The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2024, scheduled for Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai, will leverage technologies including AI models and big data analysis to optimize experience at service and management ends for all participants, said a leading municipal official on Wednesday.
Hua Yuan, vice mayor of Shanghai, told a press conference in Beijing that the upcoming CIIE has developed a specialized online application and geared up for all-process real-time monitoring to provide experience improvement services for exhibitors and visitors.
"This year, we have focused on data empowerment, information integration, and the creation of a people-oriented service experience for exhibitors and visitors to enhance agile and efficient management capabilities and a comprehensive level of intelligent service management mainly in two aspects," said Hua.
"First, we focused on the convenience of exhibitors and visitors to foster service optimization. For this year's CIIE, we focused on developing an application called 'Jinboshi', which is an AI digital service butler. We completed high-precision modeling of the entire exhibition hall, achieved seamless switching of navigation inside and outside the hall and route planning across floors. We also focused on the different needs before, during and after the exhibition, and created an exclusive service package for exhibitors and visitors in the application, which will provide services in catering and accommodation, transportation, certificate inquiry, and supply and demand docking. At the same time, we integrated instant messaging and multilingual capabilities to provide communication channels for face-to-face consultation services and improve consultation efficiency," he continued.
"Moreover, we focused on the orderly operation of the exhibition to achieve management optimization. In the exhibition hall, we use spatial computing perception equipment to achieve real-time monitoring of the flow of people and abnormal crowd gathering in the hall. In the CIIE comprehensive management platform, we have access to 17 categories of real-time dynamic heterogeneous data such as weather, engineering, fire protection, greening, and transportation, allowing us to realize intelligent analysis of 10 major application scenarios such as emergency, transportation, and meteorology, and therefore achieving same-screen synchronization of management and command inside and outside the exhibition hall," he said.
At present, more than 70 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the seventh CIIE, and the event will see Norway, Slovakia, Benin, Burundi, Madagascar and UNICEF participating in the Country Exhibition for the first time.
China import expo leverages AI models, big data analysis to optimize service for exhibitors, visitors
Macao, one of the world's top places for life expectancy, has dedicated significant efforts to fostering favorable environments for the health and well-being of its elderly population.
In September this year, the government-built senior housing project was completed and officially inaugurated. Designed for elderly individuals capable of independent living, the project integrates cutting-edge elderly care technologies to ensure safety and comfort.
"Why did I choose the senior apartment? It is because I know their equipment is designed for the safety of the elderly, and this is what I need most right now," said Kuan Wai I, a dweller in the facility.
The apartments offer more than just a reliable living environment. They also create a vibrant community for seniors. Kuan, who enjoys playing the saxophone, plans to organize a band and participate in various activities available in the building. In an interview with China Central Television in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China on December 20, 1999, Kuan expressed her enthusiasm for learning, eager to join as many interest classes and activities as possible.
Macao's commitment to elderly care is not limited housing. Initiated in 2009, the "Peng On Tung" Tele-Assistance Service Center provides around-the-clock emergency assistance and daily support services for seniors living alone, aging couples, those with chronic illnesses, and others in need. Even if someone simply wants to talk due to loneliness, they will not be turned away.
"Peng On Tun" is operated by the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao, with strong support from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. Its affiliated service department, the Yijun Center, not only cares for elderly residents in Macao aged 55 and above with poor health, but also offers lifelong learning opportunities for Macao residents aged 45 and above.
Macao has long prioritized the protection of its elderly and individuals with chronic or severe illnesses. The region offers generous welfare benefits to seniors, including pensions, elderly subsidies, and cash sharing schemes. Permanent residents aged 65 and above are entitled to free preventive care services at public hospitals. Since 2009, the government has also issued annual medical vouchers to all permanent residents, further easing the financial burden of health-care.
Known as the "City of Longevity," Macao's life expectancy reached 83.1 years in 2023, ranking among the top three globally. This achievement is largely attributed to the region's high pension benefits and comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive care and health maintenance.
"Since Macao's return [to the motherland], the life expectancy of Macao residents has increased by five years, and our global ranking has risen from 12th to 3rd. Furthermore, the mortality rates for both newborns and pregnant women have remained exceptionally low," said Lo Iek Long, director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
In Macao, a health center is available for every three square kilometers, offering residents convenient and free medical services.
"We provide entirely free primary-level medical services, based on the concept of family medicine, through our network of health centers," Lo said.
In July this year, the Macao SAR government unveiled the Healthy Macao Blueprint, calling for collective efforts across society to turn Macao into a healthy city by 2030. Its overarching goals include improving health literacy among all residents, promoting healthy lifestyles, controlling major chronic diseases, and continuously enhancing residents' quality of life.
The story above was featured in the third episode of the China Media Group (CMG) documentary, titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond," created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.
The series premiered on CCTV-1 at 20:00 Dec 13 and will run until Dec 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
Macao strives to become elder-friendly city to support healthy aging
