Academics urge development of China-ASEAN translator qualification standards
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - A lecturer from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Sajarwa Sukiyo, has urged the development of qualification standards for translators at the China and ASEAN levels to support the growth of regional language services.
This was stated by Sajarwa Sukiyo while attending the launch of the China-ASEAN Alliance for Translation, Interpreting, and Communication, as part of the China-ASEAN Conference on Translation, Interpreting, and Communication at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), Malaysia, on Saturday (18/4).
“The establishment of the China-ASEAN Association of Translation, Interpreting and Communication for the development of language services and intercultural exchanges between Indonesia and China should be followed by the formulation of translator qualification standards at the ASEAN and China levels,” said Sajarwa Sukiyo.
He conveyed that Indonesia could begin drafting translator standards, similar to what has been done by the ASEAN University Network (AUN).
Sajarwa stated that the conference initiated by Xiamen University is highly beneficial for the development of the translation field.
He encouraged concrete international cooperation, such as lecturer-student exchanges and joint online lectures via Zoom.
He noted that in the context of Indonesia as the largest economy in ASEAN and an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, Indonesia and China could engage in cultural diplomacy, economic cooperation through SMEs, and lecturer/student exchanges.
Sajarwa Sukiyo believes Indonesia can leverage the China-ASEAN Alliance for Translation, Interpreting, and Communication to play a more active role in diplomatic, economic, educational, and academic cooperation.
“Many Indonesians still associate China only with trade and technology. Cross-cultural communication will broaden that understanding,” he said.
The alliance, initiated by Xiamen University and established jointly by more than 10 leading institutions from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries, has its secretariat at the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Xiamen University.
The launch of the China-ASEAN Alliance for Translation, Interpreting, and Communication marks a new chapter in cross-border translation and intercultural communication cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, as well as an initial step in addressing challenges and opportunities in the era of artificial intelligence.