Division of Science and Technology (DST) held a high table dinner on the evening of 17 October. Professor Yang Qiang, the chief artificial intelligence officer of WeBank, served as the speaker, bringing the speech themed on “Challenges and Future of Artificial Intelligence." Prof Yang talked about the challenges and possible solutions for artificial intelligence, and gave students a better understanding of human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

Other guests from UIC, including Vice President (Academic Affairs) Prof Chen Zhi, Vice President (Students and General Affairs) Prof Zhang Cong, Academic Registrar Prof Li Jianhui, Managing Director for Finance and Administration Mr Nelson Chan and Dean of DST Prof Huang Huaxiong attended the dinner.

(from left) Prof Li Jianhui, Prof Huang Huaxiong, Prof Yang Qiang, Prof Chen Zhi, Prof Zhang Cong, Mr Nelson Chan

Prof Yang is the chief artificial intelligence officer of WeBank, Professor of the Department of Computer and Engineering of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Hong Kong Society of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. His research interests include transfer learning, federated learning, machine learning, data mining and automated planning.

In addition, he is also the member of Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), The International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and China Association for Artificial Intelligence (CAAI).

Prof Chen Zhi presents a souvenir to Prof Yang Qiang on behalf of UIC

Prof Yang used a simple and humorous way to describe the human learning process, explaining how the human brain acquires knowledge. He expressed that images are easier to remember than words, and emphasized the importance of repetition for memorizing.

Prof Yang Qiang delivering his speech

In addition, he extended his speech to the challenges of AI, and explained how to design an AI system and how to prevent AI from cheating on humans. In the question session, Prof Yang answered students' questions patiently.

A student asking a question

During the dinner, teachers and students raised a toast. The atmosphere was harmonious as three students gave a performance using a Guzheng and a piano.

Faculty members and students raise a toast

Guzheng and piano performance

Reporter: Zhang Zixin (Y4 PRA)
Photographers: Wang Jiaqi, Wei Zhihao (Y2 IJ)
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Lauren Richardson
(from MPRO)