AheadlinefromFortunemagazinelastweekstated,’China’ssix-year-oldshavealreadybeenofferedAIclassesschoolinasbidtotrainthenextgenerationofDeepSeekfounders,’

Classrooms across China are undergoing redesigns to explore the integration of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) within the educational system. The country has invested massive funds to collaborate with major tech companies, emerging startups, and academic institutions for researching how AI technologies can enhance classroom environments. This initiative also aims at boosting student engagement and overall wellbeing, along with various other improvements.

Most popular downloaded apps in the US, created in China

Incomprehensible just a short time ago, TikTok, Temu, and CapCut have surged into the top 10 rankings for the most downloaded applications in the U.S., spanning both iOS and Android platforms, according to recent studies. Furthermore, TikTok emerged as the highest-grossing application in America, amassing more than $250 million in net income, with YouTube trailing behind at approximately $166 million as of September 2024.

There’s no need for us to reinvent the wheel!

Elon Musk, who tops the list as the wealthiest person globally, stated: The United States needs to emulate China’s all-encompassing app, WeChat!

“Actually, WeChat serves as a great example. Within China…it covers all aspects. Think of it as PayPal combined with various household functionalities and more. The user interface is quite impressive too. Indeed, it’s an outstanding application. Outside of China, we lack something similar. Hence, I believe having such an app could be highly beneficial,” he mentioned.

Musk made these comments when China’s BYD outpaced his Tesla cars in global sales. Despite this, Tesla reported record-breaking sales figures in China over the past year but encountered fierce competition from local electric vehicle makers offering their products at roughly half the price of a Tesla. Additionally, Musk managed to construct the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory in an astounding 168 working days—from obtaining permissions to full operation—while Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturer TSMC had to stop operations in Arizona during that period.

Back then, Apple’s Tim Cook disclosed an insight that numerous U.S. firms were well aware of and leveraging to generate massive profits from China. He mentioned that China isn’t just the largest purchaser of international goods; it is also the primary source of top-notch engineers and app creators.

China’s Drive for Advanced Tech Will Speed Up

A notable insight from China’s recent Two Sessions – yearly gatherings where crucial policies for the coming year are established, emphasizing goals like maintaining economic stability, promoting technological advancements, and fostering high-quality development – is the recurring use of two terms: “productive forces” and “proactive measures.” Based on these policy declarations, analysts predict that China will intensify efforts to boost the nation’s productive capabilities with the aim of achieving high-quality and sustainable progress.

Moreover, China’s leadership acknowledges the challenges currently confronting the nation’s economy. Nonetheless, they understand these issues stem from their developmental efforts. This challenge arose following the upliftment of more than 800 million citizens out of poverty. China’s remarkable economic growth hinges on strategic five-year and ten-year planning frameworks. Previously centered on measurable outcomes, the emphasis has transitioned towards prioritizing quality and sustainable progress.

During the Two Sessions, one of the key concepts frequently highlighted is “New Quality Productive Forces” (NQPF), which refers to an economic development strategy centered around swift advancements in science and technology along with the enhancement of conventional sectors. This approach prioritizes fostering new and upcoming industries, encouraging the evolution and upgrade of established ones, boosting innovations within the digital sector, and cultivating scientific and technical skills via educational programs.

The ingenuity of Filipinos and their exceptional skills in engineering have proven capable of competing on an international scale. Nevertheless, considering the critical state of the worldwide economic landscape, are our educational institutions revamping their programs to better equip students for the swift transformations happening today? Furthermore, are they connecting with the innovation hubs leading these advancements?

A lot of our Filipino exporters who participate in trade shows in China mention that their products frequently sell out within just a few days. The Chinese consumers are eager to purchase more, asking for larger quantities or innovative packaging designs as well as seeking healthier choices.

Meanwhile, Beijing acknowledges that global society is encountering numerous challenges and transitions, requiring China to reassess and align with current developments. This is crucial since Chinese initiatives typically realize most of their intended objectives. Additionally, China’s strategists are contemplating the world as it will be 50 to 100 years from now.

As the wave changes direction or surges upward, we must adapt by riding it to expedite our advancement toward the achievements we desire, otherwise, we might get carried off course.

Austin Ong specializes in studying U.S.-China relations, ASEAN economic growth, as well as education and technological advancements.