Recently, the “2025 ASEAN Youth Looking at the National Games” forum and the RisingZ China-Vietnam Youth Exchange event took place in Guangzhou. This initiative, guided by the organizing committee of the 15th National Games and the Paralympic Games in Guangzhou, was co-hosted by the Southern Finance and Economics Media Group and Huya Company. Among the attendees were Nguyen Viet Duong, the Consul General of Vietnam in Guangzhou, and Liang Peizhen, deputy director of the liaison office for the Guangzhou organizing committee, both of whom delivered speeches at the event.
The “ASEAN Youth Looking at the National Games” event is particularly significant this year, marking the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations and coinciding with a year dedicated to cultural exchanges between the two nations. The upcoming National Games and Paralympic Games to be held in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau provide a platform to promote regional exchanges and generate excitement for the events while enhancing cultural connections between China and ASEAN countries.
At the event, Consul General Nguyen emphasized that the younger generation is vital for inheriting and fostering traditional friendships. He noted the success of the RisingZ China-Vietnam Youth Music Exchange Competition held in Vietnam, which attracted extensive participation and provided opportunities for musical interaction and learning among youths from both nations. The forums and cultural displays at the ASEAN Youth event significantly aid in building mutual understanding between the youth of China and ASEAN countries. Participants also had chances to learn from top experts, an experience that will contribute to their artistic growth.
Scheduled to commence on November 9, the 15th National Games will serve as a vibrant showcase of collaboration and cultural allure in the Greater Bay Area, according to Liang. She stressed that sports act as a universal language, and empowering youth will pave the way for a hopeful future.
The event featured a roundtable discussion titled “From ‘Seeing’ to ‘Identifying’: Bringing the Spirit of the National Games to Youth,” with notable guests including Jiang Xi, a professor at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies; Chen Po, a renowned Hong Kong music producer; and Qiong Ying, a Vietnamese youth representative. They engaged in deep discussions about how sportsmanship and cultural influence can foster connections among the youth.
A highlight of the program was the musical performances by Chinese and Vietnamese youth. The RisingZ competition, which symbolizes generation Z’s rise, has become a benchmark for cross-border collaboration in youth events and cultural promotion. Winning participants from Vietnam showcased their talents alongside Chinese university students, illustrating a harmonious blend of different cultures.
Following the performances, a ceremony was held to award the title of “RisingZ China-Vietnam Youth Music Exchange Ambassador” to outstanding young musicians who actively promoted cultural exchanges between the two countries. The consul general presented the awards, encouraging the musicians to continue strengthening the friendship through their art.
This grand event continues the promising narrative of cultural exchanges initiated earlier this year. The RisingZ competition has already fostered deep friendships among the younger generation in both countries, and esteemed Vietnamese conductor Dong Guangrong praised the initiative for building an essential platform for young people to connect across borders.
Furthermore, Chen Jieming, vice president of the Chinese Musicians Association’s Popular Music Society, commended the competition for infusing youthful vigor into cultural exchanges, allowing young people to discover each other through melodies.
Huya Company remains committed to nurturing youth community ecosystems through strategic initiatives like the “University Co-Creation Officer Program,” which connects over a hundred universities nationwide. By understanding the cultural preferences of Generation Z, Huya effectively links various initiatives, paving the way for deeper cultural resonance that transcends conventional forms of exchange.