PolyU and Times Higher Education co-host THE Global AI Forum, exploring the challenges and opportunities for higher education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the THE Global AI Forum today to explore the theme of higher education in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. The event brought together about 40 leading scholars and thought leaders in the fields of higher education and AI from more than 10 countries and regions worldwide. They shared insights into the impact of AI on the development of higher education and discussed potential collaboration among institutions, with a view to addressing global challenges and embracing opportunities.

Officiating guests included Ms WU Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr Jeff SZE, Acting Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Mr Tim LUI, Chairman of the University Grants Committee; Ms Simone DILENA, President (Asia Pacific) of THE, and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President.

Dr Jeff Sze remarked, “The Government is dedicated to integrating AI into the educational framework. With the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents, the Government aims to drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent in Hong Kong, expand connections and formulate policies that attract and cultivate high-calibre talents while fostering the development of technologies. The city has also forged strong partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide for collaborative AI research and studies. With a rich academic environment promoting innovation and research as well as benefits from staunch support from the Mainland, Hong Kong is a welcoming destination for those pursuing studies or careers in AI.”

Mr Tim Lui stated, “The revolutionary AI presents immense opportunities and challenges for higher education. This calls for an urgent reassessment of how we teach and how we learn. To fully harness the opportunities in this new era, it is time for us to join hands, not only for the advancement of higher education, but also for the benefits of the broader community as well. I am confident that the forum today will shape not only the direction of AI in education but also the future of learning itself. In this connection, a major initiative of the University Grants Committee is establishing the Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education, which supports collaborative projects in navigating the paradigm shifts in teaching and learning. This is vital for maximising the impact of AI as we pool together our efforts, ideas and passion for a common goal.”

Ms Simone Dilena said, “AI has been idling along quietly in our lives for some time, but two years ago it shifted gears, roared to life, hit the accelerator button and begun to transform the higher education landscape. Today’s AI Forum and gathering of higher education leaders is an important discourse to examine how best to navigate this paradigm shift to a complex new landscape.”

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “Today’s Forum is timely as AI transforms society, impacting the way we work, learn, and live. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU prioritises nurturing leaders for the AI era, and was the first in the world to integrate compulsory AI education into the undergraduate curriculum. This year, PolyU established an academic department on Data Science and AI, and next year, we will launch the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences to strengthen our leadership in emerging technologies. These initiatives aim to contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology centre and the country’s scientific and technological advancement.”

Two presidential chats were held in the morning, where presidents and other members of senior management from higher education institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas discussed the impact of AI on higher education leadership and how universities can harness partnerships to foster innovation and inclusion. The participating leaders shared the best practices to effectively navigate and leverage AI in their teaching and research, including using it to overcome barriers to learning and to support students from low socio-economic backgrounds. They also gave suggestions to institutions on how to balance the opportunities and ethical considerations of AI in education and integrate it into academic policies and programmes, while emphasising the critical role of its partnerships between the education sectors and industry in scaling its application and innovation.

The presidential chats featured presidents and other members of senior management from higher education institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas discussing the impact of AI on higher education leadership and how universities can harness AI partnerships to foster innovation and inclusion.

Four panel sessions were also held in which academics and industry leaders shared their insights on the role of AI in redefining education, empowering research and collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and promoting social good. The speakers pointed out that higher education institutions should reimagine their mission and adapt to the changing landscape of AI, as well as align key aspects of policymaking, regulation and strategy, and strengthen international cooperation and partnerships between government, industry and academia to leverage AI research, innovation, and application for addressing global challenges collaboratively. In addition, they proposed fostering an entrepreneurial culture within universities to drive innovation. The discussions explored the importance of AI for global sustainable development and social good through case studies of its applications in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and urban planning to combat climate change. They also delved into how higher education institutions, industry, non-profit organisations and local communities can collaborate effectively to implement AI solutions that meet the specific needs of marginalised communities.

The panel sessions invited academics and industry leaders to share their insights on the role of AI in redefining education, empowering research and collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and promoting social good.

In recent years, China’s AI industry has made significant strides, particularly in the development and deployment of large models. Higher education institutions are set to play a crucial role in creating a sustainable and responsible ecosystem. A fireside chat session titled “China’s AI industry in the age of large models: Navigating opportunities and challenges” featured three esteemed AI experts: Prof. Yike GUO, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Prof. Ya-Qin ZHANG, Chair Professor and Dean of the Institute of AI Industry Research at Tsinghua University; and Prof. Hongxia YANG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Computing. They discussed the current state, future potential, and key challenges of China’s AI industry. Their insights revealed how China’s advancements in AI can offer valuable lessons and guidance to the global community, and how international relations influence innovation.

Three esteemed AI experts, including Prof. Ya-Qin Zhang from Tsinghua University, Prof. Yike Guo from HKUST, and Prof. Hongxia Yang from PolyU discussed the opportunities and challenges of China’s AI industry.

In addition, there was an education and innovation showcase that featured several projects led by PolyU scholars, including cutting-edge AI technology for educational advancements, pedagogical innovations, and software designed to enhance teaching and learning. Among them were an edge-AI empowered low-cost food quality detection system, a pipeline defect inspection robot, a last-centimetre drone delivery solution, innovative AI applications in fashion design, and generative AI platforms for subject-specific intelligent tutoring systems. The showcase demonstrated how innovative technologies are transforming learning experiences and advancing research outcomes.

Delegates also visited the advanced teaching facilities and leading research centres at PolyU. These included a large-scale X-Reality hybrid classroom, the “Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment” (HiVE), with the world’s first six-sided CAVE setting, which transforms teaching and research; the Aviation Services Research Centre; and the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations which has participated in numerous national and international deep space exploration missions.

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