In a livestreaming room, a Chinese host promotes Thai durians and Indonesian coconuts to eager online buyers. At the same time, a dancing Thai host greets the audience, saying "Sawadee ka," — meaning "Greetings" in the Thai language — and introduces the famous snail rice noodles of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in southwest China. Such interactions reflect the growing cross-border cooperation made possible by AI technology.
On July 19, the AI Empowerment Super League (AI Super League) kicked off in Nanning, a city in Guangxi. The event brought together tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to launch initiatives to attract content creators from all backgrounds.
Gateway Guangxi's big league vision
As China's gateway to ASEAN, Guangxi is leveraging the AI Super League to build a bridge of AI to real-world industries both locally and across Southeast Asia.
At first glance, the autonomous region might seem an unlikely contender in the AI race. It's a region without the tech-heavy infrastructure of Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. But that's exactly why its strategy is so smart.
Recently, Guangxi has taken full advantage of national programs like the AI Capacity Building Plan, integrating AI into traditional industries. The government has opened up 16 AI application scenarios and launched a major recruitment campaign to attract AI companies.
"Guangxi is a gateway to ASEAN," said Qi Xiangdong, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and chairman of cybersecurity firm Qi'anxin. "The AI use cases here are similar to those in ASEAN countries. If a tech company can succeed in Guangxi, it's well-positioned for Southeast Asia."
AI in real life
Guangxi is already seeing results. The locals are garnering cultural and tourism benefits from AI-powered products like the digital Liu Sanjie, an AI cultural ambassador inspired by Guangxi's eponymous legendary folk singer. Farmers and traders are using a large language model to optimize production and logistics.
On June 30, the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center Exhibition Hall opened for trial operations. It is the product of policies like the "Decision on accelerating the high-quality development of AI" and the "AI + Manufacturing" Action Plan, setting clear goals.
Other major projects are also taking shape, including the Liuzhou ASEAN Intelligent Computing Center, the Yulin Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park, and the Hezhou Smart Device Components Base.
The AI Super League is more than a tech competition. At the event, AI robot attendants made coffee on the spot, showcasing how AI is moving from "talking" to "doing." In smart farms, AI systems monitor crops and livestock 24/7, replacing manual labor.
The league's "Scenario Breakthrough" contest focuses on 17 key sectors, from agriculture and education to healthcare and tourism. The "Call for Heroes" challenge tackles some of the toughest technical problems in AI development. For example, the Geely Automotive Research Institute unveiled its new Full-Domain AI for Smart Vehicles system, aiming to make every car a companion with feelings and inviting global talents to help bring the vision to life.
The "AI for All" public challenge, open to everyone, encourages people to explore how AI can reshape everyday life. "AI is not just for experts anymore," said Li Muhan, co-founder of Yuguang Tongchen (Hangzhou) Cultural Technology Co. "It's for creators, dreamers, and doers. Let's use AI to empower Guangxi."
A regional vision
The AI Super League isn't only about Guangxi. It is building a regional AI ecosystem. The event encourages joint teams from China and ASEAN countries to compete, collaborate, and innovate together.
Professor Wen Yonggang, chair professor at Nanyang Technological University and fellow of the Singapore National Academy of Engineering, sees its huge potential. "This is a chance to bring more ASEAN teams into the fold and build a regional AI innovation alliance," he said.
As AI reshapes industries and societies, Guangxi is positioning itself at the heart of a new China-ASEAN innovation corridor. With strong policy support, growing infrastructure and a bold vision, it is realizing AI from a futuristic dream into a powerful tool for growth, collaboration and shared prosperity.