A nine-day event focused on advancing the integration of artificial intelligence into education kicks off on Saturday in Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A nine-day event focused on integrating artificial intelligence into education kicked off on Saturday in Beijing, aiming to create a collaborative platform for the education technology sector.
Hosted by the Haidian district government, the gathering brought together over 500 officials, scholars, and industry leaders.
Zhang Mi, director of the Institute of International Technology and Economy under the Development Research Center of the State Council, said the global strategic focus is shifting from AI research and development to talent cultivation.
Zhang Mi, director of the Institute of International Technology and Economy under Development Research Center of the State Council, delivers a speech in Beijing on Saturday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"Competition in artificial intelligence, at its core, is competition for talent," Zhang said. "Empowering education with AI is a strategic issue that will determine whether China can take the lead in the next round of global competition."
He added that the education and technology communities should leverage AI as a key productive force by pushing forward "AI+ education" application scenarios, deepening collaboration in the field between official bodies, and developing China's international influence in AI applications.
Ma Shaoping, a professor from the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, delivers a speech in Beijing on Saturday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Ma Shaoping, a professor from the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, said AI is becoming an indispensable, universal tool across all industries.
"What will truly replace humans is not AI itself, but those who master AI first," Ma added.
He said that general AI education should be systematically popularized across all educational stages and society as a whole. The goal is to cultivate interdisciplinary talent with AI literacy and vision who can adapt to and drive the development of an intelligent society.
An embodied intelligence robot is showcased on Saturday in Beijing at an event focused on AI and education integration. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In addition, 14 education tech companies and ecosystem partners showcased their products and technologies. The exhibits spanned a wide range of cutting-edge applications, such as embodied intelligence robots, virtual simulation labs, interactive augmented reality experiences, AI-powered teaching assistance, intelligent programming tools, AI digital humans, and smart educational hardware.
