Last year is being hailed as the year that artificial intelligence (AI) came into its own. AI is rapidly reshaping industries and transforming the future of work. Advancements in AI, particularly in machine learning and natural language processing, are automating complex tasks, either making traditional business models outdated or forcing them to evolve. As an international business hub, Hong Kong must pivot by upskilling its workforce to remain competitive.

At the Learning and Teaching Expo (LTE) in December, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin addressed the impact of AI on Hong Kong’s education system, acknowledging its benefits for custom learning and content creation, while cautioning against privacy protection, algorithmic bias, and ethical considerations. The bureau is responding with an updated version of the “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students’ Learning Framework” to guide responsible AI use among students.

The secretary’s view aligns with LTE’s keynote speaker, Professor Rose Luckin, professor of learner-centered design, UCL Knowledge Lab, University College London. She recognized AI’s benefits in personalization and efficiency but warned of overreliance that could overshadow human cognitive strengths such as creativity and empathy. As such, she advocated a balanced approach to integrating AI in educational settings, emphasizing the critical role of educators in guiding responsible AI development and application.

Harnessing AI in education offers numerous advantages. AI, with its capacity for personalization, promises a tailored approach to learning where adaptive learning systems can address students’ individual needs. Local schools have seen a swift adoption of AI technologies such as ChatGPT. These tools have shown they can significantly enhance learning, providing students immediate feedback and opportunities to engage in self-paced, differentiated learning experiences.

AI can also automate administrative tasks, freeing educators to invest more time in the interpersonal aspects of teaching that foster student engagement and well-being. In this shifting landscape, the role of educators evolves. They have become facilitators who guide students through the complexities of a digital world, ensuring they possess strong technical skills and the critical thinking and ethical framework necessary to use AI responsibly.

Hong Kong’s education system is taking initial steps to include AI learning in its curriculum. The Education Bureau made a significant step forward by introducing two new technology-focused modules. The “Enriched Module on Coding Education” is now part of the upper primary school curriculum, and junior secondary students are engaging with the “Module on AI”.

To achieve the grand vision of equipping the future workforce with AI skills, a cross-section of stakeholders in education must stay informed about the latest developments in AI, collaboratively advocate for ethical practices, and continuously adapt how we teach and learn to harness AI’s full potential. By enacting these strategies, Hong Kong is set to become a leader in shaping an AI-driven future

A recent study by the Oxford Internet Institute and the Center for Social Data Science has revealed that possessing AI skills can substantially boost a worker’s earning potential, with expertise in fields like machine learning, TensorFlow, and deep learning fetching salary increases of up to 21 percent. The research also pointed out the strategic value of diverse skill sets, suggesting that a broader set of complementary skills offers more strategic reskilling options and resilience against technological changes.

As such, while focusing on AI skills acquisition is crucial, educators must also prioritize nurturing a broader set of complementary skills in students. This approach provides a more strategic variety of reskilling opportunities and strengthens resilience in the face of ongoing technological shifts. To cultivate a passion for lifelong learning of AI skills, students should be incentivized to use their acquired AI skills to develop innovative solutions addressing real-life problems through scholarships, project funds, or competition.

In the race to become a world-leading innovation hub, Hong Kong needs to reimagine its education system by experimenting with innovative ways to teach and learn AI skills, such as:

1. Develop partnerships with tech firms and universities to provide hands-on AI learning experiences and internships, ensuring students can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

2. Launch interdisciplinary projects that allow students to tackle societal challenges using AI, nurturing a sense of responsibility and ethical application.

3. Initiate public dialogues on AI ethics, involving students, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to set a standard on responsible AI use.

To achieve the grand vision of equipping the future workforce with AI skills, a cross-section of stakeholders in education must stay informed about the latest developments in AI, collaboratively advocate for ethical practices, and continuously adapt how we teach and learn to harness AI’s full potential. By enacting these strategies, Hong Kong is set to become a leader in shaping an AI-driven future.

The author co-founded Brandstorm Communications, a consultancy specializing in education, philanthropy, art, and culture.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.