The seventh China-ASEAN Development and Governance Forum was held in Wuhan on June 6 by the ASEAN Research Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), focusing on the theme of "digital governance cooperation in the era of AI" and discussing opportunities, challenges, and pathways for digital governance collaboration between China and ASEAN.

In the opening session, Xu Xiaodong, Vice President of HUST, delivered a speech emphasizing the university's commitment to using its disciplinary strengths to enhance collaboration with universities, research institutions, and government agencies across ASEAN.

Professor Luo Lin, Director of the Secretariat for Country and Area Studies of the Ministry of Education and Dean of the Institute of Country and Area Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University, highlighted the strong foundation of China-ASEAN cooperation and noted the significant potential for collaboration in digitalization and AI.

Several experts shared their research insights: Pang Zhongying, Professor from Sichuan University, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages brought by the development of AI; Jiang Zhida, Researcher at Department for Asia-Pacific Studies of the China Institute of International Studies, examined the value, existing challenges, and future direction of digital governance cooperation between China and ASEAN; Yu Yimin, Professor from Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, proposed governance solutions for cross-border data flow and technology integration; HUST's Professor Chen Tao recommended establishing a diverse collaborative and compliance framework to build a regional digital governance ecosystem.

Experts from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries discussed trends in the AI industry, digital infrastructure development, cross-border data flows, and regional digital governance cooperation. After the forum, participants visited Wuhan East Lake High-Tech Development Zone to explore the development of local AI technologies and digital industries.

Source: School of Public Administration, HUST