A dialogue between Prof. Mark P. Becker and Rector Jun Liu: Exploring the Future Development Trends of Global Universities
On the occasion of its 45th anniversary, the City University of Macau (CityU) today hosted a Doctor honoris causa Lecture on “The Future Development Trends of Global Universities” at the Taipa Campus, reflecting the university’s vision of taking roots in Macao while embracing the international vision. The lecture featured an in-depth conversation between Prof. Mark P. Becker, chair of the Board of Directors for the Commission for Public Higher Education, and Prof. Jun Liu, rector of City University of Macau, highlighting the university’s strong commitment to staying aligned with the dynamics of global higher education. The event drew the participation of leaders from over 30 universities, nearly 200 faculty members and students, as well as distinguished guests from various sectors. The atmosphere was lively, fostering a rich academic exchange.
In their dialogue, Rector Jun Liu and Prof. Becker systematically explored the future directions and development trends of higher education against the context of profound shifts in the global landscape, interwoven with both opportunities and challenges, focusing on the fundamental values and contemporary mission of universities. They conducted an in-depth analysis of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the educational ecosystem, emphasizing that efforts should be actively made to advance teaching reform and innovation in talent cultivation models while staying committed to the essence of education amid technological change. Rector Liu and Professor Becker offered forward-looking insights on key issues such as promoting student success, deepening comprehensive educational reform, expanding the scope of internationalization, balancing the relationship between teaching and research, and enhancing university reputation and rankings—demonstrating the strategic vision and sense of responsibility that higher education leaders bring to the future development of universities.
Drawing on his many years of leadership experience in the U.S. higher education system, Prof. Becker offered an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges currently facing universities around the world. He pointed out that the value of a university lies in identifying its own mission and providing quality education that aligns with societal needs. In the face of the profound changes brought about by AI, Prof. Becker emphasized that universities should reexamine their curriculum and talent cultivation models, helping students become “truly outstanding individuals” capable of addressing complex challenges.
The dialogue between the two scholars combined macro-level strategic vision with micro-level practical pathways, dissecting the core mission of higher education while outlining the future development trends and vision for universities. Their discussion sparked ideas, offering the audience deep insights and reflections on the future trajectory of higher education. In the subsequent Q&A session, participants actively engaged with the speakers, addressing the demands placed on universities by students’ aspirations, parental expectations, and societal needs, as well as the irreplaceable core values of higher education institutions. This lecture not only served as a significant academic gift for CityU’s 45th anniversary, but also responded to the enduring mission of university education in the age of AI, delivering a timely answer to the question: “What constitutes a great university?”
