Tengchong Scientists Forum 2025 opens in Yunnan

The 2025 Tengchong Scientists Forum has opened in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Under the theme "Science and AI Changing the World," the forum brings together hundreds of scientists, university leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss frontier research and the integration of science with industry. Yang Jinghao has more.

With the help of technology, even physical barriers can't prevent someone from creating beautiful music.

This prosthetic hand, worn by the performer, was developed by a company in Hangzhou city. It uses brain-computer interface technology to translate thoughts into movement.

This inspiring moment unfolds at this year's Tengchong Scientists Forum, which brings together many of the world's leading scientists and entrepreneurs. During the event, the "Tengchong Science Award" was presented to Pan Jianwei in recognition of his pioneering achievements in quantum communication and quantum computing.

And for the first time, the forum also honors nine outstanding young scientists. Xu Zhanbo is one of them. His team has developed the world's first hydrogen-powered smart zero-carbon energy system. His breakthrough supports China's goals of advancing green technological innovation, as emphasized in the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

PROF. XU ZHANBO, Xi'an Jiaotong University "I believe that as information technology continues to integrate with the traditional energy sector, helping overcome some of the technological bottlenecks in sensing, analysis, and control, building more zero-carbon parks is entirely feasible."

A technology outlook report was released at the event, forecasting 10 major megatrends expected to transform the world by 2049. The report predicts that artificial intelligence will reach human-like capabilities across multiple domains. This is a hot topic at the forum.

KONSTANTIN NOVOSELOV, Nobel Laureate in Physics "I have no doubt that AI will be used quite a lot in the area of advanced materials, in chemistry, in physics. However, we need new technologies. Now, we're back at the drawing desk, trying to create new approaches for the use of AI in materials science."

Yunnan Province is China's gateway to South and Southeast Asia. The forum also aims to foster international collaboration, particularly with neighboring countries.

HUL SEINGHENG, Undersecretary, Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation "Talent developments, technology transfer, joint research and development. I think these are so founded on the grounds of what we are going to do with whatever effort we have in the country, but also collaboration with ASEAN, Lancang-Mekong countries, particularly China."

As the Tengchong Scientists Forum progresses, participants believe that this land of volcanic beauty and technological ingenuity will see more breakthrough scientific achievements come to life.