Latest news with #ChinaInternationalPressCommunicationCentre
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Embracing AI: The New Imperative For Modern Journalism
GENERAL By Suraidah Roslan KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), journalists must quickly adapt and embrace the technology, not only to remain relevant but to redefine efficiency and excellence in their work. In conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah, 34, shared her experience participating in the 2024 China International Media Exchange Programme, organised by the China International Press Communication Centre in Beijing. Marfika, a journalist with Bernama's Lifestyle Desk, said that during her four-month stint in China, she saw how deeply AI was woven into daily life and how it proved useful to her as well. 'AI became a part of my daily routine in China, not just as a work tool, but as a personal assistant that just made life easier,' she said. Among the AI applications she found indispensable were Baidu Translate and WeChat Translate, which let her instantly convert Chinese documents into Malay or English using just her phone. She acknowledged that she relied heavily on ChatGPT throughout her four-month assignment, using it to craft interview questions, write photo captions and translate Chinese texts into Malay or English. Reflecting on the challenges she faced in China, Marfika said the language barrier was the most difficult, as most locals had limited proficiency in English.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
- China's Visa-Free Policy Surge: A Strategic Push for Global Re-engagement
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. The impact of this policy is evident on the ground. Almost every other week brings news of yet another country added to Beijing's growing list of visa-exempt nations. From leading European economies to neighbouring Southeast Asian states, China is methodically removing travel barriers. This is not merely a post-pandemic reopening – it is a calculated move to deepen global engagement and revitalise international exchanges. Having lived in China for about two months as part of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, I have witnessed a remarkable trend unfolding – the rapid expansion of China's visa-free entry policies. Having personally experienced both the stringent visa processes of the past and the current wave of liberalised policies, the contrast is striking – and it speaks volumes about China's broader diplomatic and economic ambitions. In Beijing, international terminals that have stood still are bustling once more. Hotels are seeing more foreign guests, and expat communities are abuzz with talk of simplified travel procedures. It is the result of a carefully calibrated strategy – one that targets key markets while cautiously laying the groundwork for broader implementation. The first major step came in late 2023, when China announced a one-year visa-free trial for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Under the scheme, travellers from these countries are allowed to stay in China for up to 15 days for business, tourism, or transit purposes. Malaysia's inclusion stood out as particularly significant – a clear recognition of Southeast Asia's growing economic importance to China. Since then, the policy scope has expanded steadily. Early this year, China extended visa-free access to Switzerland and Ireland – two affluent European nations with strong trade links to Beijing. Shortly after, China signed mutual visa-exemption agreements with Singapore and Thailand, further reinforcing regional cooperation. In parallel, the country broadened its transit visa waiver programme. Travellers from 54 countries can now enjoy visa-free stopovers of up to 144 hours in major Chinese cities – a boon for business travellers and tourists. ASEAN visa exemption – a new milestone in regional collaboration The latest, and perhaps most significant, development came just on June 3, when China announced a landmark visa-free policy for all ASEAN member states. Effective July 1, 2025, citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam (in addition to existing exemptions for Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia) as well as Timor-Leste, which is set to join ASEAN soon, will be allowed to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business and cultural exchange. This bold initiative underscores China's deepening commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN, its largest trading partner. The expanded visa-free access is expected to further boost economic integration, enhance tourism flows, and promote more dynamic people-to-people connections. Strategically, it aligns with Beijing's broader vision of advancing multilateral cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment. Visa-free wave reaches Latin America In a further expansion of its global outreach, China extended visa-free entry to five Latin American nations, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, starting June 1, 2025. Under this trial policy, which will run until May 31, 2026, citizens of these countries may stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, cultural exchange, or transit purposes. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with a region rich in resources and growing in geopolitical significance. By lowering entry barriers, Beijing is sending a clear message that China is open – for trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. As these policies take full effect, the real test will be whether they translate into sustained economic gains and stronger diplomatic bonds. While the long-term impact will ultimately depend on whether these policies yield sustained economic benefits and deeper diplomatic engagement, the current momentum is unmistakable. For travellers, investors, and international partners alike, China's doors have never been more open. From what I have observed during my time here, it is evident that China is intensifying its efforts toward what it calls 'Chinese modernisation' – with a strong focus on opening up to the world and expanding access to global markets. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Barnama
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
- SILENT STREETS AND GREEN PLATES: CHINA'S EV REVOLUTION
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Picture this. Strolling along one of the busiest streets in a Chinese city, with no smoke, no diesel fumes and no lingering scent of petrol. Just the gentle hum of an electric vehicle (EV) gliding past. Chances are, you'll see more cars without tailpipes than you can count. Roads with clean air and minimal noise. Welcome to China, a true paradise for EVs. Once considered a luxury confined to urban centres, EVs have now captured everyday life across China's vast and diverse landscape. Thanks to strong government backing and an ambitious push for nationwide electrification, EVs are no longer just a trend; they are a lifestyle. Clean Air, Quieter Streets When I arrived in Beijing for the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2025 Programme, the shift was immediately evident. During my ride from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Residence Compound in Chaoyang District, my eyes were drawn to the car number plates, blue for fuel and hybrid cars while green for electric ones. At least six out of every ten cars bore green plates. EVs seemed to dominate the roads. While some Malaysians, including myself, are still weighing the pros and cons of owning an EV, given the added costs for charging infrastructure and electricity consumption, China has proven that the transition is worth it. The long-term environmental and economic benefits are undeniable. In China, even two-wheelers and buses have gone green, while the taxis are all running on green energy. One evening, craving some spicy comfort food, I used the Amap app to navigate my way to an Indian restaurant on Ritan Upper Street. As I walked, phone in hand and music playing softly through my earphones, I was caught off guard by a motorbike approaching silently from behind. There was no engine roar or rumbling exhaust, just a quiet motorcyclist trying to get my attention in Mandarin. I couldn't understand the words, but the message was clear: make way. Since then, I've stopped using earphones while walking in Beijing. It's a completely different experience from Malaysia, where you can always hear a vehicle before you see it. In China, battery-powered scooters and motorbikes are common, and the infrastructure to support them is impressive. In many hutongs (narrow alleyways in Beijing), self-service battery swap kiosks are placed at every 800 metres. Riders can replace depleted batteries in minutes, just like collecting a parcel from a delivery locker. Even public buses in Beijing are predominantly electric. More Charging Stations than Petrol Stations While it's common in many countries to see petrol stations at every few kilometres, in China, they're becoming a rare sight. Instead, charging stations are far more frequent, a clear sign of the country's shift in energy priorities. The Chinese government has implemented targeted initiatives to accelerate EV adoption, especially in rural areas. These include tax incentives and extended subsidies for the purchase of new energy vehicles (NEVs) until the end of 2027. According to China's Ministry of Public Security, there were just 120,000 NEVs on the roads in 2014. By the end of June 2022, that number had surged past 10 million. It doubled again by the end of 2023 and exceeded 30 million in 2024, accounting for more than half of the world's total NEVs. Rural Electrification: EVs Beyond the Cities Last week, our China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2025 cohort visited Xinzhuang Village in Beijing's Changping District. To my surprise, even this village had dedicated EV charging stations for both cars and motorcycles. One local resident shared that similar infrastructure has already been built in regions as remote as Yunnan Province and Inner Mongolia, extending beyond urban centres to the farthest rural outskirts. In Malls, EVs Steal the Spotlight In Beijing's shopping malls, EVs are not just on display, they are on full parade. Local automakers such as BYD, XPeng, Zeekr, Li Auto, Geely and Deepal are proudly showcasing their latest models. What stood out most was the crowd's interest. Shoppers were more drawn to EV showrooms than most retail outlets. EVs in China start as low as ¥130,000 (about RM85,000), making them an accessible option for many. In Malaysia, EV adoption is beginning to gain momentum. Local manufacturers such as Proton and Perodua are developing more affordable models to compete with global players like BYD and Tesla. Chinese EV brands, renowned for their rapid innovation in battery technology, futuristic designs and competitive pricing, are quickly capturing the attention of Malaysian consumers. A Greener Future for Malaysia? As we move towards a more sustainable future, I hope Malaysia can position itself as a frontrunner in EV innovation with increased government incentives and expanded infrastructure, not just in major cities but across the rural vicinity as well. After all, if China can transform its urban and rural landscapes into an EV haven, there is no reason Malaysia cannot follow the same road to sustainability. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
