THE Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) launched a new cross-cultural sharing series Jan. 25, opening with a lecture by Filipino robotics expert Allan Lagasca titled “Robotics — Bridging the Digital and Physical World.”

The inaugural session brought together expatriates and local residents to explore the evolving intersection of technology and humanity.

Named “APEC Volunteers Speak” (APEC Talk), the new series is expected to create an authentic, immersive Asia-Pacific dialogue platform under the theme “Diverse Perspective · Talking the Asia-Pacific,” as Shenzhen prepares to host APEC 2026.

Lagasca outlined how advances in artificial intelligence are improving robots’ ability to perceive their environments and make autonomous decisions, while also creating practical challenges related to design, governance, and cost.

His presentation prompted an engaged Q&A session on how robotic solutions can be adapted to different cultural and operational contexts, drawing on multinational experience. Lagasca discussed tailoring design, data governance and cost models for diverse user groups.

A participant from the United Kingdom, identified as Chris, praised the session: “Today was absolutely brilliant. What struck me most was the real-world application of robots across different settings. Lagasca walked us through actual projects he has worked on, showing exactly how robotics made a tangible difference on the ground. It was packed with valuable insights.”

The “APEC Volunteers Speak” series will run six themed sessions in total, each hosted by an international volunteer practitioner from a different APEC economy.

Following the robotics session, scheduled speakers from the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Russia, and Mexico will share perspectives on topics including the AI-driven economy, corporate internationalization strategies, trade and economic development, cross-border legal frameworks, and cultural exchange.

The Shekou MSCE said the format — pairing practitioner insights with audience interaction — aims to broaden participants’ intellectual horizons while creating immersive cultural encounters that connect communities across the Asia Pacific.

(Claudia Wei)