AI tournament opens to China, ASEAN

A launch event for the "Pan-Industry Mega AI Tournament" took place on July 19 in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in order to shed light on the potential for collaborative and innovative advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.

The competition, themed around "AI Guangxi, AI China, AI ASEAN", will run from July to November and is open to top companies, research teams, university students, and individuals from numerous areas.

The primary focus of the event is to find new ways AI can be useful for China and ASEAN region, nurture emerging AI enterprises, and promote the deep integration of AI technology with the real economy.

The event was comprised of individual interviews with the media and a convention-style presentation for a large audience. The program began with an AI-generated video incorporating local textile patterns with high-tech industries: microprocessors, bullet trains, and agricultural drones, which was followed by presentations of the AI applications expected for the tournament.

The decision to host the competition in Guangxi stems from its strategic location.

With a long-standing foundation in agriculture, industry and tourism, Guangxi faces the dual need of upgrading traditional industries while ushering in new ones.

Recognizing the potential of AI as a key engine for new quality productive forces and enhancing regional competitiveness, Guangxi underscored AI as a crucial tool for empowering a host of industries and achieving breakthroughs in new economic sectors.

Furthermore, as AI continues playing a vital link in China-ASEAN cooperation and building a community of mutual goals, Guangxi's geographic location position it as a pivotal node for China and ASEAN nations to come together to collaborate in AI technology.

The competition aims to construct a cross-border industrial ecosystem by efficiently connecting international resources and markets. Through strategic planning, integration and practical applications, the tournament aims to foster a collaborative environment conducive to building a cross-border industrial ecosystem.

Guangxi has been exploring AI applications tailored for the ASEAN market as it is believed that AI technologies can help promote social development and improve the livelihoods of people of ASEAN nations.

Initiatives such as the construction of multilingual language corpora and the development of AI applications for legal purposes, geological disaster early warning systems in the Lancang-Mekong River region, and intelligent identification of harmful organisms in oil tea plantations demonstrate the region's commitment to advancing AI technologies with practical implications.

The 17 entries currently taking part in the initiative are tailoring the power of AI to needs such as healthcare services, manufacturing vehicles, and even growing blueberries. The opportunities are unlimited for those who wish to pool their knowledge in this huge initiative.

In summary, this launch event in Nanning set the stage for a new era of collaboration between China and ASEAN nations.

By emphasizing "AI for All", innovation and practicality, the initiative holds the potential to drive significant advancements in AI development, propel economic growth, and address societal challenges in a more holistic and inclusive manner.

As the competition progresses over the next few months, organizers are anticipating that a spirit of cooperation and mutual support will guide participants in their AI endeavors, in order to shape a future marked by interconnectedness and technological advancement through joint efforts and problem-solving.

Elliot Maldonado is a US expert of China Daily Website.