KUALA LUMPUR: Hanfu, mooncakes, traditional Chinese games and an AI-powered Confucius.
Perhaps there’s no better introduction to the Chinese culture and technology than this for the more than 100 students visiting the Chinese Embassy here.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, students from Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and SM Sains Tapah in Perak were invited to the embassy’s Open Day yesterday to experience traditional festivities and China’s latest technological innovations.
Some of them slipped into colourful hanfu (traditional robe), while others tried their hand at games and crafts.
And then there was the mooncake – a must for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Students used two long sticks like an oversized pair of chopsticks to manoeuvre giant mooncake plush toys into a basket.
At another booth, they learned to make the real thing – filling in dough before pressing it into moulds to create the familiar shape.
They also tried their hands at assembling paper lanterns.
But amid the traditions and heritage, there was something distinctly 21st century.
Students were introduced to artificial intelligence tools and devices developed by Chinese technology firm iFLYTEK, including an AI-powered virtual representation of Confucius.
It enabled the students to interact with the digital version of the ancient Chinese philosopher, asking questions in different languages about Chinese history, culture, arts and his teachings.
Students also tried AI-powered translation and note-taking tools that could translate speech and convert handwritten notes into digital text.
In his welcome speech, Chinese Embassy counsellor Xu Siseng said the event was an opportunity for young people to experience traditional Chinese festivities, technological innovation and the prospects for China-Malaysia relations.
“This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. China will leverage AI as a key driver of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology over the next five years.”
Xu also highlighted China’s push for greater international cooperation on AI, including its role in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, with Malaysia among its founding members.
He said China would provide opportunities for AI training and seminars to developing countries, while working with Malaysia and other countries to expand cooperation in AI innovation.
The embassy, Xu said, would continue to support friendly exchanges between the peoples of both countries, particularly among the youth, and hoped young people would help carry the China-Malaysia friendship towards a new “golden 50 years”.
