AI contest forges new biz tie-ups

Amid a global boom in artificial intelligence, enterprises have forged new partnerships with Southeast Asian nations through an AI-powered industry competition that opened in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Friday.

Held at Guangxi University in Nanning, the regional capital, the AI for All: China-ASEAN Competition drew 10,447 domestic and international teams from all 31 of China's provincial-level regions and 11 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The competition focused on "problem-soliciting and solution-bidding" initiatives valued at a combined 74 million yuan ($10.56 million). It generated 93 application scenarios and showcased 202 new technology exhibits. Organizers said 40 projects attracted initial capital interest, while 57 technologies advanced toward commercialization.

Winning teams presented their projects through on-site road shows, highlighting developments ranging from technical breakthroughs and application deployment to technology transfer and cross-sector adoption.

New products and technologies emerging from the competition covered 92 niche application areas.

One such project, "V-Turn Unplugged", developed by a Thai team in the automotive track, aims to make AI more accessible in traffic safety. The system uses AI to map "safety profiles" at intersections, enabling automatic vehicle U-turns and real-time risk alerts to improve traffic flow.

Another project, an AI smart laboratory for robotic microbial detection, was jointly developed by the Guangxi Institute for Drug Control and a local life science research and development company. The system allows robot dogs to deliver samples and robotic arms to conduct experiments, while inspectors monitor operations via mobile devices.

"This is not about replacing humans," said Liang Zhihong, senior vice-president of the company. "It uses technological innovation to do what humans cannot, and ultimately to serve people."

Liang said the technology has been deployed at major domestic dairy enterprises and supports national key laboratory construction. Its products have entered markets in South Korea and India, with plans to expand into ASEAN countries, Europe and the United States.

Several AI products tailored for ASEAN markets were also introduced during the competition, including an insight platform for Malaysia's palm oil industry. The AI-based decision-support system provides end-to-end digital management for palm oil cultivation and is designed to be replicated across other ASEAN nations.

Alongside the competition, the 2025 First Global Humanoid Robot Street Dance Invitational concluded in Nanning on Saturday.

Vietnamese international student Wang Nam Tri, who participated in the event, described it as a fusion of technological and cultural innovation.

"China's AI development is advancing by leaps and bounds," he said. "Taking part in competitions like this helps me identify my shortcomings and clarify areas for improvement."

Wang programmed his humanoid robot to perform the Yingge Dance, a traditional Chinese folk group dance popular in Guangdong province and parts of Fujian province that is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

"I am fortunate to study in China, where I can experience both technological progress and the beauty of traditional culture," he said.