(Bandar Seri Begawan, 19th) From July 28th to 30th this year, four representatives (teachers and students) from Chung Hwa Middle School in Brunei were invited to visit Guigang, Guangxi, China, to observe and participate in the 22nd Guangxi Youth Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition and Cross-Regional Invitational for ASEAN Countries. This event brought together 1,050 teams and approximately 6,000 young participants from nine Chinese provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) as well as five ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, to explore the future of artificial intelligence and robotics technology together.
It is reported that this year’s event was hosted by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Association for Science and Technology, the Department of Education of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the People’s Government of Guigang City, and organized by units such as Guangxi Science and Technology Museum (Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Center) and the Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Education Association.
During the three-day event, Chung Hwa’s team leader, Teacher Zhang Qingfu, together with three students from Grade 8A—Chen Endi, Hong Hao, and Lin Wenwu—deeply experienced frontier projects such as robotics programming, AI creative design, and the Smart Home Challenge, while also exchanging learning experiences with contestants from various countries.
Principal Xu Yuelan of the school pointed out that this journey not only allowed the school’s teachers and students to gain technical knowledge and cross-border friendships, but also strengthened their confidence in promoting science and technology education for youths in Brunei. She stated that the event allowed Bruneian youth to feel the integration of science, technology, and humanities. For example, programming robot performances combined art and engineering thinking, while cross-national teamwork cultivated students’ cross-cultural communication skills. Such comprehensive quality cultivation is one of the school’s educational goals in the era of globalization.
She said, "We have witnessed the infinite possibilities of the era of artificial intelligence, and look forward to seeing Bruneian students shine even brighter on the international stage in the future." She also emphasized that such activities effectively stimulate Bruneian youths’ interest in science and technology as well as their innovation potential. She looks forward to seeing more joint training projects in the future with China and ASEAN countries.
After completing this trip to the 22nd Guangxi Youth Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition and Cross-Regional Invitational for ASEAN Countries, leading teacher Zhang Qingfu highly praised the significance of this visit to China. He believes that the trip not only allowed Brunei’s teachers and students to experience avant-garde science and technology education models in practice, but also opened new horizons for cooperation in youth science and technology education in Brunei through cross-border exchanges.
The competition was not just a stage for technical contests but also a bridge for cultural exchanges. The representatives from Chung Hwa Middle School also experienced various science and technology exhibits such as programming robots and intelligent experimental cabins at the concurrently held "Artificial Intelligence Science Carnival," and shared innovative concepts with participants from China, Malaysia, and other countries. For example, the Malaysian team’s robotics technology displayed in the Super Track Competition deeply impressed the Brunei teachers and students, while practical projects designed by Chinese students such as "Drone Intelligent Forest Fire Prevention," "AI Robot for Lake Management," and "Intelligent Dormitory Management System" provided inspiration to the Bruneian team for solving real-world problems.
This journey to the artificial intelligence competition enabled Chung Hwa students to grow through technical contests and deepened their understanding of regional scientific and technological cooperation. They unanimously felt that the trip not only broadened their technological horizons but also brought them cross-border friendship and innovative inspiration, injecting new vitality into personal growth and the school’s STEM education.
Student Chen Endi recounted, "Observing this robotics competition was an unforgettable experience for me. Although I only participated as a spectator, I gained a great deal of valuable knowledge." He was deeply touched by the intense and enthusiastic atmosphere at the competition, with each team showcasing robots they had carefully designed. Witnessing how they used programming, mechanical knowledge, and teamwork to solve problems was truly impressive. "There was a robot group whose operation was especially precise, making me realize the charm and limitless potential of technology. What struck me most was a part called 'mechanical surgery', where the layered removal method instantly helped me understand the practicality of technology," Endi added.
He said confidently, "This competition has made me very interested in robotics technology and ignited a strong desire within me. In the future, I hope to participate myself and personally design and operate a robot of my own. This experience made me understand that success is the result of effort and cooperation. I will continue to work hard in my studies and hope that one day I can shine on the competition stage!"
Fellow student Hong Hao believes that artificial intelligence demonstrates the clever integration of technology and culture. He said, "Since observing the competition in Guangxi, I have had a deeper understanding of the importance of modern artificial intelligence and technology. In addition, I have gradually become interested in technology and programming AI. After all, AI tools carry out their tasks according to the data we’ve programmed for them. This means that as long as we learn programming, anyone can create AI tools/software that satisfies them. I believe everyone has unique ideas, and AI programs that provide us with advantages will become more and more widespread."
"Personally, I think good artificial intelligence can help us lighten our burdens. For example, with robot vacuum cleaners and mopping robots, at least when parents come home tired after a day’s work, they’ll see a clean house, and their mood will naturally improve, while life pressure will invisibly be relieved. In our studies, we are now often using intelligent learning AIs such as ChatGPT and Deepseek. When we encounter difficult problems, we can ask them and often get unexpected answers. As long as we use these AI tools properly, I truly believe our academic performance will improve in the long run!" Hong Hao said expectantly.
Lin Wenwu shared his gains from the AI competition trip: “I visited the artificial intelligence and technology competition in Guigang, Guangxi, and learned a lot. On site, there were all sorts of robots, and many young children also showcased their works. I saw them using computers to program and build robots with their hands, and I thought they were amazing. It made me realize that learning technology knows no age or identity—if you are willing to try, you will gain from it. It’s not only fun, but it also hones our thinking and hands-on abilities.”
Lin Wenwu found many benefits in participating in such competitions. For example, some robots need to complete certain tasks, and students must keep trying and revising their programs, debug devices on site, and solve real-world problems until they succeed. This process improves their thinking and problem-solving skills.
He said with great interest, "My favorite was a remote-control car built out of building blocks. Not only could it turn, but it could also pick up objects from the ground and deliver them elsewhere. This showed me the real-world uses of technology."
"This event made me more interested in artificial intelligence and programming. I feel that learning these skills not only enhances our thinking ability but may also help with our future. Technology is truly meaningful!" he added with lasting enthusiasm.
As the oldest Chinese-language school in Brunei, Chung Hwa’s participation marks a new step toward internationalization in science and technology education. The school stated that it plans to incorporate the experiences and observations from this journey into campus STEM activities, integrating advanced experiences into teaching, and promoting the optimization of AI-related courses on campus.
It is foreseeable that this trip to China enabled the teachers and students to personally experience the practical models of cutting-edge STEM education. Through cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange, leveraging the China-ASEAN International Science Popularization Exchange Center platform, Brunei is advancing participation in the "Belt and Road" STEM education cooperation project. In the increasingly close context of regional cooperation, this actively promotes exploration in scientific education and contributes more wisdom and strength to innovation and development between China, Brunei, and ASEAN.
It is reported that this year’s event was hosted by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Association for Science and Technology, the Department of Education of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the People’s Government of Guigang City, and organized by units such as Guangxi Science and Technology Museum (Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Center) and the Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Education Association.
During the three-day event, Chung Hwa’s team leader, Teacher Zhang Qingfu, together with three students from Grade 8A—Chen Endi, Hong Hao, and Lin Wenwu—deeply experienced frontier projects such as robotics programming, AI creative design, and the Smart Home Challenge, while also exchanging learning experiences with contestants from various countries.
Principal Xu Yuelan of the school pointed out that this journey not only allowed the school’s teachers and students to gain technical knowledge and cross-border friendships, but also strengthened their confidence in promoting science and technology education for youths in Brunei. She stated that the event allowed Bruneian youth to feel the integration of science, technology, and humanities. For example, programming robot performances combined art and engineering thinking, while cross-national teamwork cultivated students’ cross-cultural communication skills. Such comprehensive quality cultivation is one of the school’s educational goals in the era of globalization.
She said, "We have witnessed the infinite possibilities of the era of artificial intelligence, and look forward to seeing Bruneian students shine even brighter on the international stage in the future." She also emphasized that such activities effectively stimulate Bruneian youths’ interest in science and technology as well as their innovation potential. She looks forward to seeing more joint training projects in the future with China and ASEAN countries.
After completing this trip to the 22nd Guangxi Youth Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition and Cross-Regional Invitational for ASEAN Countries, leading teacher Zhang Qingfu highly praised the significance of this visit to China. He believes that the trip not only allowed Brunei’s teachers and students to experience avant-garde science and technology education models in practice, but also opened new horizons for cooperation in youth science and technology education in Brunei through cross-border exchanges.
The competition was not just a stage for technical contests but also a bridge for cultural exchanges. The representatives from Chung Hwa Middle School also experienced various science and technology exhibits such as programming robots and intelligent experimental cabins at the concurrently held "Artificial Intelligence Science Carnival," and shared innovative concepts with participants from China, Malaysia, and other countries. For example, the Malaysian team’s robotics technology displayed in the Super Track Competition deeply impressed the Brunei teachers and students, while practical projects designed by Chinese students such as "Drone Intelligent Forest Fire Prevention," "AI Robot for Lake Management," and "Intelligent Dormitory Management System" provided inspiration to the Bruneian team for solving real-world problems.
This journey to the artificial intelligence competition enabled Chung Hwa students to grow through technical contests and deepened their understanding of regional scientific and technological cooperation. They unanimously felt that the trip not only broadened their technological horizons but also brought them cross-border friendship and innovative inspiration, injecting new vitality into personal growth and the school’s STEM education.
Student Chen Endi recounted, "Observing this robotics competition was an unforgettable experience for me. Although I only participated as a spectator, I gained a great deal of valuable knowledge." He was deeply touched by the intense and enthusiastic atmosphere at the competition, with each team showcasing robots they had carefully designed. Witnessing how they used programming, mechanical knowledge, and teamwork to solve problems was truly impressive. "There was a robot group whose operation was especially precise, making me realize the charm and limitless potential of technology. What struck me most was a part called 'mechanical surgery', where the layered removal method instantly helped me understand the practicality of technology," Endi added.
He said confidently, "This competition has made me very interested in robotics technology and ignited a strong desire within me. In the future, I hope to participate myself and personally design and operate a robot of my own. This experience made me understand that success is the result of effort and cooperation. I will continue to work hard in my studies and hope that one day I can shine on the competition stage!"
Fellow student Hong Hao believes that artificial intelligence demonstrates the clever integration of technology and culture. He said, "Since observing the competition in Guangxi, I have had a deeper understanding of the importance of modern artificial intelligence and technology. In addition, I have gradually become interested in technology and programming AI. After all, AI tools carry out their tasks according to the data we’ve programmed for them. This means that as long as we learn programming, anyone can create AI tools/software that satisfies them. I believe everyone has unique ideas, and AI programs that provide us with advantages will become more and more widespread."
"Personally, I think good artificial intelligence can help us lighten our burdens. For example, with robot vacuum cleaners and mopping robots, at least when parents come home tired after a day’s work, they’ll see a clean house, and their mood will naturally improve, while life pressure will invisibly be relieved. In our studies, we are now often using intelligent learning AIs such as ChatGPT and Deepseek. When we encounter difficult problems, we can ask them and often get unexpected answers. As long as we use these AI tools properly, I truly believe our academic performance will improve in the long run!" Hong Hao said expectantly.
Lin Wenwu shared his gains from the AI competition trip: “I visited the artificial intelligence and technology competition in Guigang, Guangxi, and learned a lot. On site, there were all sorts of robots, and many young children also showcased their works. I saw them using computers to program and build robots with their hands, and I thought they were amazing. It made me realize that learning technology knows no age or identity—if you are willing to try, you will gain from it. It’s not only fun, but it also hones our thinking and hands-on abilities.”
Lin Wenwu found many benefits in participating in such competitions. For example, some robots need to complete certain tasks, and students must keep trying and revising their programs, debug devices on site, and solve real-world problems until they succeed. This process improves their thinking and problem-solving skills.
He said with great interest, "My favorite was a remote-control car built out of building blocks. Not only could it turn, but it could also pick up objects from the ground and deliver them elsewhere. This showed me the real-world uses of technology."
"This event made me more interested in artificial intelligence and programming. I feel that learning these skills not only enhances our thinking ability but may also help with our future. Technology is truly meaningful!" he added with lasting enthusiasm.
As the oldest Chinese-language school in Brunei, Chung Hwa’s participation marks a new step toward internationalization in science and technology education. The school stated that it plans to incorporate the experiences and observations from this journey into campus STEM activities, integrating advanced experiences into teaching, and promoting the optimization of AI-related courses on campus.
It is foreseeable that this trip to China enabled the teachers and students to personally experience the practical models of cutting-edge STEM education. Through cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange, leveraging the China-ASEAN International Science Popularization Exchange Center platform, Brunei is advancing participation in the "Belt and Road" STEM education cooperation project. In the increasingly close context of regional cooperation, this actively promotes exploration in scientific education and contributes more wisdom and strength to innovation and development between China, Brunei, and ASEAN.