Published: 15:06, June 15, 2025
EdUHK, Tsinghua University co-host forum on AI, future education
By Wang Zhan
Participants pose for a group photo during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. The forum is held from June 13-14, 2025. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and Tsinghua University (THU) had co-organized a forum to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education and paving the way for new directions for learning.

Held at EdUHK’s Tai Po Campus on Friday and Saturday with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, the event focused on in-depth discussions on critical topics, including the transformation of traditional educational paradigms, the evolution of future curricula, ethical considerations in AI-enhanced learning, AI literacy education, improvement of educational leadership, and “mind, brain and education”. 

Bringing together internationally renowned scholars, young researchers, industry pioneers, and principals of primary and secondary schools from over 20 regions around the world, the forum attracted over 300 participants from across the globe.

The event included 10 parallel sessions, an expert panel discussion, school principal panel discussion, young scholars’ forum and a research postgraduate students’ forum to facilitate industry dialogue and deepen the discussion on the future of education.

President of EdUHK Professor John Lee Chi-kin (fifth left) presents souvenir to guests during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. The forum is held from June 13-14, 2025. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
President of EdUHK Professor John Lee Chi-kin (fifth left) delivers the opening remarks during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

In his opening remarks, President of EdUHK Professor John Lee Chi-kin pointed out that the collaboration with Tsinghua University demonstrated the academic community's shared commitment to advancing knowledge and shaping the future of education.

“Together, we are dedicated to pioneering new approaches in education, empowering educators to seize future opportunities, and nurturing a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and industry leaders,” Lee said.

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In the keynote address entitled “The Futures of Education in the Age of Generative AI”, the EdUHK’s president also highlighted how to cultivate AI literacy in various educational contexts and shared the university’s achievements in leading the exploration of new educational trends.

Professor Yang Bin, vice-chancellor of the University Council at Tsinghua University, delivers a keynote speech during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Professor Yang Bin, vice-chancellor of the University Council at Tsinghua University, the collaboration with EdUHK across various research fields would work together to enhance the impact of education in the AI era.

Introducing the concept of eduAI in his keynote speech entitled “eduAI and 12 Beyond”, Yang pointed out that as artificial intelligence continues to develop, the significance of areas such as the humanities, educational research and leadership will become increasingly prominent.

He also emphasized the need for universities to accelerate the training of a large number of professional mentors and advisors responsible for "nurturing talent" beyond specific disciplines.

Song Yanjie, co-chair of the forum and professor at EdUHK’s Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, delivers a speech during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Song Yanjie, co-chair of the forum and professor at EdUHK’s Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, said EdUHK was spearheading transformative efforts through new initiatives, curriculum reform, and emerging technology innovations.

Song also indicated that Tsinghua University’s eduAI concept advocates for systemic pedagogical innovation, ensuring AI complements human expertise while enriching learning outcomes.

Helen Gai Huixia, co-chair of the forum and EdUHK associate vice-president (mainland engagement and development), delivers the closing remarks during a forum co-hosted by the Education University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University with the theme “EdUHK-THU Education Forum: Future Education and Learning”, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

In her closing remarks, Helen Gai Huixia, co-chair of the forum and EdUHK associate vice-president (mainland engagement and development), expressed her hope that both universities will shape a brighter and more inclusive environment for the future of education, enabling the education sector to achieve innovative teaching designs through AI teachers, enhance students' learning abilities, and cultivate their creativity.

The event also featured other insightful keynote speeches from prominent scholars, including Shi Zhongying, dean of the School of Education at Tsinghua University; Roger Azevedo, professor at the Institute for Simulation and Training at University of Central Florida; Mutlu Cukurova, professor of Learning and Artificial Intelligence at University College London; and Michael Henderson, professor of Digital Futures in the Faculty of Education at Monash University.    

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The forum was successfully concluded and another was scheduled for next year at Tsinghua University.