Yangzhou launches AI skills night school for expats

More than 40 foreign nationals from 18 countries took part in Yangzhou's first AI-focused skills night school for expatriates on Sept 9 and 10, as the eastern Chinese city seeks to help international residents better integrate into local life and benefit from its digital development.

Expats attend a session at Yangzhou's AI skills night school. [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]

The first session was held at the Yangzhou Talent Lounge on Sept 9, introducing participants to mainstream AI tools, including Doubao and DeepSeek, with a focus on AI-powered office automation and practical applications in everyday life and the workplace.

Participants followed the instructor's demonstrations on their smartphones and computers and posed questions during the hands-on exercises, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere in the classroom.

"These AI tools are amazing. I didn't expect Chinese AI tools to be so powerful," said an international student from Tajikistan.

Participants visit Yangzhou Data Industrial Park. [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]

The second session moved from the talent center to Yangzhou Data Industrial Park on Sept 10, where participants visited the NetEase Innovation Center (Yangzhou) to explore real-world applications of AI and digital technologies.

During the visit, they learned how AI is being applied in areas such as music digitization, book digitization and intelligent gaming applications, gaining a closer look at the development of Yangzhou's digital economy.

Participants learn real-world AI applications at the NetEase Innovation Center (Yangzhou). [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]

A staff member from the Foreign Affairs Office of Yangzhou Municipal People's Government said that, based on an assessment of the program's results, the office will work with the Yangzhou Human Resources and Social Security Bureau to offer more courses for foreign nationals.

The courses will help international residents gain a deeper understanding of Yangzhou, make their daily lives more convenient and foster a stronger sense of belonging.