In September 2024, the 30th AMIC Annual Conference, co-hosted by the Communication University of China and the Asian Media Information and Communication Center (AMIC), successfully came to a close. This event marked a dual milestone celebration, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Communication University of China, and served as a feast of Asian academic and cross-cultural exchanges. From September 24 to 27, during the four-day agenda, Asian journalism and communication scholars, researchers of higher education, and young scholars from around the globe gathered in Beijing in this early autumn to explore the latest trends and challenges facing global communication and information fields. A variety of cultural activities were launched during the conference, allowing attendees from both China and abroad to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture firsthand.
Highlights
Academic Exchanges on the Asian Stage
The forum of this annual conference encompassed a wide range of core topics in communication and media research, featuring dedicated forums for students and Chinese scholars to offer a platform for young scholars to showcase their talents. At the themed sub-forums, attendees engaged in heated discussions on topics such as “Internationalization of Higher Education in Asia”, “Best Practices in Journalism and Communication Education”, and “Artificial Intelligence and Global Communication”. Both seasoned scholars and junior researchers contributed their valuable insights during the discussions.
International Friendly Interactions
Dialogues, Exchanges and Mutual Learning
During the event, communication and interaction transcended age and national boundaries, facilitating mutual learning and sharing among scholars worldwide. Senior experts and young scholars gathered to share academic insights and seek advice from one another, deepening their understanding of each other’s cultures through every word and action. Friendship beyond time and space was demonstrated, whether it be casual conversations during breaks or in-depth discussions at dinners.
To accommodate the diverse eating habits and food cultures of attendees from different countries, the conference organizing team of the School of Journalism and Communication meticulously prepared a variety of snacks and beverages for the tea breaks. Attendees who have a sweet tooth or prefer lighter refreshments could find something to their liking during the tea breaks. The innovative variety of refreshments offered during the conference has received warm praise from scholars both domestically and internationally.
Chinese Cultural Experience:
lacquer dye fan as a souvenir and photos taken at the Great Wall
Cultural interaction: Making Chinese lacquer fans
During the event, the conference organizing team prepared a special link to offer a glimpse of the traditional Chinese culture. Under the guidance of Zhu Ling, a doctoral student at the CUC School of Journalism, attendees made colorful lacquer dye bookmarks and fans themselves as souvenirs for this special trip to China. Captivated by this interesting activity, foreigners knew better about China’s traditional handicrafts.
AMIC Attendees Toured Mutianyu Great Wall
The Maslow couple in the Great Wall
After the meetings, the conference organizing team of the Communication University of China School of Journalism arranged a tour of the School’s Media Museum and the Mutianyu Great Wall. While climbing the Great Wall, Chinese and international scholars experienced this world-renowned historic monument in person. Professor Maslow, one of the founders of AMIC, climbed the Great Wall again at the age of 93. As one of the eldest international tourists to this attraction, this is his fifth ascent. Zixi Yang, a student at the Communication University of China School of Journalism, served as the tour guide and provided information about the Mutianyu Great Wall. Everyone concluded this special cultural tour by taking group photos.
Unsung Heroes at the Backstage
The CUC School of Journalism’s volunteers provided a courteous reception.
AMIC Team
Our Volunteer Team
Volunteers of faculty and students at the CUC School of Journalism
The success of this AMIC Annual Conference would not have been possible without the full support of the AMIC team and the tireless efforts of the event planning and logistics team comprising faculty and students from the Communication University of China. From meeting reception to tea-break service, and from photographic documentation to conference logistics, volunteers clad in red were omnipresent, actively coordinating various matters both inside and outside the venue. They promptly assisted participants in fluent English, making them the unsung heroes of this grand event.
Maslow, Chairman of AMIC sent a public thank-you letter to the CUC School of Journalism.
AMIC official media celebrated the birthdays of Professor Cao Peoxin and Ms. Moppet
A part of the Thank-you letters sent by attendees at home and abroad
AMIC’s letter to participants of the annual conference
The CUC School of Journalism’s thank-you letter to the attendees
We hope this letter finds you well.
We are faculty and students of the CUC AMIC Conference organizing team. As the 30th AMIC Annual Conference concluded successfully with a tour of the Great Wall, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to every attendee. For many of you, this was your first visit to China and Beijing, and we truly hope that these few days have become cherished memories of your first trip to our country. There might have been some areas where we fell short in our organization, and we deeply appreciate your indulgence and immense kindness. Meeting, befriending, and sharing this special journey with you in Beijing has been an incredibly blessed experience for us!
Though miles apart, true friends remain close at heart. In conclusion, we warmly welcome scholars from all corners of the globe to return to CUC and participate in future academic activities hosted by the School of Journalism.
Wishing you all the best and continued success!
CUC School of Journalism
Scholars at home and abroad felt at home thanks to the attentive service provided by faculty and students of the CUC School of Journalism, as well as the warm hospitality extended by the Communication University of China (CUC). Following the conference, scholars from both China and abroad sincerely sent thank-you letters to the faculty and students of CUC, as well as to AMIC, demonstrating the profound bond of friendship among new and old friends, teachers and students, as well as among the entire Asian community.
Volunteers’ Statements
Professor Cao Peixin, Convener of the 30th AMIC Annual Conference
Hosting the 30th Annual Conference of AMIC at the Communication University of China is not only a great honor for our university, but also a memorable experience for me personally. Since its inception 53 years ago, AMIC has been advocating an Asian perspective in examining Asian issues, fostering national unity and cultural harmony among Asian countries. This gives the annual conferences of AMIC a touch of idealism and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Gathered in the newly-built conference room on the seventh floor of the Art Communication Building at Communication University of China, 200 scholars from across Asia engaged in heated discussions on a wide range of current and local topics. I believe this warm scene will linger long in the minds of the attendees. The research findings presented by renowned scholars and emerging talents will contribute silently but significantly to the future academic community of communication studies in Asia.
Sun Bowen, Director of Events of the 30th AMIC Annual Conference
I am truly honored to have contributed to the successful hosting of the 30th AMIC Annual Conference. As a member of the School of Journalism of the Communication University of China, the organizer of this grand occasion, I have witnessed a high-standard international convention for the first time. Both the organizing team members and conference attendees displayed a high level of professionalism and dedication. Their seamless collaboration was crucial to the smooth execution of this conference. Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff members who worked tirelessly to prepare for this conference. I wish AMIC continued success and prosperity. You are always welcome to the School of Journalism of the Communication University of China.
Xiao Changchun, Volunteer Representative and Chairman of the Graduate Student Association
The success of this grand event cannot be separated from the meticulous preparation and hard work of all members of the Graduate Student Union at the School of Journalism, Communication University of China (CUC). Before the conference, everyone approached their tasks with caution, meticulousness, and dedication. During the event, we poured our hearts into serving our guests from Asia and around the globe. Although the conference was brief, it left a lasting impression on every member—we were not only involved in managing the various affairs of the conference, but also making our modest contributions to fostering unity and friendship across Asia!
Tea-break Service Team: Zhang Han, doctoral student of Journalism of the Class 2023
“The best coffee break ever!” “I can feel your care in this work.”… In three days, attendees spoke highly of the tea break services, easing our worried minds. To our elation, we found that tea breaks helped reinforce the ties and promote sincere communications between scholars worldwide, thus laying a solid foundation for diverse academic collaboration. We are proud to play our part in facilitating the progress of the AMIC Annual Conference toward an open, inclusive, and knowledge-sharing direction.
Site maintenance Team: Zhu Ling, Doctoral student of Journalism of the Class 2023
Members of the site maintenance team are so responsible, hardworking, resourceful, and team-spirited, I feel proud of them. Many thanks to two teachers, Chen Yifei and Sun Bowen for their all-out support, as well Liu Yulou, Zhu Jing, Liu Ting, Xie Yihe, Zhou Xuan, Qian Xuanhao, Wang Jingyue, Jin Yiting, Yao Siyuan, Long Xinling and Li Yuanting.
Logo Designer of this AMIC Annual Conference
Yang Yufei, Doctor of Journalism of the Class 2023
I am honored to turn into a crew member this year from an attendee last year. In this process, I did some interesting things: Logo design, on-site interpretation, poetry recitation, hosting the parallel forum, and providing reception services at the check-in counter. I made some adorable and smart new friends and learned about their adventurous research. I would like to thank my teacher, Cao Peixin for his trust and tolerance and every member of our team for their contribution and team spirit. Especially, I should extend my gratitude to my buddies at the check-in counter: Zeng Min, Jiang Jiayu, Zala Mati, Fan Siqi, Ren Binyuan, Wang Ye, and Xu Siyue. Without your help, the materials handling, check-in services, and data collection would never be completed so smoothly.
Conference organizing Team: Song Junyan, Doctor of Journalism of the Class 2022
During this conference-running, I was impressed by the powerful teamwork and mutual support. An international academic conference involves a wide band of links and tasks. Every volunteer was poised for any change while handling their work. We achieved smooth cooperation, joined efforts to pull through every link and solved every problem with mutual complementation. In this process, we got on well with each other and the attendees. Such beautiful experience and feelings will be engraved on our minds forever.
Site Maintenance Team: Liu Yulou, Master of Journalism of the Class 2022
I benefited a lot from the volunteer experience at this AMIC Annual Conference. In addition to upgraded organization and collaboration abilities, improved foreign language skills, and broadened horizons, I realize that I should not panic in case of any problem. Rather, one should brave the difficulties calmly. Moreover, a Kazakhstan friend gave me an exquisite local pendant. I was elated to receive this precious gift that embodied the kindness of my foreign friend, a mark of recognition of my work. Last but not least, as a site maintenance crew member, I extend my gratitude to my teacher Chen Yifei, our senior Zhu Ling, and all the other pals on this team. Every team member is trustworthy and reliable. I enjoy collaborating with you all. Thank you.
Media Team & Shuttle Service Team: Yang Zixi, Master of Journalism of the Class 2022
The AMIC Annual Conference has come to an end. It is the first time for us to host so many academic friends from home and abroad. In the hustle and bustle, many details were not handled properly. Fortunately, we have the best team at the CUC School of Journalism. Many thanks go out to Mr. Cao and all my colleagues. We have been dedicated to preparing for AMIC since June, and the successful execution of all the events over these four days is the best testament to our hard work. Thank you to Teacher Sun Bowen and the members of the Graduate Student Union—you ensured the smooth and successful outcome of this event with your presence and hard work. Thank you to all the members of the Media Team and Shuttle Service Team, and all the helpful friends who came to our rescue. You are the embodiment of “professional journalists” and “friends in need”. We deeply appreciate the kindness and friendship that transcend national boundaries, geographical borders, and linguistic barriers—real hugs, gentle handshakes, sincere criticism, and passionate dialogues. All these experiences truly make us understand what it means to be part of a “truly Asian” community.
Though the 30th AMIC Annual Conference has come to a successful conclusion, the scholarly demeanor displayed during the conference and the vision of “Being Truly Asian” continue to inspire us. We are deeply grateful to the AMIC team and all the conference staff from the School of Journalism, Communication University of China, for their hard work and dedication. May our exchanges and communications serve as a solid foundation for fostering mutual friendship.
( Editor: Zhu Binger )
