‘The Present and Future of International Chinese Language Education in the Era of Digital Intelligence’, an International Symposium, was successfully held in Singapore on 16 and 17 August 2025. Co-hosted by the School of International Chinese Studies of East China Normal University (ECNU) and Crestar Confucius Institute, the event was jointly organised with the Singapore Chinese Teachers Union and the Singapore American School.
The Symposium served as a global platform to explore innovative pathways for advancing international Chinese language education in the era of digital intelligence. Bringing together 300 distinguished experts and frontline teachers from over 20 countries across five continents, participants hailed from China, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, South Africa and Singapore.
Opening performance of Chinese Filial Piety by ELFA Preschool
Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Han Jun, Minister-Counsellor (Education) at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore, and Mr. Yu Yunfeng, Director of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) under China’s Ministry of Education, who delivered his speech via video. Ms. Huang Meixu, Director of the Global Education Center, East China National University, and Mr. Ng Tiow Seng, Chairman of Crestar Confucius Institute Singapore, also shared their insights and expressed confidence in the future of international Chinese language education in the digital era.
Dr. Han Jun, Minister-Counsellor (Education), Embasssy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore. He expressed that International Chinese Language Education transcends traditional models to integrate ancient and contemporary Chinese culture.
(Video speech) Mr. Yu Yunfeng，Director of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC). He stated that the CLEC will collaborate with global partners to integrate AI and advance International Chinese Language Education.
Ms. Huang Meixu, Director of the Global Education Centre, East China National University, emphasized the event’s role in advancing dialogue between Chinese language education and digital technology.
Mr. Ng Tiow Seng, Chairman of Crestar Confucius Institute Singapore, sharing Singapore’s AI case studies. He expressed hope the Symposium would drive innovation in teaching and development.
A highlight of the Symposium was the appointment of Crestar Confucius Institute, Singapore. Associate Professor Zhou Yong, Director of the Confucius Institute Office at East China Normal University officiated the unveiling with Mr. Ng Tiow Seng.
Participants commended the symposium for fostering diverse global academic exchange and collaboration. While injecting fresh momentum into the innovative development of international Chinese language education worldwide, it showcased the immense potential of integrating digital intelligence technologies into the teaching and learning of Chinese.
The unveiling ceremony of Crestar Confucius Institute
Guest Speakers, Forum Commentators, and Moderators from around the world gathered for a group photo