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HKBU International Symposium Explores the Profound Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Humanities and Society

02-04-2024

The previous Faculty of Arts and the previous Faculty of Social Sciences jointly hosted the highly anticipated International Symposium on Humanities, Societies, and Digital Futures. The event took place on 21 to 22 March, 2024, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The Symposium delved into the far-reaching impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on humanities and society.

Distinguished guests and renowned speakers graced the occasion, including Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; and Professor James Tang Tuck-hong, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee.

The Symposium witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 500 participants in attendance. Moreover, the event garnered extensive global reach, as nearly 1.7 million individuals from various parts of the world tuned in to the LiveStream broadcast to witness the insightful discussions and presentations.

In his opening address, Professor Alex Wai highlighted the importance of the Symposium in exploring the ethical, societal, economic, and educational implications of AI. He emphasized HKBU's dedication to fostering transdisciplinary education and research, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies.

Dr Clement Chen, in his remarks, emphasized HKBU's role as a catalyst for transformative change. He emphasized the University's commitment to cultivating a vibrant ecosystem where faculty members and students from diverse disciplines converge to shape the future through innovation and impactful change.

The International Symposium on Humanities, Societies, and Digital Futures featured an esteemed lineup of keynote speakers from around the world. These included Professor Carl Wieman, laureate of the 2020 Yidan Prize and the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics, who shared insights on the intersection of AI and scientific research. Dr Wayne Holmes, Associate Professor at University College London, provided perspectives on AI's impact on education. Ms Kay Firth-Butterfield, Former Director at the World Economic Forum, discussed the ethical considerations of AI implementation. Other notable speakers included Mr Tian Feng, Dean of SenseTime Intelligent Industry Research Institute; Professor Dagmar Schäfer, Executive Director of Max Planck Institute for the History of Science; Mr Patrick Yeung, CEO of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; and Mr Edward Yau, Chairman of the Hong Chi Association and Former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. The Symposium concluded with closing remarks by Mr Edward Ma, Secretary-General of the Yidan Prize Foundation. Collectively, these distinguished speakers shared their expertise, enriching the Symposium's discussions on the profound impact of AI on humanities and society.

This Symposium stands as a testament to HKBU's commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering dialogue on the transformative power of AI in shaping our societies and the future of humanities.

For more detailed information about the Symposium, please visit the official website.

For those interested in watching the replay of Symposium, you can access the video for Day 1 at this link and the video for Day 2 at this link. 

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(From left) Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; and Professor James Tang Tuck-hong, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee
(From left) Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Professor Timothy Tong Wai-cheung, Chairman of the Research Grants Council; Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Mr Yi Fei, First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Ms Michelle Li Mei-sheung, Permanent Secretary for Education; and Professor Huang Ping, Director of the Centre for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences HTR00537 HKBU representatives together with the experts and scholars who are invited as the symposium's keynote speakers. HTR00581 Group photo with the audience.
HKBU representatives together with the experts and scholars who are invited as the symposium's keynote speakers.
Group photo with the audience.
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