2026 Beijing–ASEAN Youth Dialogue concludes

On the afternoon of May 27, the 2026 Beijing–ASEAN Youth Dialogue was held at the BPAFFC, bringing together a total of 50 participants. The Singapore China Association Youth Chapter, composed of young people from ASEAN countries including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, gathered for an in-depth dialogue, together with ASEAN students studying in Beijing and representatives of Beijing’s young entrepreneurs. The event received strong support from the Beijing Federation of Industry and Commerce, Beijing Institute of Technology, Capital Normal University, and other organizations. Feng Dan, Vice President of Beijing Institute of Economic and Social Development and Vice President of the Beijing Youth Research Association, delivered a keynote speech and moderated the roundtable discussion. Jiao Yutong, Vice President of the BPAFFC, delivered a welcome speech.

Remarks by guests

In his welcome speech, Jiao Yutong noted that though geographically apart, young people in Beijing and ASEAN may share common perplexities and dreams as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. He encouraged everyone to share their valuable experiences during the dialogue, and hoped that this event would serve not just as a single gathering but as a starting point for mutual understanding and ongoing connections.

Zhai Zihan, Chairman of the Singapore China Association Youth Chapter, said that over the years, the association has placed great importance on youth work. He hoped that this visit would help the delegation members gain a deeper understanding of the latest development trends in China, seize opportunities in emerging fields, discuss extensively with Beijing’s youth on issues of common concern, and forge true friendships.

Nguyễn Việt Hùng Anh, Business Development Manager of Thien Nam Import & Export LLC, shared his impressions of the visit on behalf of young people from ASEAN countries. He highlighted his profound admiration for the AI devices seen during the tour, and praised Beijing as a fertile ground for nurturing young talents in the AI era.

Keynote speech

Feng Dan, Vice President of the Beijing Institute of Economic and Social Development and Vice President of the Beijing Youth Research Association, delivered a report titled The Development and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Beijing, helping the young participants better understand the current landscape and outlook of the AI industry.

Roundtable dialogue

During the roundtable discussion, two young Chinese representatives and three young representatives from ASEAN countries shared their insights around the theme “Intelligence Inspires the Future: The Prospects for Youth Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Employment in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”

Chen Jinlin (Strategic Director and International Business Director, Tashan Technology): The AI industry evolves at a rapid pace, yet endeavors of true value usually demand long-term accumulation. Many technologies may fail to yield tangible outcomes within three to five years. Stick to the right path, you have the potential to build genuine core competencies.

Cai Jiayi (Head of AI Ecosystem, CGCH): The concept of One Person Company (OPC) is trending right now. It enables young people to develop products using simple tools and low costs, thus reducing the entrepreneurial risks for them.

Natvara Pichedpan (Thai master’s student in Industrial Engineering and Management, Tsinghua University): I believe that artificial intelligence should serve humanity as a tool rather than replace human thinking. Authentic human experience and emotion remain irreplaceable.

Zhang Weijie (President, Oult Associates): Compared to product pricing, young entrepreneurs should place greater emphasis on the long-term development of their products. Meanwhile, they also need to keep a close eye on the markets of neighboring countries and relevant laws and regulations, and leverage AI as a gateway or entry point to tap into these markets.

Tang Yanwei (Influencer and founder of the AI-native education program UniGrow): When it comes to artificial intelligence, youth innovation, and employment, I think we are not just discussing technology. We are exploring the future structure of opportunity. Who will be empowered by AI? Who might be left behind? What young people from Beijing, ASEAN countries, and different cultural backgrounds need to think about is how to collaborate closely to build greater inclusiveness amid this transformation.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This dialogue further deepened youth exchanges between Beijing and ASEAN, helping young people seize opportunities in the AI era and broaden their global vision. It also enhanced friendship and mutual trust, and built momentum for advancing pragmatic cooperation and long-term friendship in youth-related fields.

“Friendship Blooms in Beijing” Home for International Friends Series

The “Friendship Blooms in Beijing” Home for International Friends Series, launched by the BPAFFC in 2026, is part of its endeavor to build “four bridges” for people-to-people exchanges, pragmatic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship between China and other countries. The goal is to contribute to building Beijing into a city of timeless charm that warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world.