Nigeria Times

By Xu Peiyu

China has cemented its position as the world’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) market, leading global production and sales for 11 consecutive years. At the heart of this achievement lies a formidable force: the nation’s young engineering talent. What drives China’s remarkable NEV advancement, and how have these professionals propelled its rise?

Seeking answers, a documentary crew from South Korea’s Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) visited BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters in Guangdong province this April.

Their observations revealed a striking contrast: while South Korea’s top students traditionally pursue medicine, China has cultivated deep engineering expertise that now powers cutting-edge technological breakthroughs — moving decisively beyond its former reputation for low-end manufacturing.

Intrigued by what they termed “China speed,” KBS producers expanded their documentary focus from education comparisons to China’s NEV sector. What astonished them most wasn’t just industrial scale, but the youth of China’s engineering corps.

BYD exemplifies this trend with over 120,000 engineers on staff. Between 2023 and 2025, the company recruited over 50,000 fresh university graduates, with nearly 80 percent entering research and development (R&D) positions. About 70 percent hold master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Ye Zi, head of BYD human resources., said the company’s well-developed training system, flexible job assignments and tolerant attitude toward trial and error have helped young recruits transition quickly from graduates into engineers.

At BYD, engineers in their twenties and thirties routinely lead core technical projects. KBS producer Jeong Yong-jae noted his surprise: “When I requested to interview younger engineers, they responded, ‘Everyone here is young.’ Witnessing professionals in their thirties making critical technical decisions would be extraordinary in South Korea.”

“Youth is the greatest source of innovation for China,” Jeong said after visiting schools and companies across the country. In his view, China encourages creativity and exploration from an early stage of education, giving students opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and hands-on innovation projects. That environment, he said, has planted the seeds of innovation early and created a steady pipeline of young talent for industries such as NEVs.

“What people call ‘China speed’ is not a miracle,” he said. “It is the result of talent, education, national strategies and collective determination coming together.”

Near BYD’s headquarters, ultra-fast charging stations showcase this innovation. There, People’s Daily met Qiu Song, who leads BYD’s Pure Electric Platform development. His team pioneered 1,500A ultra-fast charging technology, achieving stable extreme-current transmission through thinner cables. This breakthrough addresses critical consumer pain points: slow charging and excessive wait times.

Qiu joined BYD in 2016 when China’s annual NEV barely surpassed 500,000 units, Qiu has witnessed production surge past 16 million annually — with NEVs now dominating over half of new car sales. For him, the industry’s ethos is clear: “Dare to dream big, act boldly, and experiment fearlessly.”

Cao Zhiyuan, born in 1995, represents a new generation of engineers driving that momentum. A PhD graduate in electrical engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University, Cao joined BYD in 2023 and now leads development work on overseas ultra-fast charging products.

Much of his daily work revolves around one goal: making charging faster.

Experiments, data analysis, cross-team brainstorming sessions and daily reviews have become routine for him and his colleagues. The challenge they are tackling is one of the core bottlenecks facing the global EV industry: charging speed.

“We want charging an electric vehicle to be as fast as refueling a gasoline car,” Cao said. “That’s the goal we keep working toward every day.”

Inside the laboratory, engineers repeatedly test charging performance under different current levels and temperature conditions. The team operates with a highly open culture: ideas are evaluated by data and verification rather than hierarchy or seniority. That technology-first environment has enabled many young engineers to quickly grow into key contributors capable of leading major projects on their own.

After relentless refinement, BYD’s flash-charging technology can now charge a battery from 10 percent to 97 percent in just nine minutes, placing it among the global leaders in charging speed.

Through hard work and continuous innovation, China’s NEV engineers are giving real meaning to the phrase “China speed,” while injecting sustained momentum into the future development of the industry.

By Dou Hanyang, People’s Daily

The harvest season for branched string lettuce recently wrapped up along Xihu port in Huangbi’ao township, Xiangshan county, Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang province.

“I earned more than 60,000 yuan ($8,846) harvesting seaweed for the science and technology backyard,” said Baiyu village resident Qiu Yonggao with a broad smile. “I never thought tidal-flat seaweed could bring real income.”

Huangbi’ao township sits along the East China Sea. Stretching across the coastline are vast expanses of high-quality tidal flats where algae such as branched string lettuce, kelp and laver thrive naturally. 

The “science and technology backyard” Qiu referred to is the Xiangshan Seaweed Science and Technology Backyard, jointly established by the local government, universities and leading enterprises. 

Supported by this innovation hub, the local seaweed industry now spans cultivation, processing and domestic and overseas sales. This shift has upgraded the industry from traditional extensive farming to modern intensive production, lifting incomes for more than 180 local households.

At a local production base, workers are testing indoor cultivation of branched string lettuce in a 900-square-meter, state-of-the-art seedling workshop.

“The branched string lettuce produced here is purchased in large quantities by internationally renowned snack companies and used as a food seasoning,” said Zhu Wenrong, head of the production base and chairman of Xiangshan Xuwen Seaweed Development Co., Ltd. “Thanks to the area’s natural ecological advantages, branched string lettuce around Xihu port stands out for its premium quality and rich nutrients.”

Operating under a “company + farmer” model, the base provides growers with free seedlings, technical guidance, and guaranteed minimum prices. During this year’s bumper harvest, more than 100 local villagers participated in harvesting every day, with daily purchases of fresh branched string lettuce reaching more than 40 metric tons at peak times. Some villagers earned up to 1,500 yuan($221) a day solely from harvesting.

Building on the growth cycle of branched string lettuce, the base has also introduced high-quality kelp and laver seedlings, creating what locals call a “marine vegetable garden” in Xihu port. Moving beyond the traditional practice of “depending on the weather,” the farms now use intelligent equipment to monitor seawater temperature and pH levels, enabling precise environmental regulation.

“Look at this kelp — broad leaves and thick flesh. It can sell for around 5 yuan ($0.73) per kilogram,” Zhu said, pointing toward the rows of kelp racks in the sea. Last year, kelp production remained stable at over 2,000 metric tons, most of which was sold to supermarkets and restaurants in Shanghai and Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang.

Remarkably, one kilogram of seedlings yields 1,000 kilograms of mature seaweed. As the algae grow, they absorb nitrogen and capture carbon dioxide. Scientists now quantify sequestered carbon, unlocking new industry potential.

On Feb. 28, 2023, China’s first blue carbon auction deal was finalized in Huangbi’ao township. The annual fishery carbon sink of 2,340.1 tons from Xihu port was traded at 106 yuan($15.63) per ton, with a total transaction value of around 248,000 yuan($36,563).

“Blue carbon trading clarifies pathways to monetize ecological value,” said Yang Yang, deputy director of Xiangshan marine economic development center.

Profit distribution from carbon trading directly benefits villagers. Profit distribution from carbon trading directly benefits villagers. Hugang Village resident He Shichang received 1,200 yuan($176.93) worth of seedlings last year, calling it “income from protecting the ocean.” Local fishers now practice sustainable harvesting and actively safeguard marine ecosystems.

Xiangshan county has incorporated the seaweed industry into its overall marine economic development plan and established multi-party coordination mechanisms to turn the Xiangshan Seaweed Science and Technology Backyard into a key platform for technological breakthroughs and the commercialization of research results.

“In the past, universities often struggled to commercialize research findings. Now, technologies developed in the lab can be tested and promoted directly in the waters of Xihu port,” said Chen Haimin, a researcher from Ningbo University who leads a team studying healthy seaweed cultivation and resource utilization at the science and technology backyard.

According to Chen, new laver varieties developed by the team are now applied in standardized and precise seedling breeding and harvesting demonstrations across laver farming zones in Xiangshan. 

Today, seaweed cultivation in Huangbi’ao township has also become deeply integrated with rural tourism. Visitors can experience sea farming and recreational fishing, enjoy local seafood cuisine, and learn about blue carbon through science exhibitions. 

At the Xiangshan Marine Carbon Sink Comprehensive Exhibition Center, a “digital blue carbon map” provides real-time visualization of carbon sink changes across local waters, making ecological assets visible and tangible.

Meanwhile, researchers at the science and technology backyard are refining an ecological mixed-farming model integrating algae, shellfish and fish. Fish are raised in the upper waters, shellfish in the middle layer, and algae below, forming a circular system that maximizes the use of the same body of water.

From “seaweed” growing on tidal flats to a fully developed industrial chain, and from invisible carbon sinks to tradable ecological assets, the ocean in Huangbi’ao township is steadily becoming a “blue granary” that offers broad prospects for advancing all-around rural revitalization.

By Yao Xueqing, Dou Hao, Li Kaixuan, People’s Daily

Recent advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence(AI), brain-computer interfaces and bionic engineering are offering renewed hope and expanding possibilities for people living with disabilities.

China’s 2025 statistical bulletin on the development of the cause of people with disabilities reported that 1.487 million people with disabilities received basic assistive devices last year.

For 51-year-old Xu Min from Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, technology has done more than improve daily life; it has restored her confidence and sense of possibility.

She still feels emotional recalling her victory in the upper-limb prosthetics category at the Cybathlon, often called the “Olympics for assistive technology.”

Xu lost her right hand and wrist in a workplace accident over thirty years ago. “It felt like my whole world had collapsed,” she recalled, crediting her family’s encouragement for helping her regain the courage to move forward.

In 2019, staff members from the Suzhou Disabled Persons’ Federation contacted Xu about a new project being developed by a research team from Southeast University. The team was developing a prosthetic hand capable of movement and asked whether she would be willing to test it. Xu agreed immediately.

“We use sensors attached closely to the skin to collect myoelectric control signals from the residual limb,” explained Hu Xuhui, a member of the research team. “In simple terms, the signals convey the user’s intended movement to the chip, which then transmits commands to the prosthetic hand, completing the movement loop.”

Xu vividly remembers the first time she saw the prosthetic hand move.

“I cried out in excitement,” she said. Initially, success rates were low, but persistent training steadily improved coordination between Xu and the device.

In early 2024, Hu brought another piece of good news: the Cybathlon competition would soon be held. As Xu prepared for the competition, the research team continued refining the prosthetic device and improving its performance.

At the finals in Switzerland, Xu excelled, completing challenging tasks like hammering and nail removal. She was the sole contestant to master the “tactile bag” challenge, identifying and retrieving specific objects by touch alone using the prosthetic.

“Remarkably, the prosthetic allowed me to perceive my environment with precision. It came very close to the functionality of a real human hand,” Xu stated proudly after her win. “Technology gave me hope again.”

Technology has also helped restore hope to Jin, a resident of Lanxi in Jinhua, east China’s Zhejiang province.

Jin suffered complete paraplegia after a nearly 10-meter fall while repairing his roof in October 2024. Even after four months of rehabilitation, he could not lift his legs or regain normal bladder and bowel control.

At a time when he had nearly lost hope, his daughter, Jin Xiaofang, learned that the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine was recruiting volunteers for a closed-loop spinal neural interface implantation procedure. She immediately took her father there for evaluation.

In March 2025, the medical team successfully implanted spinal stimulation electrodes into Jin’s lumbar spine and placed a wireless, rechargeable stimulation controller (roughly matchbox-sized) in his abdomen.

The domestically developed “neural pacemaker” measures just 51 millimeters in length and weighs only 18 grams. Using Bluetooth technology, it receives instructions from external devices and delivers precise electrical stimulation to damaged areas of the spinal cord. Patients can recharge the device simply by placing a charging coil near the abdomen, with a single charge lasting more than a week.

Fifteen days after surgery, Jin successfully achieved standing and walking movements. One month later, he regained the ability to take steps with the assistance of a walker.

The technology not only improved his motor functions, but also demonstrated potential for repairing neural sensory pathways.

So far, the hospital has used the closed-loop spinal neural interface technology to help more than 10 spinal cord injury patients regain varying degrees of physical function, with several progressing from being bedridden to walking again.

Another beneficiary of technological innovation is Qing Jingwen from Mianzhu, southwest China’s Sichuan province, a survivor of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake.

Trapped beneath rubble for nearly 70 hours during the earthquake, Qing eventually lost her right leg above the knee and suffered severe injuries to her left leg. For years afterward, walking remained one of the greatest challenges in her life.

In spring last year, through a public welfare program supported by the Chengdu Foundation for Disabled Persons, Qing received an intelligent bionic leg developed by BrainCo, a Chinese neurotechnology company that develops brain-computer interface products.

“Ever since I started using the intelligent bionic leg, I haven’t fallen once,” Qing said with a smile.

According to Wang Yong, sales director for intelligent prosthetics at BrainCo, the device integrates gyroscopes, position sensors and multiple other sensors to collect real-time data. The information is processed through algorithms and converted into instructions that control the prosthetic’s hydraulic system, allowing it to adapt instantly to different movements and enabling users to achieve a near-natural gait and walking freedom of movement.

Beyond advanced functionality, this domestically developed intelligent bionic leg is significantly more affordable than comparable imported products. With steadier steps and renewed confidence, Qing has begun exploring new possibilities in life. Last year, she traveled to Yueyang, central China’s Hunan province, to work as a volunteer teacher and even helped her students establish a cultural and creative arts club.

“The warmth of technology has made both my steps and my heart steadier,” Qing said. “I believe my future will become broader and brighter.”

By Chen Ran, Feng Xuezhi, People’s Daily

On the night of May 24, televisions flickered late into the evening across Hong Kong as families waited for a moment many described as historic.

At 11:08 p.m., the countdown rang out on live broadcast. “Five, four, three, two, one… ignition!” As a rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft roared into the night sky, cheers erupted simultaneously in homes citywide.

Among the crew, Hong Kong native Lai Ka-ying drew special attention. A former University of Hong Kong scholar and Hong Kong Police Force officer, she now wears China’s astronaut uniform as the city’s first representative on a national space mission.

In interviews, Lai detailed her rigorous training after being selected for the fourth group of reserve astronauts. The training included 72-hour sleep deprivation tests, 48-hour desert survival drills, six-day cave expeditions, and high-G centrifuge sessions. Despite the intensity, she persevered with unwavering commitment.

Lai’s journey began humbly in Tsuen Wan, where academic struggles in primary school gave way to a passion for technology ignited by a secondary school teacher. She excelled at the University of Hong Kong, earning a doctorate in computer science. Her police career in electronic forensics and cybersecurity saw her solve critical cases, blending technical skill with civic duty — qualities that propelled her into China’s astronaut corps.

On launch day, crowds packed the Hong Kong Space Museum’s exhibition A Voyage to Space: China’s Manned Space Expedition. Many parents brought their children to learn about astronaut training and space station experiments. One young visitor vowing: “I’ll study hard and become an astronaut too.”

At Pui Kiu Middle School, the mission ignited enthusiasm. Principal Ng Woon-kit noted how each Shenzhou flight expands students’ visions of science and national contribution. The school shares deep ties with China’s space program: astronaut Yang Liwei planted an oak tree there in 2003; astronaut Chen Dong sent an orbital letter in 2022 and visited in 2023. “Education is the best launchpad,” Ng stated, hoping more Hong Kong youth will join future space endeavors.

Several students witnessed the Jiuquan launch firsthand. Fourth-grader Lam Yan-ying reflected: “Space once felt distant, but at liftoff, I saw our nation’s technological advancement. I felt proud — and newly curious about China’s space program.”

Wu Bin, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system for China’s Manned Space Program, emphasized Lai embodies Hong Kong youth’s capability and patriotism. He hopes more from Hong Kong and Macau will join astronaut selection as China advances toward lunar and deep-space exploration.

“Safe journey and welcome home.” “Sister Ka-ying is amazing.” “The pride of Hong Kong — we’re proud of you.” Even in the early hours of the morning, messages celebrating the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft continued flooding Hong Kong social media platforms.

In Tsuen Wan, along Victoria Harbor, on school campuses, inside the Hong Kong Space Museum, and in countless homes across Hong Kong, people looked up at the stars — and for a moment, space no longer felt so far away.

By Shi Fang, People Daily

Hosted as part of the “World Civilizations Exchange and Mutual Learning” series, the “Maize, Gold and Jaguar — A Grand Exhibition of Ancient Maya and Andean Civilizations” kicked off on May 18 at the Capital Museum in Beijing. Spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, the exhibition houses roughly 800 cultural relics that chronicle more than 3,000 years of ancient history.

“Museums act as translators of civilizations,” said Tan Xiaoling, deputy director of the Capital Museum. “While a single cultural relic may appear merely exotic, placing it within its original context through curated narratives reveals the depth and sophistication of an entire civilization.” 

The landmark exhibition, the largest since the museum’s founding, is divided into three sections — “The Maya World,” “Treasures of the King,” and “Spirits of Nature.” Featuring representative artifacts from more than 20 museums and cultural institutions in Peru and Mexico, the exhibition tells the story of the rise and development of the two major ancient civilizations from Mesoamerica and the Andes region of South America.

“Maze, gold and jaguar respectively symbolize the productive foundation, spiritual world and power structure of the Maya and Andean civilizations,” explained Shao Xinxin, associate research curator in the museum’s exhibition department and curator of the exhibition. “Combined, the three elements paint a full portrait of these ancient cultures.”

In “The Maya World” section, about 90 percent of the exhibits were being shown in Beijing for the first time. Most relics featured maze and jaguar themes. As Shao noted, these two iconic motifs are widely adopted in clay, pottery and stone sculptures.

The “Treasures of the King” section highlighted archaeological discoveries from the Royal Tombs of Sipan in Peru, often referred to as “the Tutankhamun tomb of the Americas” and considered one of South America’s most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. 

Roughly 80 percent of the artifacts, including the copper scepter of the Lord of Sipan, were being displayed in China for the first time, with about half leaving Peru for the first time ever.

The “Spirits of Nature” section featured artifacts such as a ceramic figure wearing jaguar-patterned clothing, monkey-shaped seals and bird-patterned pottery bowls. All exhibits in this section are new to China, illustrating ancient American nature worship.

Two extensive timelines running through the exhibition hall compare the historical development of Maya, Andean, and Chinese civilizations, highlighting points of connection. Artifacts like a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) five-tael silver ingot and a silver bowl from Beijing’s Palace Museum bearing the mark of Cining Palace provide tangible evidence of silver flowing into China via maritime trade during the Andean civilization period.

The exhibition also draws parallels in mythology, noting the Maya legend of rabbits accompanying the moon goddess Ixchel, which bears a striking resemblance to the Chinese tale of the Jade Rabbit and Chang’e. “Using animal figures to interpret and respect nature is a common spiritual trait shared by civilizations worldwide,” Shao observed.

The exhibition aims to be more than a one-time event; it marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. Alongside the exhibition, the Capital Museum has organized supporting activities covering academic exchanges, public education programs and cultural creative initiatives. This follows the museum’s successful exhibition of traditional Beijing Spring Festival folk customs in Moscow earlier in 2026.

“This November, we will continue to launch new exhibitions under the ‘World Civilizations Exchange and Mutual Learning’ series,” Tan said. 

Moving ahead, the Capital Museum plans to integrate international exhibitions with overseas cultural outreach, solidifying its role as a vital platform for global cultural exchange and mutual learning.

By Cao Wenxuan, People’s Daily

From the breakwater of the Changjiang nuclear power plant in south China’s Hainan province, one can look out over rows of aquaculture cages swaying gently on the blue sea. A closer look reveals young shellfish, each no bigger than a palm, attached to the nets. 

Few people know these waters have become a breeding ground for Pinctada maxima, a species under second-class national protection, producing precious South Sea pearls.

The striking scene showcases harmonious coexistence between large-scale nuclear facilities and delicate marine creatures. It embodies a locally adaptive development model that strikes a fine balance between industrial progress and ecological conservation.

For nuclear power plants, handling industrial waste heat is an unavoidable challenge. Transferring excess heat to nearby industrial parks often leads to energy loss during transmission, while releasing overly warm water back into the sea can trigger eutrophication, threatening marine ecosystems and even affecting the safe operation of power units.

The shift to Pinctada maxima farming demonstrates a strategic understanding of natural systems. As filter feeders, these oysters require no manual feeding and actively mitigate seawater eutrophication, yielding both ecological and commercial value.

Earlier attempts to raise the species in the waters off Sansha in Hainan in pursuit of exceptionally clean seawater. But the lack of algae and natural nutrients there slowed oyster growth and affected quality. 

In contrast, waters around the Changjiang nuclear power plant maintain a steady year-round temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius. Clean water, gentle currents and abundant plankton create an optimal growing environment that fully meets the species’ strict survival needs.

Today, the thriving oysters have transformed industrial byproducts into economic assets. This synergy between nuclear power and pearl cultivation underscores a vital lesson: whether  resources becomes limitations or advantages hinges on vision and strategy. By transcending conventional thinking, regions can harness unique conditions to drive high-quality development.

Across Hainan, similar efforts to rethink traditional marine industries are already taking shape. “Living off the sea” no longer refers only to fishing, shipping or tourism. The value of marine resources is being continually redefined and expanded.

Qingshui Bay in Lingshui Li autonomous county, for example, sets a perfect example. This popular seaside tourism destination has become home to China’s first commercial underwater data center. 

By using naturally cold deep-sea water for cooling, the facility consumes significantly less energy than traditional land-based data centers, providing support for the development of digital economy for the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Elsewhere in Hainan province, the Nanshan Port in Sanya has transformed itself from the province’s smallest cargo port into one of the world’s busiest home ports for scientific research vessels. By opening its resources to research institutes, universities and expedition fleets nationwide, the port accommodated more than 2,100 scientific expeditions in 2025, seeing rapid business growth.

Over the past three years, Hainan’s marine economy has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing in China. Behind this momentum lies a simple but important principle: marine development cannot rely on one-size-fits-all models. Only by building on local resource endowments and pursuing innovation suited to local realities can regions continuously cultivate new growth drivers and spur new industries.

Beyond Hainan, this broader shift toward transformation and upgrading has become a shared path for many of China’s coastal regions as they foster new quality productive forces.

In Rongcheng, east China’s Shandong province, local industries have moved away from densely packed nearshore aquaculture toward a three-dimensional marine farming model featuring algae in upper waters, shellfish and abalone in mid-level zones, and artificial reefs and fish habitats near the seabed. The approach has boosted output while helping restore marine ecosystems.

In Yancheng, east China’s Jiangsu province, leftover cold energy generated during liquefied natural gas (LNG) gasification at coastal ports has been turned into a graded cold-energy supply system. It supports cold-chain storage, cold-water aquaculture and freeze-drying industries, allowing previously wasted energy to create new economic value.

Tech-driven innovation, ecological priorities and resource utilization tailored to local conditions are opening up new avenues for value creation and providing fresh pathways for developing new quality productive forces.

Ultimately, “living off the sea” is no longer about extracting resources from the ocean without restraint. It now focuses on building sustainable, harmonious coexistence between humans and marine ecosystems.

By understanding local coastlines, marine conditions and ecological foundations, and by planning carefully, innovating boldly and developing thoughtfully, China’s coastal regions are discovering that the ocean can offer an even more abundant future.

By Liu Zhonghua, People’s Daily

As the 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup prepares to launch across the United States, Canada and Mexico, industry experts recognize this tournament as a watershed moment: the first global implementation of artificial intelligence at professional football’s highest level. Dubbed by media as the inaugural “AI World Cup,” the event marks technology’s transition from laboratory testing to full-scale pitch deployment.

During recent visits to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters, People’s Daily observed cutting-edge systems powering the tournament, with Chinese innovations playing pivotal operational roles.

Hisense display technology dominates FIFA’s lobby, foreshadowing its critical tournament role. As official Video Assistant Referee (VAR) display partner, Hisense’s RGB-Mini LED televisions will equip all video review centers. Their ultra-high color accuracy delivers unprecedented match detail clarity, enabling more precise refereeing decisions.

“Hisense establishes new innovation benchmarks that directly enhance the experience for players, officials, and teams,” stated FIFA commercial partnerships director Nick Brown. FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai added the technology represents “a quantum leap in football presentation.”

If advanced display technology serves as the “eyes” of the tournament, then AI architecture acts as the “brain” supporting the competition behind the scenes.

Beyond visual systems, artificial intelligence forms the tournament’s operational backbone. FIFA will debut its football AI platform — a generative knowledge trained on millions of historical match data points. This system supports national teams in tactical analysis, opponent simulation, and personalized strategy development.

Through partnerships with multiple tech firms, AI now actively participates in officiating, match interpretation, and tactical evolution — transcending its traditional analytical role.

As FIFA’s official technology partner, Lenovo embeds its hybrid AI architecture throughout tournament operations. The company’s infrastructure will support critical functions including event management, referee assistance, and fan engagement.

Alexander Metzlaff, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) project and service coordinator of FIFA, said that during the World Cup, FIFA will deploy 10,000 Lenovo computers and more than 200 engineers across all 16 stadiums to provide technical and logistical support.

Beyond hardware, Lenovo’s AI solutions also include AI-powered “digital twin” technology.

Inside a 3D-scanning booth resembling a large locker room, a full-body data scan can be completed in just one minute. And then a personalized 3D digital avatar will appear on screen, creating an experience that seems straight out of a science-fiction film.

Santiago Manso, Lenovo’s director of sports and entertainment, said that 28 such 3D scanning booths will be deployed during the World Cup to create digital avatars for all participants. The collected data will be integrated into FIFA’s database.

These virtual replicas will be capable of recreating match situations through 3D animation and are expected to provide centimeter-level and even millimeter-level precision in offside decisions and key officiating calls.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that Chinese companies have consistently remained at the forefront as FIFA expands into new areas of innovation. He said the partnership between Lenovo and FIFA for the upcoming 2026 World Cup is expected to generate remarkable AI-driven breakthroughs that will enhance officiating technology, strengthen match analysis capabilities and create unprecedented fan interaction experiences.

In recent years, Chinese companies have steadily moved deeper into the technological core of major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship and the Olympic Games, earning growing recognition from event organizers, industry institutions and global audiences.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA events SA marketing director, said Chinese companies are no longer simply commercial sponsors purchasing advertising space. Instead, they are bringing some of the world’s most advanced technological innovations directly into UEFA’s competition systems.

“The cutting-edge expertise Chinese companies offer in fields such as green mobility and advanced display technology align perfectly with our vision of building modern and sustainable sporting events,” he said.

International media outlets including Reuters have also observed that Chinese companies are undergoing a major transformation in their role at top-tier international sporting events, evolving from peripheral merchandise suppliers into key providers of core technological infrastructure.

As Chinese companies deepen their participation in the world’s premier sporting competitions, more Chinese technologies and solutions are likely to appear on the global sports stage, becoming an increasingly important force in advancing the development and accessibility of sports internationally.