On September 23, 2025, the opening ceremony of the first “Language Bridges ASEAN, Translation Leads the Way” Chinese Translation Training Program for government officials of AMS was successfully held in Guangzhou. The program was jointly organized by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and co-organized by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). Shi Zhongjun, Secretary General of ACC, and Yan Xiangbin, President of GDUFS, addressed the opening ceremony. Jing Wei, Deputy Director of CLEC, delivered a video speech. 20 government officials from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore participated in the training program.

Shi Zhongjun noted that the robust and thriving ASEAN-China relationship has now transcended the bilateral scope, carrying significant implications for Asia and the world at large. He hoped that the participants would not only enhance their language skills but also deepen their understanding of the policies and culture of both sides, using language as a medium and culture as a bridge, to contribute to mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between the peoples of ASEAN and China.

Jing Wei stated that this training program is an innovative endeavor under the collaboration between CLEC and the ACC. She hoped to work with the participants to build bridges of language connectivity, mutual understanding, trust, and civilization exchange. Yan Xiangbin said that the university is willing to leverage its strengths in foreign languages and translation studies to provide high-level translation talents and intellectual support for ASEAN-China cooperation. Mohamad Hafizi Bin Rosli from the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia, speaking as a trainee representative, said that the program would not only effectively enhance translation skills but also provide a platform for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between ASEAN and China.

Following the opening ceremony, SG Shi Zhongjun held separate meetings with President Yan Xiangbin and Vice President Shen Minghao of GDUFS, exchanging views on leveraging the university’s regional advantages and disciplinary strengths to promote in-depth cooperation with ASEAN countries.