TLDR: The First Chinese Cultural Heritage and AI Innovation Competition 2025 successfully concluded at the NTU Chinese Heritage Centre on August 11, bringing together nearly 50 young participants from various countries. The event encouraged youth aged 8 to 18 to utilize AI tools like ChatGPT, AI vision, and interactive design to creatively interpret Chinese cultural heritage, fostering a new generation of cultural storytellers in the digital age.
The First Chinese Cultural Heritage and AI Innovation Competition 2025, a pioneering event aimed at bridging traditional culture with cutting-edge technology, successfully concluded on August 11 at the Chinese Heritage Centre of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. This innovative competition was jointly supported by the Nanyang Cultural Foundation and NTU’s Chinese Heritage Centre, and hosted by the Singapore Asia Culture Communication Center.
Designed specifically for youth aged 8 to 18 who possess a passion for Chinese culture, the competition challenged participants to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to narrate cultural stories, reimagine age-old traditions, and expand the horizons of creative expression. The event saw enthusiastic participation, with nearly 50 contestants hailing from China, Singapore, and other countries and regions. These young innovators submitted more than 60 original projects, demonstrating a vibrant response to the call for ‘Tech meets Heritage’ in the era of AI.
The competition’s themes revolved around intangible heritage, Chinese literature, and folk traditions, providing a rich tapestry for exploration. Contestants delved into creative interpretations using a diverse array of technologies, including coding, AI-generated visuals, speech recognition, and interactive design. Notable projects included reimagining classic Chinese myths with the help of advanced AI models like ChatGPT, applying AI vision to educate audiences about intricate cultural artifacts, and one team even developed an immersive game inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, effectively infusing life and playfulness into cultural heritage.
The atmosphere during the presentations was described as electric, with participants passionately articulating their ideas. A panel of three expert judges meticulously evaluated all projects based on four key criteria: cultural depth, the sophistication of AI application, originality, and the overall impact of the presentation, ensuring a high standard of excellence throughout the judging process.
Professor Yow Cheun Hoe, Director of the Chinese Heritage Centre at Nanyang Technological University, underscored the significance of the initiative in his opening remarks. He stated, “AI is not merely a tool—it represents a new possibility to converse with tradition and shape the future. It is essential for Chinese heritage to enter the language systems and technological mediums of the next generation.”
The competition culminated in the presentation of several prestigious awards, including three AI Innovation Excellence Awards, ten Thematic Honor Awards, and multiple Outstanding Participation Awards. Beyond the recognition, the event served as a powerful testament to how the younger generation is actively redefining cultural engagement in a rapidly digitizing world through experimentation, creativity, and a profound sense of pride in their heritage. This competition served as both a platform for innovation and a space for intergenerational, cross-cultural dialogue, highlighting a promising future where AI can illuminate Chinese cultural heritage in new and compelling ways.
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About NTU Chinese Heritage Centre: Established in 1995, the Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC) at Nanyang Technological University is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of ethnic Chinese communities globally. Reconstituted as an autonomous institute of NTU in 2011, the CHC operates as a research center, museum, and library. It is housed in the historic Administration Building of the former Nanyang University, a National Monument since 1998, symbolizing the unique establishment of the first and only Chinese-medium university outside China by overseas Chinese. The CHC actively promotes awareness of Chinese history, culture, and tradition through exhibitions, library services, academic materials, public lectures, and international conferences.
