On 5th Aug, Tencent WeChat Innovation Lab’s Global Exploration Program “Oxford Summer School” and the UK launch of the 4th Global WeChat Mini-program Innovation Challenge launched at the University of Oxford. Over 50 representatives from Chinese and British educational, cultural, media, and technology sectors attended the opening ceremony.

Co-initiated in 2022 by Tencent WeChat and multiple authoritative institutions, the Global Mini-program Innovation Challenge focuses on AI programming for K-12 students, encouraging young innovators worldwide to unleash their creativity through mini program development. This year, Tencent’s WeChat team introduced the UK regional competition for the first time, announcing rules and highlights for the upcoming challenge.

Students are invited to explore themes such as fraud prevention, inbound tourism, and cross-cultural exchanges, leveraging their technical skills to create mini program solutions with global vision and localized features. Upholding its scientific philosophy of “Observe, Think, Create, Change,” the competition will continue to advance global educational collaboration and pioneer new models for AI education within China’s original mini program ecosystem.

Mr. Pan Hang, Assistant Director of the China National Tourist Office in London (CNTO London), attended the launch ceremony. In his address, he emphasised: “As AI technology evolves, the greatest barrier for tourists is no longer language or transportation, but digital skill gaps like mobile payment accessibility. We hope young participants will design mini programs that ease travel barriers for international visitors, bridge digital divides, and enhance cross-border experiences – empowering a true two-way exchange in global tourism.”