On the afternoon of March 5, 2024, Nanfang College Guangzhou (NCG) hosted Mr. Qiu Che, General Manager of CVTE’s Consumer Division (视源股份) and Founder of Xibeisi Intelligent Technology (希倍思智能科技), for a lecture titled “Opportunities and Challenges at the Forefront of the AI Era.” The event drew over 400 attendees, including NCG’s President - Academician Tang Tao, Party Secretary Li Jianchao, senior academic and administrative leaders, faculty, and students. Professor Zhang Mingyuan, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, moderated the session.
Professor Zhang Mingyuan opened the forum by warmly welcoming Qiu Che and emphasizing the significance of the topic for students and faculty navigating a pivotal stage of academic and professional development. He expressed hope that the lecture would inspire critical thinking about AI’s transformative impact and its intersection with diverse fields.
Mr. Qiu Che began by thanking NCG for the invitation. Referring to the viral success of Deepseek during the 2025 Spring Festival as a start, he underscored AI’s role as a defining force of the 21st century, reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. He emphasized that in this era of rapid technological advancement, accurately grasping AI’s evolving trends, proactively addressing its challenges, and seizing future opportunities are imperatives for all to contemplate.
Qiu traced AI’s evolution from the conceptual foundations of the Turing Test to today’s generative models like ChatGPT. He highlighted China’s growing influence in the field, noting that over 1,300 large AI models exist globally, with China contributing nearly 40%—a testament to its technological ambition.
Qiu praised Deepseek, the leading AI inference model, for its ability to tackle complex problems through advanced algorithms and computational power. Quoting NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, he remarked, “Tomorrow, every IT department will evolve into an HR department for AI assistants. Today, they manage software; tomorrow, they will oversee AI agents.”
Looking ahead, Qiu envisioned AI’s integration into multimodal systems. For example, AI-powered glasses could offer real-time translation and enhanced visual interfaces, breaking language barriers. He also predicted a future where robots—from stain-detecting home cleaners to emotionally responsive companions—become integral to daily life, redefining human-machine interaction.
While AI drives progress, Qiu cautioned against complacency. “Repetitive roles, such as data entry or routine manufacturing, face obsolescence,” he stated. “Success belongs to those who embrace adaptability, initiative, and interdisciplinary learning.” He cited Black Myth: Wukong, a globally acclaimed game developed by Feng Ji’s team at Game Science, as an example of leveraging AI and creativity to excel in competitive markets.
Qiu also shared insights from CVTE and Xibeisi Intelligent Technology. CVTE employs AI to refine interactive display technologies, while Xibeisi focuses on smart home ecosystems. He stressed that sustained R&D investment and cultivating cross-disciplinary talent are critical to maintaining a competitive edge.
The lively Q&A session saw attendees raising questions about AI’s ethical implications, its role in interdisciplinary fields, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Qiu encouraged students to pursue lifelong learning, blend AI with their expertise, and remain agile in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Qiu Hantong, a 2022 International Trade major, reflected, “This lecture reshaped my understanding of AI. Mr. Qiu’s examples highlighted the urgency of integrating AI into my field to stay relevant in tomorrow’s job market.”
This forum exemplifies NCG’s dedication to fostering innovation and global citizenship. Through initiatives like the Southern Forum series, the college integrates liberal arts with cutting-edge knowledge, equipping students to become adaptable, forward-thinking professionals. Moving forward, NCG will continue inviting global thought leaders to inspire its community, nurturing talent with both technical prowess and a sense of social responsibility.