The first China-ASEAN Conference on Knowledge Service Innovation and International Exchange Development, alongside the fifth China Publishing Industry Knowledge Service Conference, took place in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from Sept 26 to 27.

Co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication and Guangxi Normal University Press Group, with support from the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association and Midu Technology Co Ltd, the event explored the theme "Digital Innovation and International Service in the Publishing Industry in the AI Era".

During the conference, discussions centered on the current state and future directions of digital innovation and knowledge services in the publishing industry between China and the members of ASEAN. Key topics included the development and exchange of digital content, as well as discussions on frontier issues such as digital content globalization, copyright trade, and artificial intelligence.

Wei Yushan, director of the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, emphasized the publishing industry's pivotal role in global cultural exchange. He urged industry peers to embrace innovation and openness to propel knowledge services, facilitating the international communication of Chinese culture and global knowledge.

Dong Yimin, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the CAPP, discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on publishing's knowledge services. He explored AI's influence, particularly large models, and provided recommendations for optimizing their use in the industry's evolution.

Ao Ran, executive vice-chairman of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, highlighted government support, focusing on sectors like online literature, gaming, digital music, and web animation.

Huang Xuanzhuang, president of Guangxi Normal University Press Group, shared insights on the international communication and digital publishing.