China–South Africa Cooperation Project Exchange Meeting Held in Xiamen: Our Academy Signs Agreement with Durban City College to Co-establish the Durban Artificial Intelligence Research Center in South Africa

China–South Africa project cooperation is a key topic in the broader context of BRICS collaboration. It plays an important role in promoting mutual friendship and cooperation between the two countries. To further implement the China–South Africa International Training Base for Future Technical Skills and Cultural Exchange project, advance bilateral standards formulation and mutual recognition, and organize joint activities such as the BRICS Auditorium of Skills Development and Technology Innovation, BRICS Competitions, and technology exchanges, the Alliance invited Mr. Zukile Mvalo, Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of Higher Education and Training, and Ms. Mapule Ncanywa, Chair of the South African Chapter of the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group, along with nearly 70 representatives from Chinese universities, vocational colleges, enterprises, and research institutions, to participate in the dialogue session.

The dialogue was chaired by Dr. Liu Zhenying, Chair of the China Chapter of the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group, President of the International Alliance of Skills Development for Belt & Road and BRICS, and President of the BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (Xiamen).

Seven guest speakers engaged in in-depth discussions with attendees on key topics including the launch of the 2024 Belt & Road and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation – South Africa International Round, the co-construction of the BRICS Workshop in South Africa, the development and mutual recognition of bilateral standards between China and South Africa, credit transfer and joint programs between institutions, and student/teacher exchange activities through the BRICS Auditorium. A friendly consensus was reached on building cooperation mechanisms and implementing joint talent training programs. Both sides expressed a shared vision of contributing to the prosperity of China–South Africa relations.

At the meeting, Durban City College and the BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (Xiamen) signed an agreement to jointly establish the Durban Artificial Intelligence Research Center in South Africa. The agreement was signed by Dr. Liu Zhenying and Professor Mpilo Ngubane.

The Durban Artificial Intelligence Research Center will focus on technology and innovation, with the aim of promoting the development of South Africa’s infrastructure, fintech, and digital technology sectors through artificial intelligence, while cultivating AI talent. The establishment of the center will advance the integration of AI with education, enhance talent development in the AI sector, and inject new vitality into the sustainable development of industries in both China and South Africa.

Other roundtable participants included Professor Mpilo Ngubane, Chief Learning Officer of Durban City College and Executive Director of the UNITAR Global Training Center Network – Durban Office; Dr. Dovhani Mamphiswana, CEO of Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre; Mr. Sanele Goodenough Makinane, Chief Operating Officer of the South African Science and Technology Centre and Strategic Project Manager of the South African Chapter of the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group; and Mr. Mxolisi Benson Magagula, Project Manager and Administrative Assistant of the same Working Group.

Representatives from institutions and enterprises such as Huaqiao University, Xiamen City Vocational College, Xiamen Information School, Xiamen Phoenix Chuangyi Software Co., Ltd., and Xiamen Cube Mirage Technology Co., Ltd. also attended the meeting.

In parallel with the meeting, several related events were held at the BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (Xiamen), including:

l the BRICS Auditorium of Skills Development and Technology Innovation – International Forum on Cross-border E-commerce,

l the Launch Meeting of the 2024 Belt & Road and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation – South Africa International Round,

l the Inaugural Meeting of the Social Services Committee of the International Alliance of Skills Development for Belt & Road and BRICS, and

l the Second Training Program on BRICS Technical and Skills Standardization for High-quality Standards Development.