Tsinghua University Vice President and Provost Yang Bin shared Tsinghua’s experience in fostering innovation in non-STEM disciplines, promoting interdisciplinarity and artificial intelligence, among other key topics at the QS Asia Pacific Professional Leadership in Education Conference and Exhibition (QS APPLE 2021). The virtual conference, held on November 1-3, was hosted by Hong Kong Baptist University and co-hosted by Prince of Songkhla University, Thailand. Yang Bin joined the conference’s Presidents Panel, themed “Building resilient universities for tomorrow: An Asian perspective”.

Prof Yang Bin addresses the virtual conference (Photographer: Chang Zhidong)

One of panel’s key discussions explored the role of Social Sciences and Humanities in the advancement of innovation. Yang Bin conveyed Tsinghua University's experience in fostering innovation in all disciplines, and highlighted the significance of Tsinghua’s School of Social Sciences in the University’s development as an example. Yang Bin introduced the University’s academic tradition of integrating Chinese and western thought, ancient and modern, sciences and humanities. “Knowledge breakthroughs and innovation are closely connected with advancements in social sciences and humanities, not confined to achievements in STEM alone”, Yang said.

On the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), Yang Bin introduced several Tsinghua University initiatives that enhance the development of AI and prepare learners to thrive in a future with AI, including the establishment of the Tsinghua Brain and Intelligence Laboratory, which aims to address fundamental questions about brain-mind and intelligence through cutting edge, interdisciplinary research efforts. “Universities should make more use of advanced technology to promote innovation and interdisciplinarity and jointly tackle global challenges,” Yang said.

Yang Bin was joined by fellow panelists at the conference including, President of Hong Kong Baptist University, Alex Wai; President of Singapore Management University, Lily Kong; Provost of Chung-Ang University, Joonki Paik; and Director of IIT Guwahati, T G Sitharam. The panel was chaired by QS Editor and Program Designer, Anton John Crace. Panelists exchanged views and experiences of universities in the region on pertinent issues such as innovation in the non-STEM disciplines, transdisciplinary research and the opportunities that AI holds for education.

Tsinghua continues to harness the power of innovative, interdisciplinary and collaborative education models. Participation in events such as QS APPLE 2021 demonstrates Tsinghua’s active cooperation with global partners to jointly promote the development of higher education and address common challenges.

(From Office of International Affairs)