Press Release

HKBU hosts international symposium to explore AI’s humanistic and societal impact 

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

 

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is proud to host the 2nd International Symposium on Humanities and Culture: Visions of a Digital Future.

Taking place today (26 March) and tomorrow (27 March) at the prestigious Hong Kong Palace Museum, the symposium brings together global scholars and experts to examine the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) from humanistic and societal perspectives.

Supported by the Hung Hin Shiu Charitable Foundation and the Institute of Creativity at HKBU, this event aims to generate discussions on Hong Kong’s pace of technological development while highlighting AI’s potential impact and significance in shaping our digital future, while keeping the alignment with the country’s strategic development direction in AI and technologies.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Martin Wong, Provost of HKBU; and Ms Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Honorary University Fellow of HKBU.

In his welcome address, Mr Paul Poon emphasised the symposium's importance as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on humanities and culture, stating, “This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with international scholars and industry leaders who bring diverse perspectives and insights.”

Professor Martin Wong highlighted HKBU’s commitment to advancing transdisciplinary education and research, noting, “As a leading global institution, HKBU is dedicated to promoting the humanistic development of technologies.”

Ms Winsome Chow remarked on the university’s dedication to integrating diverse disciplines, saying, “HKBU’s focus on transdisciplinary education and research underscores the critical role of the liberal arts in fostering humanistic development and cultural preservation, driving meaningful change within Hong Kong and beyond.”

Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, also pointed out that the widespread use of AI will accelerate developments in various industries and fields. As a result, the educational direction is to strengthen students’ training and application in AI.

Today’s sessions focused on two key themes: “The Place of Humanities and Culture in Digital Futures”, exploring how humanities guide technological advancements to align human values; and “Neglected Voices and the Challenges of AI”, addressing overlooked perspectives to foster a more inclusive digital future.

Tomorrow, the symposium will delve into “Perspectives on AI and Transdisciplinarity”, discussing AI's interaction with linguistics, creativity, and cultural studies; and “Human Mind in the Future of Education”, exploring AI’s impact on cognition and learning.

Keynote speakers include Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Professor Huang Ping, President of the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong; and experts from esteemed institutions such as Yale University and Harvard University. For the full programme and discussion topics, please visit the symposium’s website.

Mr Paul Poon (3rd left, front row), Professor Alex Wai (4th left, front row), Ms Winsome Chow (centre, front row), Professor Martin Wong (4th right, front row), and Ms Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary of HKBU (3rd right, front row), together with speakers and other HKBU representatives, at the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Symposium on Humanities and Culture: Visions of a Digital Future hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
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Mr Paul Poon (3rd left, front row), Professor Alex Wai (4th left, front row), Ms Winsome Chow (centre, front row), Professor Martin Wong (4th right, front row), and Ms Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary of HKBU (3rd right, front row), together with speakers and other HKBU representatives, at the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Symposium on Humanities and Culture: Visions of a Digital Future hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, delivers the welcome address.
Professor Martin Wong, Provost of HKBU.
Ms Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Honorary University Fellow of HKBU.
Keynote speakers include Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Round-table discussion session.
Taking place at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the symposium brings together global scholars and experts to examine the transformative role of AI from humanistic and societal perspectives.