Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), attended the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, where he joined nearly 2,000 guests from more than 60 countries and regions around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Asia and the world and explore in depth common interests and responsibilities in the development of the world.
In an interview with the China Media Group, Song said that UM is committed to promoting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international innovation and technology centre to help the country develop new quality productive forces. Speaking at a panel discussion on the theme ‘Global AI Governance’ held during the BFA Annual Conference, Song emphasised the importance of education in the development of AI and called for the promotion of AI education among students and people from different sectors of the community, especially in the areas of AI ethics, morality, and law. He also mentioned UM’s efforts in promoting AI education, such as collaborating with top universities in mainland China to establish the World Digital Education Alliance and the Digital Intelligence International Development Education Alliance.
In addition, Song led Lao Chi Ngai, director of UM’s Strategy and Planning Office, and other representatives to visit Hainan University. The UM delegation was warmly received by Fu Xuanguo, secretary of the Party Committee of Hainan University, and Chen Jun, vice president of Hainan University. During the meeting, Song said that UM and Hainan University will deepen their academic exchanges and explore joint talent development programmes, adding that the two universities should join forces and leverage their complementary strengths to seize the development opportunities of the Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port to contribute to the development of higher education in China.
