diff --git a/python/sglang/srt/conversation.py b/python/sglang/srt/conversation.py
index 0d384d3dc..29ecb7abd 100644
--- a/python/sglang/srt/conversation.py
+++ b/python/sglang/srt/conversation.py
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ register_conv_template(
     Conversation(
         name="chatml",
         system_template="<|im_start|>system\n{system_message}",
-        system_message="You are an AI assistant.",
+        system_message="You are a helpful assistant.",
         roles=("<|im_start|>user", "<|im_start|>assistant"),
         sep_style=SeparatorStyle.CHATML,
         sep="<|im_end|>",