Simulation technology, as the third scientific approach to understanding and transforming the objective world following theoretical derivation and scientific experimentation, plays an indispensable supporting role in rail transportation, cross-border logistics, and infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative. On the afternoon of August 25, the Asia Simulation Federation (ASIASIM) visited the China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited (CARS), where the two sides held in-depth discussions on topics including simulation research and innovation in the railway sector, joint preparation for major scientific programs, and international scientific and technological collaboration. The discussions explored new pathways for leveraging simulation technology to support the high-quality development of cross-border railway freight transport. The meeting was chaired by Yang Ting, Chief Accountant of CARS.

  Professor Gong Weixi, Chief Strategist of the Asia Simulation Federation (ASIASIM) and former inaugural Director of the Global Investment and Technology Promotion Office and Institutional Partnerships Division of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Yang Xiaohui, Vice Secretary-General of ASIASIM, attended the meeting. Experts from CARS’s Science and Technology Innovation Department, Research Department, Institute of Transportation Economics, Institute of Information Technology, Institute of Infrastructure Engineering, R&D Center, and 95306 Technology Center also participated.
        Founded in 1950, the China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited (CARS) is China’s only comprehensive research institution in the railway sector, covering multiple disciplines and fields. It has developed into a large high-tech enterprise group integrating scientific innovation, technical services, technology transfer, and talent development. As one of the world’s three major simulation technology organizations, the Asia Simulation Federation (ASIASIM) connects universities, research institutions, enterprises, and industry organizations worldwide, promoting deeper industry–academia–research collaboration through simulation technology in the AI era.
      The participating experts exchanged views on social simulation modeling for rail transportation, cross-border railway freight applications, industry–academia–research collaboration, and international cooperation channels. The two sides reached several preliminary agreements and will further advance international cooperation, joint research, academic exchange, and the sharing of innovation resources.

  Both sides agreed that interdisciplinary research in rail transportation and social simulation is of great practical significance for supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening China’s railway simulation capabilities. Going forward, the two sides will leverage CARS’s expertise in rail transportation and ASIASIM’s international resources to promote simulation applications in major railway projects and cross-border logistics, generate high-level research outcomes, and support the digital, intelligent, and international development of China’s rail transportation sector.