Rector Jun Liu delivers keynote speech at 2025 World Digital Education Conference on AI for STEM education
The “2025 World Digital Education Conference”, themed “Education Development and Transformation: The Era of Intelligence,” was jointly held by Ministry of Education of People’s Republic of China (PRC), China National Commission for UNESCO, and the People’s Government of Hubei Province from May 14 to 16 in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Ding Xuexiang, vice premier of the State Council of China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Jun Liu, rector of City University of Macau (CityU); and Ip Kuai Peng, vice rector of CityU were invited to take part in the event. Rector Jun Liu presented a keynote lecture at a parallel session yesterday entitled “What Difference will Differences Make between AI for STEM and AI for Non-STEM”.
Rector Jun Liu explored the core differences in using artificial intelligence (AI) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) versus Non-STEM (like the humanities, social sciences, and arts), and characteristics of AI applications in different subjects. He highlighted that the use of AI in STEM was characterized by precise quantitative research, while its application in the humanities and social sciences (non-STEM) focused more on in-depth interpretation and exploration of historical and cultural contexts. Through specific case studies in fintech, digital humanities, and smart education, he presented the application scenarios of AI across various disciplines. He emphasized that despite differing methods of application, the goal remained the resolution of societal issues, which required an approach that encompassed both qualitative and quantitative dimensions through data collection, analysis, and integration with actual scenarios.
Rector Jun Liu mentioned that contemporary education should cultivate interdisciplinary talents equipped to meet the demands of the future world. He proposed the comprehensive integration of AI education throughout the entire teaching process: on one hand, it was crucial to enhance the AI literacy of all students; while on the other hand, it was essential to develop differentiated applications based on specific professional characteristics. He advocated for a new instructional model feasible for the age of AI, with systematic reforms across curriculum design, educational philosophy, teaching methods, and learning models. Finally, he underscored the importance of not overlooking the significant value of the humanities and social sciences, while still recognizing the critical role of AI in cultivating STEM talents, ultimately achieving a new educational pathway characterized by interdisciplinary development.
The Ministry of Education of PRC has successfully hosted two editions in 2023 and 2024, achieving a series of pragmatic outcomes, including the establishment of the Global Digital Education Alliance, the development of the Smart Education of China, and the publication of the Global Digital Education Development Index. This conference embodied the characteristics of leadership, global engagement, and inclusivity, aiming to collaborate with governments of various nations, educational institutions at all levels, relevant international organizations and non-government organizations, enterprises, and other stakeholders to explore the development of digital education in teaching, learning, management, assessment, and research, thereby promoting the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
