China-ASEAN Young Scientists Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Biodiversity
Between 18 and 21 September 2026, TEE Lab Project Officers Ng Wan Lin and Marx Yim were invited to Nanning, China, to attend the 2026 China-ASEAN Young Scientists Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biodiversity.
Photo credit: World Association for Young Scientists (WAYS)
Hosted by the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS), the Guangxi Association for Science and Technology, and the Guangxi Academy of Sciences, the dialogue brought together young scientists and researchers from China and ASEAN to exchange ideas on the growing intersection between artificial intelligence, biodiversity and scientific research.
The dialogue was part of a wider programme of the 2026 China-ASEAN Science, Technology and People-to-People Exchange Activities, including the 10th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp and Teacher Workshop. It was also held alongside the much larger 2026 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO).
Exploring AI and Biodiversity in Guangxi
Before the dialogue officially began, participants visited the China-ASEAN Countries Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center, where we were introduced to some of the ways AI is being developed and applied across China and ASEAN.
The visit offered a glimpse into the increasingly diverse applications of AI, from research and industry to everyday life. We were also treated to a robot dance performance and, somewhat unexpectedly, had coffee served to us by a robot.
Our next stop was the Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, where we learned about the research and conservation of many medicinal plant species found in China, of which there are over 10,000. The visit highlighted the enormous biological and cultural value of China's plant diversity, as well as the importance of documenting and conserving these resources for the future. Some time that day, we we also learned that there are 48 distinct types of water recognised in the Chinese culture.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony began with a spectacular series of performances by students from primary schools and universities across Nanning and Guangxi. Traditional and contemporary dance performances were followed by a recital and stage play commemorating the life and contributions of Huang Danian, a renowned Chinese geophysicist.
The performances were followed by addresses from government and science and technology officials, who emphasised the importance of strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between China and ASEAN.
For the participants, it was a fitting start to a dialogue centred on collaboration, bringing together researchers from different countries to explore how science and technology can address shared challenges.
Young Scientist Dialogue
The main dialogue featured around 25 presentations covering a remarkably broad range of topics, from biodiversity informatics and data mobilisation to data governance and applications of AI in biodiversity research and conservation.
Photo credit: World Association for Young Scientists (WAYS)
Representatives from different countries also shared their experiences and plans for incorporating AI into biodiversity research and conservation. While AI offers possibilities for processing large datasets, monitoring biodiversity and supporting conservation, discussions also highlighted some of the challenges involved, including access to high-quality data, data sharing, governance and the development of appropriate technical expertise.
Photo credit: World Association for Young Scientists (WAYS)
For the TEE Lab, the dialogue also provided an opportunity to share our own work. Ng Wan Lin presented “Monitoring of Nocturnal Insect Biodiversity in Singapore: Leveraging on Automated Light Traps and AI” which is part of the AMBER Project, which she has spearheaded over the past two years. The project explores the use of automated monitoring systems to better understand nocturnal insect biodiversity in Singapore.
Sharing this work alongside researchers working on AI, biodiversity informatics and data mobilisation provided an interesting opportunity to consider how emerging technologies can complement more traditional approaches to biodiversity research.
Photo credit: World Association for Young Scientists (WAYS)
The dialogue concluded with a closed-door meeting discussing opportunities to strengthen collaboration between China and ASEAN, particularly in AI, research data sharing and sustainable development.
A glimpse of the China-ASEAN Expo
Our visit to Nanning also coincided with the 2026 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC). This year's theme, “CAFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life,” reflected the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and its emphasis on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN.
All 11 ASEAN member states, including newly admitted Timor-Leste, showcased their products and industries in their respective national pavilions. Walking through the exhibition halls offered a fascinating look at the diversity of products, industries and cultures across the region.
Alongside the ASEAN pavilions were enormous exhibition areas showcasing China's latest developments across a vast range of industries. There were displays on new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, green and low-carbon technologies, smart energy and electrical power, space and science technologies, the digital economy, agricultural technology, drones and much more.
Takeaways
Our four days in Nanning provided much more than an opportunity to attend a scientific conference. We met researchers from across China and ASEAN, learned about different approaches to biodiversity and technology, and gained a better understanding of how AI can possibly shape scientific research.
Photo credit: World Association for Young Scientists (WAYS)
For the TEE Lab, the dialogue was also a valuable opportunity to share our work on insect biodiversity with an international audience and explore potential connections with researchers working in fields ranging from biodiversity informatics to artificial intelligence.
From automated insect monitoring and medicinal plants to robots making coffee and one of the region's largest trade exhibitions, the trip offered us a glimpse into the many ways science, technology and biodiversity are becoming increasingly interconnected.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Xu Zheping, Research Librarian at the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for inviting us to be part of this dialogue. We would also like to thank Haoyang Tian, who coordinated the logistics prior to our arrival and helped ensure everything was in place.
Last but not least, our heartfelt thanks to 小杨, who took meticulous care of us throughout our stay, making sure we had everything we needed and helping to make our time in Nanning, China, a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.
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