From 14 to 16 November, the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and jointly organised by the Centre for Language Exchange and Cooperation, the China International Foundation for Chinese Language Education, and the World Association of Chinese Language Teaching, was held at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. Our faculty members Zeng Danyang and Yu Ping from SOIE were invited to attend the conference. During the event, Ms Zeng Danyang was also invited to participate in the 2025 Academic Annual Conference of the World Association of Chinese Language Teaching.

Centred on the theme ‘Innovation-Driven, Digital Intelligence Empowered: Bridging the Gap to Chinese’, the conference explored key topics including international Chinese language education standards, teaching resource development, digital-intelligence technology integration, and the expansion of Chinese language learning combined with vocational skills. It showcased numerous innovative achievements such as adaptive learning systems, AI teaching and research platforms, and smart classrooms, highlighting cutting-edge advancements in the digital transformation and cross-cultural practices of international Chinese language education.

As a significant parallel session, the Academic Conference of the World Association of Chinese Language Teaching attracted over 200 representatives from more than 90 Chinese and international universities and institutions. Centred on the theme ‘Theoretical Innovation and Practical Exploration in International Chinese Teaching in the Digital Age,’ the conference interpreted the group standard for the ‘Digital Literacy Reference Framework for International Chinese Teachers.’ Discussions covered cutting-edge topics including faculty development and talent cultivation in international Chinese education, teaching methodologies, assessment and curriculum development, instructional resource construction for international Chinese education, and second language acquisition alongside cultural dissemination.

The two teachers remarked that participating in this high-calibre international exchange not only provided them with a systematic grasp of the latest trends and developmental directions in international Chinese education but also strengthened their conviction to dedicate themselves to this field, clarifying their next steps in their work.