Cross-border efforts needed to protect heritage

Ivan Henares, chairperson of the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance, agreed, saying there should be a "comparative analysis of heritage laws and policies in Southeast Asia". Such an initiative can help facilitate information sharing and promote best practices in the region.

He highlighted the region's untapped potential for shared cultural heritage, noting that 10 of the 11 nations in Southeast Asia have coastlines, offering an opportunity to explore their common maritime heritage.