Foreign Firms Explore Growing AI Opportunities at Tech Forum

At the Zhongguancun Forum currently taking place in Beijing, international businesses are actively exploring burgeoning opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence. This forum is a testament to the critical role collaboration plays in advancing technology, drawing participants keen on tapping into the potential of China's rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The event, which spans from Wednesday to Sunday, features a variety of advanced technologies, including AR glasses capable of translating over 100 languages and intelligent robots designed to serve food and beverages autonomously. Attendees from different parts of the world are captivated by the innovative solutions being presented.

Joseph Roy, a US entrepreneur and co-founder of Beijing Qifeiqimeng Technology Company, is among those attending for the second time. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to witness firsthand China's technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence and robotics, sectors he believes are pivotal for future advancements.

In his conversation with the Global Times, Roy highlighted his growing interest in AI tools, acknowledging their significant impact on his work within the education sector. He recently began utilizing Feishu, an AI product from Chinese tech giant ByteDance, and praised its efficacy in organizing and analyzing data. This has led him to collaborate with Chinese partners to develop AI-integrated educational products.

Another participant, Fiona Bradley, director of Research Services and Corporate Library at the University of New South Wales, shares a similar vision of leveraging advanced technologies. She attended the forum to explore how AI can enhance the capabilities of traditional libraries, aiming to provide greater access to knowledge and resources in the open science era.

"Libraries have always been venues for accessing trusted information, and now we are embracing technology to broaden that access," Bradley remarked, emphasizing the differentiating role of AI in supporting researchers in their work.

Joseph Olivier Mendo'o, director of the International Exchange Department at the China-Africa Business Council, expressed that the forum has provided opportunities to explore AI applications in agriculture, urban development, and capacity building, areas ripe for cooperation that can yield tangible benefits.

Australian business representative Mohammadali Farjoo noted that beyond the impressive technologies on display, he was struck by China's strong commitment to enhancing technology transfer and commercialization efforts. These initiatives reflect a strategic alignment aimed at fostering innovation in society.

Farjoo, who specializes in technology transfer and innovation management, emphasized that commercialization should extend beyond financial metrics; the real value lies in how technology can enrich society's fabric.

Among the many intriguing AI applications presented at the forum, a 60 cm tall robot drew significant attention as a "teaching assistant" for primary school students. This robot offers interactive support in lessons, entertainment, and even emotional guidance.

Wu Wenqiang, a manager from Beijing AiBingo Technology Co., noted that this AI-powered assistant aims to ensure educational equity, already being deployed in over 16,000 schools across China, with plans to expand into the Middle East.

As China's AI sector thrives, it is projected that the related industries could surpass a valuation of 10 trillion yuan, equivalent to about 1.45 trillion dollars, by the conclusion of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), according to officials from the National Development and Reform Commission.