The Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is implementing an in-depth "Hundreds and Thousands" artificial intelligence (AI) talent cultivation plan targeting ASEAN. The core of this initiative focuses on integrated training combining AI, ASEAN languages, and professional disciplines. Concurrently, efforts are accelerating to establish a national training base for ASEAN non-common language translation.

The plan was highlighted during the 2026 Annual Conference of the National Master of Translation and Interpreting Education, held in Nanning, Guangxi. The conference theme centered on "Digital Intelligence Empowerment and Integrated Innovation—Building a Future-Oriented High-End Translation Talent Cultivation System."

Authorities stated that Guangxi is systematically advancing innovation in translation talent cultivation models and the digital transformation of education. This involves deepening cooperation with ASEAN universities, translation institutions, and foreign-related enterprises, and improving the collaborative education mechanism integrating government, industry, academia, research, and application. The goal is to align translation education precisely with the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the development of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, thereby providing high-quality talent to serve cultural exchanges and the broader opening-up strategy.

On the same day, Guangxi University officially launched its "Wenfan—Viet-Thai Interpreter" large language model, a practical achievement from the deep integration of its translation education and digital technology.

Guangxi is China's only province directly bordering ASEAN by both land and sea, positioning it as a frontline and gateway for China's opening-up and cooperation with ASEAN. Leveraging this geographical advantage, Guangxi is ramping up efforts to cultivate AI talent oriented towards ASEAN. Initiatives include actively building an upgraded version of the AI-empowered China-ASEAN Modern Craftsman Academy and promoting the "export" of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the AI field from Guangxi's universities.

The region has proposed supporting joint efforts between its universities and those in ASEAN countries to build AI education application platforms and vertical application scenarios. Key areas for cooperation include the application of AI in higher education industry-academia-research collaboration, vocational education industry-education integration, international student education, and ASEAN language teaching. The aim is to foster joint high-level AI technological innovation cooperation and achievement incubation between universities in Guangxi and ASEAN nations.