Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit
Day One – 2 December 2024
Time
Programme
0830 - 0930
Registration and Welcome
Opening Ceremony
0930 – 1015
(45 mins)
(45 mins)
Welcome speech
Prof. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun
Chairwoman, Hong Kong Association for External Friendship
Speech by the Guest of Honour
Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, JP
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Officiating Guests
Prof. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun
Chairwoman, Hong Kong Association for External Friendship
Speech by the Guest of Honour
Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, JP
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Officiating Guests
- Huai Jinpeng
Minister of Education of the People's Republic of China - Cui Jianchun
Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - Zheng Yanxiong
Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - Yang Wanming
President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
Session 1 - The Importance of Knowledge Globalization for Humanity
1015 – 1115
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
By fostering interconnectedness and interdependence across countries, globalization has become an essential process in shaping our collective future. This session will explore the philosophies, values, and economic, cultural, and political ideas behind globalization. The increasing integration of economies through free trade and global supply chains, the exchange of cultural practices, and political collaboration through international organizations highlight globalization's profound impact on society. Universities play a central role in shaping these values through their research, curriculum development, knowledge distribution, and advocacy efforts. In this session speakers will discuss how to sustain academic cooperation in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the importance of virtual collaboration and innovative knowledge exchanges. Additionally, globalization’s critical influence on human social values is highlighted in this session, as it is critical in promoting diversity, inclusion, and ethical responsibility. Speakers will delve deeper into these topics, offering valuable insights into the role of knowledge globalization in driving human progress and how we can continue to foster academic collaboration and social change in an interconnected world.
Session Chair,
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Session Chair,
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
1115 - 1130
Break
Session 2 - Data Science and a New International Order
1130 – 1230
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Data science is transforming many aspects of our life, particularly on reshaping international relations and global governance. This session will explore how data-driven processes such as machine learning, analytics and networks are influencing foreign policy, diplomacy, and security strategies worldwide. The rise of data-rich nations is shifting global power structures, with multinational technology conglomerates shaping how we view and advance algorithmic justice and governance. While data science offers new opportunities for international collaboration on pressing global issues, it also raises significant ethical and privacy concerns that demand global standards. Speakers in this session will discuss the evolving role of data science in shaping the future of global governance, highlighting the need for fair data practices to foster a fair international order.
Session Chair,
Prof. Zhang Xiang, President of The University of Hong Kong
Session Chair,
Prof. Zhang Xiang, President of The University of Hong Kong
1245 - 1430
Lunch Break
Session 3 - Ethics and Value Building of AI Technology in Society
1445 – 1545
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Artificial intelligence has played a major role in transforming our society. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, lack of accountability and transparency are raising concerns, and the societal impact of these technologies. Establishing ethical frameworks for AI is crucial in ensuring that its development aligns with societal values such as equity, human rights, and inclusivity. Additionally, AI’s role in decision-making, from healthcare to criminal justice, underscores the importance of building AI systems that reflect ethical standards and avoid perpetuating harmful biases. This session will explore the ethics and value-building surrounding AI technology in society. Speakers will discuss the critical need for transparent AI governance, responsible innovation, and collaborative efforts between policymakers, technologists, and civil society to ensure AI’s development benefits humanity while upholding ethical principles. Through these discussions, we will gain valuable insights into shaping the future of AI to serve the common good responsibly and equitably.
Session Chair,
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Session Chair,
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
1545 - 1600
Break
Session 4 - Art Technology & Youth Psychology
1600 – 1700
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
The intersection of art, technology, and psychology has significantly contributed to the cognitive and emotional development as well as holistic wellbeing of youth today. This session will explore how technological advancements in digital and interactive art are shaping artistic expression and youth psychology, focusing on the ways these new forms of art influence identity formation and self-expression. Speakers will examine how digital platforms like social media and virtual reality provide both creative opportunities and challenges for young people, highlighting case studies of their impact on cognitive and emotional growth. The session will also introduce the use of art technology in therapeutic settings, emphasizing its role in mental health interventions and programming. These tools are essential for supporting emotional well-being through creative expression. Additionally, speakers will address ethical considerations, such as the risks of digital addiction and overexposure such as doom-scrolling, and strategies to promote balanced engagement with technology. Speakers will provide valuable insights into how the integration of art and technology can shape the psychological development of youth, offering guidance on fostering healthy creative engagement in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Session Chair,
Prof. Alexander Wai Ping-kong, President of Hong Kong Baptist University
Session Chair,
Prof. Alexander Wai Ping-kong, President of Hong Kong Baptist University
Closing Remarks
1700 – 1715
Prof. Tim Lui Ping-kong, Chairman of University Grants Committee
Day Two – 3 December 2024
Time
Programme
0830 - 0930
Registration and Welcome
Session 5 - University Governance and Innovation
0930 – 1030
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
University governance plays a critical role in promoting knowledge exchanges in a globalized world. This session will explore the increasing significance of governance in higher education, focusing on how universities adapt to globalization while balancing local autonomy and global collaboration. With innovative governance models such as international partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and technology, global collaboration can be fostered and sustainably maintained. These models are essential for addressing modern day challenges that we face as a society together. Additionally, the role of visionary leadership in driving innovation within academic governance will be discussed, along with strategies to foster a sense of global academic citizenship and inclusivity among university campuses. In this session, speakers will provide valuable insights into how effective governance can shape the future of higher education, fostering global engagement and collaboration within the academic community.
Session Chair,
Prof. Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, President of City University of Hong Kong, Convenor of Heads of University Committee
Session Chair,
Prof. Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, President of City University of Hong Kong, Convenor of Heads of University Committee
1030 - 1045
Break
Session 6 - Artificial Intelligence in Meeting Biomedical and Societal Challenges
1045 – 1145
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Bioscience development is at a critical juncture, with both significant challenges and promising opportunities ahead. Regulatory complexities, high research costs, and ethical concerns surrounding advancements like gene modification pose considerable obstruction, while issues such as intellectual property disputes, data privacy and security, and a shortage of specialized talent further complicate the landscape. However, breakthroughs such as genomic research, AI-driven drug discovery, and sustainable biomanufacturing are paving the way for new pioneering solutions. Artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a crucial role in addressing biomedical and societal challenges, from accelerating research to improving healthcare delivery and developing more personalized treatments. Additionally, emerging markets, cross-sector partnerships, and interdisciplinary research continue to drive innovation. With increased policy support and funding, biomedicine — enhanced by AI — is well-positioned to tackle critical healthcare challenges, especially in areas like personalized medicine and rare disease treatment. Speakers in this session will explore these pivotal issues, providing insights into the evolving field of biomedicine and AI, and their combined future impact on global health and society.
Session Chair,
Prof. Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Session Chair,
Prof. Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
1145 - 1400
Lunch Break
Session 7 - Financial and AI Quality for Future Generation
1415 – 1515
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Like other sectors, AI is being used directly or indirectly in the financial industries including banking, insurance, shares, futures, digital currencies etc. Some aspects of technology has created convenience and benefits for users or customers. However, due to wrong use of technologies by fraudsters has also created huge loss for customers and companies too. Technologies have also been used for financing terrorist activities and money laundering. This session will focus on how use of different technologies or operating models based on AI, Generative AI (Gen AI), Machine Learning (ML), GPT, BOts etc are impacting financial services? How those technologies or possibly new version of technologies could be deployed to alert or avoid fraudulent or illegal activities and help customers widely? What policies should be prescribed by the regulators or industries in this regard? For the future generation, working in the financial and related services industries, how universities cultivate an ethical and responsible workforce with good financial IQ to provide services to common people in the society in the unavoidable technology driven financial services sector?
Session Chair,
Prof. Qin S. Joe, President of Lingnan University
Session Chair,
Prof. Qin S. Joe, President of Lingnan University
Session 8 - Demographic Change & Education in Future
1515 – 1615
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Demographic changes such as falling birthrate, aging society, urbanization, emerging patterns of migration have all in various ways impacted how education is provided and received. In the post-COVID era, educational institutes continues to adjust to unique challenges of new modes of learning, declining enrollment, shifting government funding, and so on. Enrollment cliff, a term used to describe the expected decline in the number of traditional-age college students, is an obstacle faced by many universities. Nevertheless, these challenges paves the way for new opportunities.
Session Chair,
Prof. John Lee Chi-kin, President of The Education University of Hong Kong
Session Chair,
Prof. John Lee Chi-kin, President of The Education University of Hong Kong
1615 - 1630
Break
Session 9 - Applied Science and New Age Development
1630 – 1730
(60 mins)
(60 mins)
Though there is a controversy as to whether technology is an applied science or not, there is no doubt that technology such as AI has arrived, and it has become a new disruptor. In a short time, AI has demonstrated its potential and as well as altered us about its possible shortcomings. While AI is developing and creating impact in every sphere of life, our new age development issues are not untouched. This session will focus on how technology combined with applied science will impact or facilitate issues of new age development in our life. So far science and society have developed separately so is it now time to develop a global framework or platform where science, technology, society, environment, policies and regulations develop together by feeding each other with their side of advancements, needs and concerns. If that is possible, what strategies and actions should be taken by universities in facilitating such a comprehensive framework of applied science for the new age development.
Session Chair,
Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, President of Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Session Chair,
Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, President of Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Closing Remarks
1730 - 1745
Ms Christine Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of HKSAR