Zheng Xuefang, Chargé d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, delivered a speech at the Digital Lifestyle and China-ASEAN Cultural Exchanges seminar held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 19. (COURTESY PHOTO)

From cultural content to mobile payments, digital technology has not only made daily life more convenient in China and ASEAN, but also built a bridge for cultural exchanges. At the Digital Lifestyle and China-ASEAN Cultural Exchanges seminar held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 19, experts discussed how various online apps and digital contents have deepened mutual understanding.  

Making payments easy

In 2023, the digital economy across ASEAN reached 300 billion USD, marking a 55 percent increase from the previous year. ASEAN is now accelerating negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

Malaysia, along with other ASEAN nations, has long prioritized the development of the digital economy, promoting mobile payments and providing local e-wallet solutions. Wong Seng Yue, associate professor at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaysia, said that digital lifestyle is booming in Malaysia, with more than 60 percent of the country's 32 million population using the e-wallet Touch 'n Go. 

Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and former Malaysian transport  minister, said digital economic cooperation is a key engine of collaboration between China and Malaysia, as well as China and ASEAN. The vision and scope of regional cooperation has expanded beyond goods trade, progressing into digital innovation and cultural exchange. On September 13, PayNet, Malaysia's electronic payment system, announced its partnership with WeChat Pay, China's widely used digital payment service. This partnership has enabled WeChat Pay users to make payments directly through the DuitNow QR code to a network of two million Malaysian merchants, without the need for currency conversion or separate top-ups.

"Alipay, WeChat Pay and Touch 'n Go are popular e-payment apps that have greatly facilitated cross-border tourism and trade. China's media platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video are popular media apps that integrate China and Southeast Asia into a common market for outstanding film and television programs. 'Digital' has become an omnipotent link connecting everyone in life and work in both the region and the world," said Zheng Xuefang, Chargé d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Malaysia.

Young people's role

Today, reality shows, TV dramas, literature and video games have become the main channels for deepening mutual understanding and cultural exchange between China and ASEAN.

The TV series A Lifelong Journey, which traces 50 years of China's development, resonated with Southeast Asian audiences, achieving high ratings and emotional connections. TV dramas such as Story of Yanxi Palace have also sparked a trend in the region, inspiring many to learn Chinese and explore traditional Chinese culture. 

Chinese tech companies are also investing more in Southeast Asia. For instance, Tencent's WeTV is collaborating with local producers, actors and writers to produce dramas like Put Your Head on My Shoulder in Thailand and Layangan Putus in Indonesia. They are especially gaining popularity among young people in the region.

"For today's youth, digital products and everyday life are deeply intertwined. Apps such as WeTV and Xiaohongshu have transcended borders to become vital carriers and connectors of cross-cultural exchanges," said Sun Jiashan, associate professor at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration in China.

The younger generations in China and Southeast Asia are creating more common ground and building a shared cultural understanding by enjoying digital contents, Sun added.

"With the deepening of digital transformation and the advancement of China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, the two sides will further cooperate in the digital economy, adding strong impetus to regional connectivity," Zheng said.

With 2024 as the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people Exchanges, Zheng said both sides will deepen economic cooperation and cultural exchange.