On 30 April 2022, the first session of the 2022 information technology research and academic exchange series of activities for young professionals on both sides of the Taiwan Straits was held in the Open University of China’s (OUC) immersive two-way video classroom.
The theme of the series of activities is “make achievements for the new era and jointly pursue the dream of China’s rejuvenation.”
The event was held both online and offline, with a focus on “metaverse and artificial intelligence.” The personnel attending the event onsite included Zhang Yitian, senior engineer of the Research Centre of China Industrial Information Security Development and project director of the Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University (I-AIIG); You Shixue, chief executive of China Union of Science and Technology, a leading content management provider, and executive chairperson of the Special Committee on the AI Metaverse; Shang Yuan, technology and management director of 4Paradigm, a leading AI platform and technology service provider; and Shi Yanlu, person in charge of professional enhancement work at the Education and Examination Centre of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The participants exchanged views and analysed issues such as the metaverse, enriching the implications of AI, the interpretation of industry policy, real-world application scenarios, future trends, the demand for professionals, and skills enhancement.
Four experts and representatives from prestigious enterprises and four students from Taiwan currently pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at Tsinghua University and Peking University connected via video link with over 100 young people on both sides of the Straits, including people from Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Dalian, Xiamen, and Quanzhou. Their sharing and discussion created a grand meeting under the theme of “metaverse and AI” and offered a platform for integrated development.
Today, information technology is an essential part of exchange and cooperation for industries across the Straits. Zhang Yitian mentioned that people on both sides of the Straits have the same fraternal bond and origin, and a future based on the metaverse will help build a platform for exchange and cooperation in the fields of agriculture, economy and trade, logistics, and culture and further deepen understanding and perception across the Straits. Shang Yuan said that the lack of relevant professionals has greatly lifted the threshold for AI development, so cooperation in high-end professionals and the development of said professionals should be implemented across the Straits. Fundamental technological cooperation is also needed. Cooperating with leading enterprises and engaging in research alongside might help boost the development of fundamental AI technologies. The event provided a platform for mutual learning and exchange.
This series of activities will include events themed around “big data and the 5G era” and “cloud computing and blockchain,” which will be held in the near future via a blended model, with a focus on cutting-edge information, practices and application, future potential, training for professionals, and job demands. These activities will help young people on both sides of the Straits to realise the integrated development of IT industries and reach new achievements by leveraging the great potential of China’s digital economy.
By OUC