2026 Future Close-up youth program kicks off in Shenzhen with AI focus

Video by Zhao Xiaochen

Themed “AI for a Shared Future,” the 2026 Future Close-Up global youth exchange program invites 21 delegates from 15 countries and regions to witness China’s innovative prowess firsthand. By exploring how cutting-edge AI integrates with traditional culture, the program highlights the synergy between technology and heritage in China. After an immersive day at Tencent and BYD, the delegates — comprising entrepreneurs, scholars, tech professionals, and key opinion leaders — will head today to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, for the next leg of their weeklong exploration of China. The program was jointly launched in 2023 by China International Communications Group and Tencent.

A participant in the 2026 Future Close-Up global youth exchange program tries the palm payment system during a visit to Tencent yesterday, when the program kicked off at the headquarters of the Shenzhen-based tech giant. Photos by Zhang Wei