The association is launched at XMUM in Malaysia. [Photo by Lin Yuyang provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China–ASEAN Association of Translation, Interpreting and Communication was inaugurated on April 18 at the opening ceremony of the China–ASEAN Conference on Translation, Interpreting and Communication, held at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM).

The association is an open, non-profit organization initiated by Xiamen University (XMU) and co-founded by more than 10 institutions from countries including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Representatives from distinguished institutions including Peking University, Fudan University, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Malaya, as well as the Association of Indonesian Translators (HPI) were in attendance. The organization's secretariat is housed at XMU's College of Foreign Languages and Cultures.

The partnership aligns with the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). According to Chen Jing, chairman of the association and dean of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures at XMU, through initiatives such as the regular convening of the conference, faculty and student exchanges, and joint research projects, the association seeks to foster sustained institutional cooperation, scholarly publication, and the development of young researchers.

Wu Chaopeng, vice president of XMU, delivers a video address. [Photo by Lin Yuyang provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The accompanying conference hosted scholars from more than 20 universities across eight countries. Attendees included Wu Chaopeng, vice president of XMU; Dato' Dr Mohd Anwar Ridhwan, chairman of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP); Lam Quang Dong, vice president of the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Jiang Yunbao, president of the China–Malaysia International Institute for Advanced Studies; and Wang Ruifang, president of XMUM.

Wang Ruifang emphasized that, in the context of deepening China–ASEAN cooperation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges remain important. She added that the rise of digital platforms, global media, and artificial intelligence is reshaping translation and communication, increasing the demand for multilingual professionals capable of navigating regional affairs.