[Video]Mexican professionals learning Chinese-backed AI, Mandarin

[aRNoLD]

Source: CGTN America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_696qxckls

Transcript
It's a common New Year's resolution to learn a new skill, and in Mexico City, many are keeping that promise well into 2026. For young professionals, getting up to speed with artificial intelligence far outweighs a gym membership for career advancement, and workshops like this one are packed with people eager to learn.
Jorge Jimenez: It's important to involve as many people as possible, from the most basic things up to generative AI, to help us improve 100%.
China's advances in the field are drawing increasing interest, as Chinese technology companies expand rapidly across Latin America, bringing new platforms and training programs with them.
Vicente Guzman: Alibaba Cloud arrived here in Mexico last year, and they are starting very strongly. It's important to get up to speed with Chinese technology because it's advancing fast, so it's important to know them too.
The interest isn't only in technology. At the capital's Confucius Institute, demand for Mandarin lessons has also surged.
Jose Fu: Compared to last year, demand has doubled, both in the courses we offer and the number of students. We now have 50 adult and 12 children's groups running from Monday to Sunday.
For many Mexicans, learning Mandarin comes with strategic advantages.
Jose Fu: What English gave us 50 years ago, Chinese is giving us now. English is no longer optional, it's mandatory, and today Mandarin is following in that direction.
Similar trends are being reported across Latin America. In Colombia and Peru, universities are adding Mandarin courses along with Chinese-backed AI, data science, and cybersecurity programs. It's about preparing the next generation for the future.
Vicente Guzman: If we don't keep studying, the next generations will overtake us, and we don't want to be replaced, so it's very important to study these new skills.
From Mandarin classrooms to AI labs, a transformation is underway. As China's presence in Latin America grows, students are betting that Chinese language and tech skills will be key for tomorrow's job market.

Summary
In Mexico and throughout Latin America, there's a growing interest among young professionals in learning Chinese technology and the Mandarin language to boost their career prospects. Workshops on AI, driven by the expansion of Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, are increasingly popular. Simultaneously, the demand for Mandarin lessons at institutions like the Confucius Institute has doubled, with many viewing it as an essential future skill comparable to English. This shift is part of a broader trend where individuals and educational institutions are adapting to China's increasing influence in the region to stay competitive in the evolving job market.

中文翻译
学习一项新技能是常见的元旦愿望，在墨西哥城，许多人将这一承诺一直延续到了 2026 年。对于年轻的专业人士来说，为了职业发展而跟上人工智能的发展步伐，其重要性远超健身房会员资格，像这样的研讨会挤满了渴望学习的人。
豪尔赫·希门尼斯：重要的是让尽可能多的人参与进来，从最基础的东西到生成式人工智能，帮助我们百分之百地提高。
中国在该领域的进步正引起越来越多的关注，因为中国科技公司在拉美地区迅速扩张，带来了新的平台和培训计划。
维森特·古斯曼：阿里云去年来到了墨西哥，他们的起步势头非常强劲。跟上中国科技的发展步伐很重要，因为中国科技进步很快，所以了解它们也很重要。
人们感兴趣的不仅仅是技术。在首都的孔子学院，普通话课程的需求也大幅增加。
傅德宏：与去年相比，我们提供的课程和学生人数都翻了一番。现在我们有 50 个成人组和 12 个儿童组，从周一到周日都在上课。
对许多墨西哥人来说，学习普通话具有战略优势。
傅德宏：50 年前英语带给我们的，现在中文也带给我们。英语不再是选修课，而是必修课，而如今普通话也正朝着这个方向迈进。
拉美地区也有类似的趋势报道。在哥伦比亚和秘鲁，大学在开设普通话课程的同时，还增加了中国支持的人工智能、数据科学和网络安全项目。这是在为下一代迎接未来做准备。
维森特·古斯曼：如果我们不继续学习，下一代就会超过我们，我们不希望被取代，所以学习这些新技能非常重要。
从普通话课堂到人工智能实验室，一场变革正在进行中。随着中国在拉美地区影响力的扩大，学生们确信中文语言和科技技能将是未来就业市场的关键。

[aRNoLD]

English Listening Comprehension:
The Rise of Chinese Tech and Language in Latin America

1. According to the video, what is a common New Year's resolution that people in Mexico City are maintaining in 2024?
A) Joining a gym for physical fitness
B) Learning a new professional skill
C) Traveling to China for vacation
D) Moving to a different city

2. Why are young professionals in Mexico choosing AI workshops over gym memberships?
A) Because the workshops are cheaper
B) Because they want to work for gym chains
C) To achieve career advancement
D) Because they have no interest in health

3. What does Jorge Jimenez believe is important regarding Artificial Intelligence?
A) Only teaching it to advanced engineers
B) Keeping it a secret from the general public
C) Involving as many people as possible, from basic to generative AI
D) Replacing all human jobs with AI immediately

4. Which Chinese technology service is specifically mentioned as having arrived in Mexico last year?
A) Tencent Video
B) Alibaba Cloud
C) Huawei 5G
D) Baidu Search

5. According to Vicente Guzman, why should people get up to speed with Chinese technology?
A) Because it is the only technology available in Mexico
B) Because it is advancing rapidly
C) Because it is easier to learn than Western technology
D) Because the software is free to use

6. How has the demand for Mandarin lessons at the Confucius Institute changed compared to last year?
A) It has slightly decreased
B) It has stayed exactly the same
C) It has doubled in terms of courses and students
D) It has tripled for children but decreased for adults

7. When are the Mandarin classes at the Confucius Institute in Mexico City held?
A) Only on weekends
B) From Monday to Friday
C) From Monday to Sunday
D) Only on Tuesday and Thursday evenings

8. What comparison does Jose Fu make between the English language and the Chinese language?
A) English is much harder to learn than Chinese
B) Chinese is now what English was 50 years ago
C) English is becoming less important than Spanish
D) Chinese will eventually replace English entirely in schools

9. Besides Mexico, which other Latin American countries are adding Mandarin and AI programs?
A) Brazil and Argentina
B) Chile and Ecuador
C) Colombia and Peru
D) Panama and Costa Rica

10. What is the main motivation for students to learn these new skills, according to the conclusion of the report?
A) To move to China permanently
B) To prepare for the future job market and avoid being overtaken
C) To fulfill a university graduation requirement
D) To win a government scholarship

Answer Key (for ref)
1.B (Learning a new professional skill)
2.C (To achieve career advancement)
3.C (Involving as many people as possible, from basic to generative AI)
4.B (Alibaba Cloud)
5.B (Because it is advancing rapidly)
6.C (It has doubled in terms of courses and students)
7.C (From Monday to Sunday)
8.B (Chinese is now what English was 50 years ago)
9.C (Colombia and Peru)
10.B (To prepare for the future job market and avoid being overtaken)