On September 9, the first autumn event of the “Joint Development Green Communities, Shared Climate Education” community sustainable development education programme — jointly organized by the China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Nanhui New Town University for the Elderly — was successfully held. The event specially invited 30 local residents from Nanhui New Town to participate alongside a delegation of staff and students from University of Phayao in Thailand. Centred on the theme of collision between “International Youth + Community Practice”, the event facilitated cross-border exchange and dialogue.

In the morning, the local residents joined the staff and students from Thailand on a visit to the Dishui Lake AI Innovation Hub. As the artificial intelligence industry cluster within the Lin-gang Special Area, this hub brings together innovative enterprises in fields such as smart chips, autonomous driving, and computing power and algorithms. In the exhibition hall, the participants gained a first-hand insight into the innovative achievements of the “Digital City”, “Future Car” and “Smart Manufacturing” through cutting-edge technologies such as digital sand tables and holographic projections. Thai students and local residents engaged in frequent exchanges in the interactive experience zone, where they jointly tried out simulated driving cockpits, observed the operation of intelligent robotic arms, and tested their chess skills against AI opponents.

In the afternoon, the academic exchange between Chinese and Thai youth took place at the cultural and recreational centre on the second floor of LCC. Wang Haozhi, Tian Yuchuan, Zuo Runguo, Fu Zhengyue and T.N. Tanakrit — master students from LCC and teaching assistants on the Lin-gang Community Project — took part in the exchange. Chinese and Thai students engaged in lively discussions on topics such as academic experience, research methods, campus life, community education and the culture of both countries. The atmosphere was relaxed and cordial, and through these exchanges, students from both sides broadened their international horizons and forged friendships that transcend national borders.

This event represents an innovative initiative by the college to serve regional development and promote the deep integration of international exchange with community education. Through the “International Youth + Community Families” collaborative model, it has not only showcased the achievements of the Lin-gang Special Area in green and low-carbon development, but has also established a platform for academic exchange and cultural learning between Chinese and Thai young people. Going forward, LCC will continue to deepen international exchange and cooperation, promote the two-way sharing of experience in green community development, as well as mutual learning and exchange.