysia)

  • Lucheng Li

    (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

Abstract

Currently, the digitization of heritage has become a research hotspot, but there remain gaps in evaluating the effectiveness of its digital dissemination. This qualitative study explores the indicators influencing the effectiveness of digital dissemination of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), with a special focus on Shu brocade weaving techniques, which is the national ICH item of China and has a high cultural, economic, and artistic value. Original data for this study was collected through semi-structured interviews with the most representative stakeholders. Based on the grounded theory, interviews were further analyzed through NVivo software 14, and 30 indicators were identified. The results of this study reveal the importance of indicators related to the authenticity and integrity of cultural connotations as well as the transmission of traditional skills, especially through stakeholder participation, in the digital dissemination of ICH. This study emphasizes the significance of improving the effectiveness of digital dissemination for the sustainable development of ICH and the preservation of precious culture for future generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Zi Yan & Chen Kim Lim & Sharina Abdul Halim & Minhaz Farid Ahmed & Kian Lam Tan & Lucheng Li, 2025. "Digital Sustainability of Heritage: Exploring Indicators Affecting the Effectiveness of Digital Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Qualitative Interviews," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1593-:d:1591584
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chen-Kim Lim & Muhammad Zaffwan Idris & Yi-Chee Chan & Kian-Lam Tan & Minhaz Farid Ahmed & Mazlin Bin Mokhtar, 2023. "Journeying through Time: Exploring the 19th Century Old Transportation Legacy of Weld Quay, Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Wen-Jie Yan & Shang-Chia Chiou, 2021. "The Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Perspective of Civic Participation: The Informal Education of Chinese Embroidery Handicrafts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-21, April.
    3. Yang Gao & Mengmeng Li & Qingning Li & Keji Huang & Shiwei Shen, 2022. "Inheritors’ Happiness and Its Relevant Factors in Intangible Cultural Heritage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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