Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), attended the 2025 World University Presidents Forum in Zhejiang on 8 November. Themed ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education’, the forum brought together nearly 1,000 representatives. These included over 70 presidents of leading universities and more than 20 heads of major international organisations from over 40 countries and regions across five continents, as well as nearly 20 academicians and over 200 university leaders from the Chinese mainland.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ren Youqun, vice minister of education of China, said that university presidents should take the initiative in addressing the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). He added that the Ministry of Education of China will promote the opening up of education and foster cooperation between Chinese and foreign universities.
During a parallel forum, Song delivered a keynote speech on ‘AI and Scientific Research Paradigm Shift’. He presented UM’s strategic layout, research platforms, and practices in response to the age of AI. He also mentioned that UM will continue to focus on promoting the development of ecological civilisation, exploring new research areas, conducting cutting-edge research, achieving technological breakthroughs, and empowering industries, thereby contributing to the development of AI and higher education.
In addition, the Global University Collaborative Mechanism for Innovation in AI Education and Teaching was launched during the forum. This initiative comprises 78 member universities from around the world, including UM.
| Source: Global Affairs Office | |
| Media Contact Information: | |
| Communications Office, University of Macau | |
| Albee Lei | Tel: (853) 8822 8004 |
| Jason Leong | Tel: (853) 8822 8322 |
| Email: | prs.media@um.edu.mo |
