From September 23-29, think tank academics and media journalists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar conducted a visit titled "Digital Services to Improve Public Welfare" in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, east China. They visited Hangzhou, Jinhua, and Huzhou, and observed firsthand how digital technology is being used to improve public services.
"Hey, how much is this hair dryer ?" "The wholesale price is 48 yuan." At Yiwu International Trade City, Olivia, with the help of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based translation device, was able to speak fluently in Indonesian with Chinese shop owner Li Jun and shop without any problems. Olivia said enthusiastically: "This AI-based translation device is very interesting, people from various countries can shop here using their respective mother tongues."
In addition to the AI-based multilingual translation device, Yiwu International Trade City also offers AI glasses for capturing photos and videos, AI earphones with real-time translation functions, and AI watches that can answer questions directly. Li Jun said artificial intelligence technology has been integrated into his daily sales process, not only to communicate with foreign buyers but also to develop more effective sales strategies.
In 2024, Yiwu International Trade City launched a large-scale language model specifically for goods trading and the latest version of the Chinagoods AI innovation service platform. This platform helps merchants attract customers, provide offers, and receive orders digitally. For example, merchants can upload Chinese videos, which are then automatically translated into more than 30 languages.
Currently, Yiwu International Trade City boasts over 75,000 stores with over 2.1 million types of goods. The bustling atmosphere of shoppers is a testament to the openness and shared opportunities within the trade center. "Myanmar's major supermarket, City Mart, also sources goods from Yiwu," said Thet Wai San, chief operations officer of Asian Fame Media Myanmar. San explained that Yiwu not only provides equal opportunities for Chinese merchants to participate in global trade but also creates opportunities for businesses from around the world.
In late September, in the ancient town of Nanxun in Huzhou, the autumn atmosphere was growing stronger. In a calligraphy shop, Gui Xiaofeng, an artist who lost both arms in an accident, was painting with his feet. On Xuan paper, the wooden bridges typical of water villages gradually became visible. Gui said that thanks to the support of the Zhejiang Federation of Disabled People, he was able to study art, open his own studio, and provide free training to more than 100 children from poor families or those with disabilities.
This scene caught the attention of Roy Anthony Rogers, director of the Department of Strategic and International Studies at Universiti Malaya. "These people with disabilities are not abandoned by society, but are given appropriate roles so they can demonstrate their abilities and live independently," he said. "I saw inclusiveness in China, where everyone has the opportunity to work, which is an essential part of human rights."
Roy first visited China in 1995. Thirty years later, he saw a much more modern country with new housing, a higher standard of living, and a more comfortable working environment. What impressed him most were the inspection robots that free workers from high-risk jobs, making workplace safety a real reality.
"We witnessed firsthand the digitalization process in China, not only in the development of robots and AI, but also in the construction of medical systems, trade services, and cultural preservation," Roy explained. Roy said that China's achievements in artificial intelligence will benefit ASEAN countries and the world.
In Yucun Village, in the Anji area of Huzhou City, green bamboo forests blanket the misty mountains. The group visited "Yucun Impression," a former factory converted into a library. This building is the village's first zero-carbon building, having received domestic and international double platinum certification. The building uses a solar power generation system to achieve carbon offsets and zero emissions throughout its operating cycle.
