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Singapore, Singapore Aug 1, 2025  – The China-ASEAN “Future Architect” Summer Camp took place in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, from July 22 to 28, 2025. This event was a collaborative effort between Guizhou Polytechnic of Construction (GZPC) and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED). Aimed at fostering deeper regional youth exchanges, the camp gathered 21 talented young individuals from nine ASEAN nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants embarked on an exploration of architectural culture, bridging historical and contemporary perspectives across borders.

The opening ceremony on July 23 saw GZPC Vice President Wang Huirong welcoming the participants. She highlighted Guizhou’s rich ancient architectural heritage and provided an overview of the week’s agenda for the ASEAN students. Student representatives Siti Hannani Haji Ramli and Norishma Alexia Binti Nodie from Brunei, along with Cao Ngoc Thach from Vietnam, conveyed their enthusiasm and committed to active learning and cultural ambassadorship.

Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of a China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future, this summer camp served as an extension of the “International Youth Talk” series, inviting high-performing young representatives to China. Through immersive activities, participants experienced the blend of ancient and modern Chinese architectural culture and gained insights into Guizhou’s indigenous architectural wisdom. Leveraging architecture as a universal cultural language, the camp broadened the international perspectives of young people, strengthened their cultural identity, and invigorated regional cultural exchanges.

Participants toured CHINA CONSTRUCTION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD. to observe advancements in prefabricated construction firsthand. Guides offered comprehensive explanations of innovative technologies like green building and smart manufacturing. Attendees explored new materials and intelligent construction methods, gaining direct exposure to the swift evolution of construction technology.

Attendees explored Qingyan ancient town, a national-level historical and cultural site spanning over 600 years, immersing themselves in its rich history and regional character. The town’s well-maintained wooden structures, flagstone pathways, intricately carved beams, and painted pillars showcased the exquisite artistry and unique appeal of traditional Guizhou architecture. During their visit, students observed the seamless integration of historical structures with modern commerce, appreciating the delicate balance between preserving heritage and facilitating contemporary usage.

At the International Youth Roundtable Exchange, participants from various countries presented iconic buildings and construction methods from their homelands, illustrating a rich tapestry of cultures. The students engaged in thorough discussions and brainstorming sessions on subjects like urban sustainable development and green construction, integrating their experiences and observations from Guiyang. This exchange of diverse cultural perspectives consistently broadened their thinking and fostered mutual understanding through active listening and response. This dynamic interplay of ideas underscored the potential for youth collaboration, quietly initiating a cross-border architectural dialogue.

During the closing ceremony of the Summer Camp and the Forum on Jointly Building a New Ecosystem for China-ASEAN Vocational Education Development: Innovative Integration and Digital Empowerment, participants appeared splendidly in their national costumes, exuding youthful energy. Students presented self-edited videos documenting their memorable moments in Guiyang and shared cherished recollections of their exchange. Participant representatives delivered heartfelt speeches, recounting their immersive learning and cultural encounters in China. They reviewed their extensive Guizhou itinerary, which included visits to ancient Chinese architecture, appreciation of traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops in bamboo weaving and mortise and tenon structures. Beyond experiencing the allure of traditional Chinese culture, they also cultivated cross-border friendships through their interactions. Their sincere speeches vividly demonstrated the open-mindedness and diverse viewpoints of young people in cultural assimilation, collectively advocating for a stronger China-ASEAN youth exchange network to foster integrated educational and cultural development in the digital era.

The event also featured a special award ceremony for the “International Youth Talk,” recognizing outstanding participants with trophies to encourage continued youth engagement and prominence in Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. A student team from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia secured first prize in the “International Youth Talk” for their innovative blend of traditional architectural principles and digital technology, highlighting the potential for regional youth cooperation in tackling sustainable development issues. The ceremony concluded with participants performing “Jasmine” in both Chinese and English, their harmonious rendition resonating with cultural understanding and emotional connection among Chinese and foreign youth, providing a lasting and meaningful cultural memory for the forum.

The China-ASEAN “Future Architect” Summer Camp represented more than just a cross-border cultural exchange; it was a profound dialogue connecting the past, future, and global youth. In Guiyang, young participants journeyed together, exploring culture through architectural insights, forging bonds through interaction, and sparking innovation through practical engagement. They chronicled history with their footsteps, documented their experiences with their cameras, and constructed pathways of communication with their ideas. This invaluable experience will remain an enduring memory, fostering new impetus for regional educational collaboration and cultural exchanges, and illuminating a shared future of co-creation for China-ASEAN youth.