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NEW YORK — CGCC Foundation was proud to support Bridge 2026: International Forum on Chinese Language Talent and Industry Development, held August 13–14, 2026, at Columbia University in New York City.
The two-day forum brought together more than 100 scholars, educators, and representatives from businesses and educational organizations across the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and other countries and regions.
Organized by the American Association for International Education Advancement (AAIEA), the forum was co-organized by more than a dozen Chinese language programs, universities, and educational organizations in the United States and China.
(Above) Peter Reisman, Co-Chair of CGCC’s Government and Public Relations Committee and Managing Director and Chief Communications Officer at Bank of China USA, during his keynote remarks
Peter Reisman, Co-Chair of CGCC’s Government and Public Relations Committee and Managing Director and Chief Communications Officer at Bank of China USA, delivered a keynote address. Drawing on his professional and personal experiences living in China and speaking Chinese, Reisman shared insights into the value of language skills in fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional connections.
Hallie Carmen, Senior Marketing Manager at the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA, participated in a panel discussion titled "Chinese for Specific Purposes and Workplace Needs," where she reflected on her experiences using Chinese in the workplace.
Other event participants also included representatives from Duolingo, Ruan Yun Technology, Chaoxing Group, Xinyan Group, and other companies and educational organizations. Together, they explored new approaches to Chinese language education, professional development, evolving industry needs, and global talent development in the age of artificial intelligence.
Unlike a traditional language education conference, Bridge 2026 emphasized dialogue across disciplines, institutions, and industries. In his opening remarks, Zhongqi Shi, Chair of the Bridge 2026 Organizing Committee and Senior Lecturer of Chinese at Columbia University, observed, “Many of the questions we face today may find their answers at the intersections of different fields.”
How can the language students learn in the classroom connect with the real world? How can the competencies developed at universities respond to a rapidly changing society and workplace? Shi noted that these questions can no longer be answered by language educators, universities, businesses, or technology companies working independently.
Through keynote addresses, invited roundtables, workshops, and breakout sessions, the forum examined Chinese for Specific Purposes and workplace needs, foreign language education in the age of AI, university–industry collaboration, and the future of talent development.
Learn more about the Bridge 2026 International Education Forum.
About CGCC Foundation
Established in 2014, CGCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to deepening mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and China through research, public charity, and engagement in economic, cultural, and social exchanges.