On 27 August 2025, the 2025 ASEAN-Oriented Standardization Cooperation Forum with the theme of "Innovative Collaboration in AI Standardization: Empowering the Building of China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future," was successfully held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) delivered remarks via video message at the opening ceremony of the Forum upon invitation.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun noted the existing differences between the standards systems of China and ASEAN countries. The standardization cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence will support the development of cutting-edge sectors, promote regular research mechanisms, strengthen talent cultivation, and expand applications across broader domains. The forum provides a valuable opportunity for China and ASEAN to exchange insights on standardization issues, share scientific achievements, accelerate the adoption of technologies, and advance the standardization of AI systems. In a long-term perspective, it will serve as a significant driver to foster deeper regional integration and coordinated development.

At the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Wei Tao, Chairperson of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, pointed out that the discussions on building new pathways for AI standardization in this Forum would substantially promote a more integrated standards, technology, and industry. H.E. Mr. Bai Qingyuan, Vice Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China, expressed hope that the forum would facilitate in-depth alignment of standard systems and lay a solid foundation for an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial ecosystem for regional standardization cooperation. Mr. Ren Fazheng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Mr. Sok Puthyvuth, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia, and Mr. Aung Zeya, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Myanmar, among other Chinese and international attendees attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Representatives from ASEAN regulatory bodies, experts, businesses, international organizations, and executives from China’s leading AI companies attended the Forum. The sub-forums on automotive standardization, metrology technology, and conformity assessment were also organized for comprehensive and professional exchange.

During the forum, the ACC and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Cooperation in Small and Medium Enterprises. The MOU aims to establish an effective platform for collaboration between Chinese and Thai SMEs. Through capacity building, it seeks to deliver tangible benefits for SMEs in key areas such as technological collaboration, market expansion, and digital transformation, fostering enabling environments for its integration into high-quality supply chains.