Our lives today reflect the cultural influences, material and non-material, that have shaped our human societies since ancient times. Museums are vitally important institutions for preserving these cultural legacies. Developed and developing countries throughout the world have created museums as a means of preserving and displaying the distinctive features of their cultures. Although they may sometimes be politicised, it cannot be denied that museums play a unique and crucial role in modern society. Through research and understanding of the past, they contribute to public education and social development. However, in today’s fast-moving world, traditional methods and styles of museum management no longer meet the needs and wishes of society.

　　Recent years have seen great changes in the museum world, in the way collections are managed and exhibited, with greater emphasis on their educational function and on interaction with the public. The role of a museum has widened far beyond being simply the keeper of treasures. Visitors now increasingly hope to be active participants in museum activities, not just passive spectators.

　　In adapting to changes in the modern world and expanding the functions of museums, managers and administrators have the task of re-assessing the role their institutions play in society and the methods of management that are appropriate to that. Taiwan warmly welcomes the 2006 annual conference of INTERCOM. The theme this year is “The New Roles and Missions of Museums”. It is hoped that, through discussion and sharing experience, participants will better understand the current situation of museums in Asia, and that this may stimulate new ideas about museum policy and management in general.