On 10 to 30 August 2024, the 1st Short Course Program of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Scholarship for government officials of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in charge of foreign relations, education and culture affairs was successfully held. 11 government officials from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the program.

The ACC initiated the program under the framework of “2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges” (ACYPPE), in the purpose of establishing a platform for AMS government officials to facilitate policy exchange and training, enhance mutual trust and friendship between the youths of China and ASEAN, and help deepen pragmatic cooperation between both sides. The program themed “Chinese + Governance” was organized by Capital Normal University in Beijing and supported by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of Chinese Ministry of Education and other official agencies. 

In Beijing and Tianjin, the participants had in-depth exchanges with relevant experts and scholars to learn about China’s all-round reform policy, Chinese path to modernization, rural revitalization and the development and application of new quality productive forces. They had exchanged views and discussions with the officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China National Academy of Governance, China Daily, JD Group, Luban Workshop Construction Experience Museum and other organizations. They also had the courses on the Chinese basics， appreciated intangible cultural heritage and folk arts, and were impressed by the charm of Chinese history and culture. Furthermore, the participants also had opportunities visiting Shanxi Province attending the series of events of “ASEAN-China Week 2024”, the annual flagship program sponsored by the ACC.     

On 27 August, the program participants attended the closing ceremony held at the Secretariat of the ACC. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun, Vice President Ma Ligeng of Capital Normal University and DCM and Minister Counsellor Soparama Nhek of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Beijing addressed the audience. The diplomats from the Embassies of Thailand, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Myanmar and Brunei were also present.

Shi Zhongjun congratulated participants on the completion of the program and expressed his appreciation to the government agencies of both China and AMS, as well as the AMS embassies, for their staunch support to the ACC scholarship program. He stressed that, on the occasion of “2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges”, the ACC set up scholarships and launched the first short course program, so as to better help ASEAN government officials understand China and strengthen the connections and bonds between both sides. He hoped that the participants would, through the program, secure a good understanding of China’s economy, society and culture, thus promoting friendship between China and ASEAN countries. 

The participants expressed their sincere gratitude to Secretary General Shi Zhongjun and the ACC, shared their learning experiences and spoke highly of China's development achievements in recent years. They stated that they will bring back what they have seen, heard, learned and felt during their stay in China to their home countries, and actively explore cooperation with China in key areas such as clean energy, green agriculture, media and public relations for the benefits of the peoples on both sides. At the same time, the participants also looked forward to the ACC inviting more ASEAN young officials to have in-depth learning about China through the scholarship programs, adding fresh strength to the deepening of China-ASEAN friendly relations.