Brian Jeffrey
Preserving historical treasures is crucial for cultural heritage, yet without innovation, their economic potential remains untapped. Thanks to technological advancements, solutions are on the horizon.
The four key historical artifacts in focus are: the throne from the Nguyen Dynasty, the Dai Hong Chung bell located at Thien Mu Pagoda, a prominent censer found in the Nine Dynastic Urns at the Imperial Palace of Hue, and one of the Nine Dynastic Cannons.
If these treasures were to stay confined to the Hue Imperial Relics Preservation Center, they would fail to attract a wider audience and consequently lack significant economic impact and global recognition.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, the Director of the Hue Imperial Relics Preservation Center, has long voiced concerns regarding how these cultural assets can be leveraged to stimulate the digital economy and elevate cultural industry contributions globally.
In response, the Imperial Capital Archaeology Project was initiated to transform these historic treasures into contemporary cultural products, particularly through a recently popular trend of blind-box art toys.
The replicas utilize Nomion technology, embedding RFID chips (inclusive of NFC chips combined with blockchain technology) to ensure their authenticity and uniqueness.
Owners can engage with the toy replicas using their smartphones to verify ownership, explore the treasures’ creation stories, and delve into their historical and cultural importance through interactive 3D visuals and multimedia narratives.
Mr. Trung shares that this project enriches the exploration experience, sparking curiosity and encouraging the younger generation to engage with history.
This initiative helps showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage while solidifying Hue’s status as a major cultural hub in the nation.
Furthermore, Mr. Trung notes that this venture is not just a business endeavor; it carries an educational purpose. It allows individuals—students, tourists, and the public—to connect dynamically with historical narratives and cultural values. This fosters a greater awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, particularly among youth.
Additionally, the project has garnered attention from a wide range of tourists, both domestically and internationally, thereby enhancing Vietnam’s global image and highlighting the unique aspects of its culture.
“We believe that historical awareness will foster a love for the country and increase pride in Vietnam’s identity among young people. This project aims to connect our heritage from the past with contemporary society and future generations,” stated Mr. Trung.
He further emphasized that the Imperial Capital Archaeology Project exemplifies how collaborative efforts across multiple sectors can generate significant benefits for the digital economy and cultural industries.
The project successfully unites creators, historians, tech experts, and the community to produce a high-caliber modern cultural product.
Mr. Huy Nguyen, co-founder of Phygital Labs—one of the teams behind the Imperial Capital Archaeology Project—discussed the challenges faced during the project’s implementation.
Phygital Labs developed a comprehensive strategy that encompassed not just technology and products but also operational and communication aspects.
The team navigated numerous discussions to secure approval from authorities for their technology’s application to cultural heritage. After more than a year, they commenced with small initiatives that showcased their efficacy to gain trust for larger undertakings.
“This is a pioneering effort in Vietnam, especially given the site’s immense cultural importance. Convincing officials to support this initiative and disseminate its values posed significant challenges. Building trust with leadership and meeting our commitments were key to overcoming these hurdles,” Mr. Huy Nguyen remarked.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung also mentioned that the primary challenge for projects like this one lies in securing collaboration among various parties, necessitating clear alignment and direction for effective implementation.
Mr. Trung believes that advancing projects to preserve and enhance the economic value of cultural heritage requires more defined legal frameworks.
There is a pressing need for policies that encourage pilot initiatives, provide legal support, and facilitate the application of digital technologies for heritage preservation, along with options for tax benefits, financing, or innovation assistance.
The integration of this model within national initiatives, such as “National Digital Transformation” and “Cultural Industry Development,” is essential and could establish national standards for employing digital technology in heritage preservation and historical simulation across local contexts.
