A Conversation with Prof. Ke GONG: Reimagining Education and Learning in the Era of Sustainable Development and Digitalization
On December 11th, HKUST(GZ) successfully held its fourth "University Forum" as scheduled. Professor Ke GONG, from the Institute for the Development of China's Next Generation Artificial Intelligence, was invited as the distinguished guest speaker. He delivered a captivating speech on the topic of "Reimagining Education and Learning in the Era of Sustainable Development and Digitalization." The event attracted a large audience of educators, students, and industry experts who are passionate about the fields of education and technology. The venue was packed, with not a single empty seat in sight.
Professor Lionel M. NI, the President of HKUST(GZ), extended a warm welcome to Prof. Ke GONG and all the attendees. He emphasized the importance of Sustainable Development and Digitalization as two critical global challenges that demand our collective attention, reflection, and prompt action. These transformations are vital for our progress, and Prof. NI encouraged everyone to contribute their efforts towards this endeavor.
In his speech, Prof. Ke GONG delved into the two major transformations currently taking place globally. The first is the multidimensional transition towards sustainable development, which is driven by human values and encompasses the economic, social, and environmental aspects. The second transformation is the digital revolution propelled by advanced technologies. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are playing an unprecedented role in driving these transformations, both in terms of their breadth and depth. These two transformations intricately intertwine, forming a dual transition in human society that is closely linked to China's modernization process. They present a historic opportunity that holds immense significance for educational reform, development, as well as the growth and learning of Chinese youth.
Prof. Ke GONG offered forward-thinking recommendations on how universities can seize the current era's dual transformation opportunities and accelerate their adaptation to meet societal development needs. He highly praised HKUST(GZ) for its pioneering initiative in providing ChatGPT services to all faculty and students, recognizing it as a leading endeavor. Prof. GONG expressed his anticipation for HKUST(GZ) to pave a new path in higher education by exploring human-machine collaboration, interdisciplinary integration, and co-creation and sharing. For students, he emphasized the importance of enhancing their capacity to drive sustainable development, establishing a solid scientific foundation, and strengthening digital innovation skills. He emphasized the cultivation of practical abilities and the enhancement of cross-industry, cross-disciplinary, and cross-border collaboration skills. Regarding universities, he stressed the need to reconsider the knowledge and skill structures required for the future world, as well as the teaching methods and curriculum systems necessary to foster such structures. Prof. GONG encouraged educational institutions to break free from the confines of traditional "disciplines" and "teaching," embracing paradigm innovation, and continuously exploring and deepening educational reforms through approaches such as industry-academia integration.
During the enthusiastic exchange with the students and faculty in attendance, Prof. Ke GONG addressed several important topics that garnered attention. He provided insightful responses to questions regarding personal digital transformation, ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and the integration of theoretical learning with practical application. Prof. GONG emphasized the crucial role of human oversight in the age of artificial intelligence. He encouraged students to embrace the concept of "learning while doing" and "learning while practicing" as they engage in academic and research endeavors. Prof. GONG highlighted the historical intersection of China's modernization process, global sustainable development, and dual digital transformation, urging students to embrace their responsibilities as contemporary university students.
Prof. Ke GONG's unique insights received resounding applause from the audience, and both faculty and students expressed a heightened awareness of the significance of understanding and embracing modernization transformations. Moving forward, HKUST(GZ) will foster continued dialogue and collaborative efforts with Prof. GONG and fellows in the realms of sustainable development and the digital era. Their collective endeavors aim to facilitate the smooth completion of the dual transformation process.
