Artificial Intelligence is widely applied in various areas of our life and has become an important topic of discussion in education development.  As such, electronic learning and STEAM curricula have come into the limelight of education reform.  Where do we go from here?  The 130^th anniversary of Pui Ching Middle School bears witness to a series of academic events, including the Future of Education Round Table Conference.  We had the honor of the company of Mr. Seong Hoi Long, General Manager of Sense Time Technology Co, Hong Kong; Professor Sun Mao Song, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence of Tsinghua University; and various alumni representatives of Pui Ching Middle School.  The Conference was held in the afternoon of November 21^st at the Pui Ching Assembly Hall. 

Mr. Seong Hoi Long gave a talk on AI+, how artificial intelligence will be affecting every aspect of people’s lives, and the implications for education.  Professor Sun Mao Song discussed the role of artificial intelligence in Chinese culture and traditions.  He used the Game of Go and poetry as examples to illustrate the challenges faced by artificial intelligence.

Various Pui Ching alumni shared their experience in education at the conference: Dr. Wei Ya Jun of Zhuhai No. 1 Middle School talked about the development of STEM curricula in a typical senior high school; Vice-Principal of Qingdao Yinhai Education Corp. Ms. Wang Yan Bing discussed ocean education; Vice Principal of Tsinghua University Primary School Mr. Tang Wei Hong expounded on education reform in the face of changing times, and Assistant Director of Sichuan Nanshan Secondary School Mr. Zheng Ling Yun shared his experience with technological innovations and multiple intelligence education.  Chinese Department Director Ms. Mak Chi Kei of Pui Ching Middle School discussed the preservation of Chinese culture in the age of technology.

Discussions at the Conference evolved around such topics as E-Learning, STEAM Curricula and Artificial Intelligence Education, attracting 400 Pui Ching teachers and educators from various regions.

To celebrate the 130^th anniversary of the founding of Pui Ching Middle School, and to promote the development of the education of Macao, Macao Pui Ching Middle School held a series of academic activities.  The Macao Pui Ching Middle School 130^th Anniversary Academic Activities Opening Ceremony cum Pok Man Pui Ching (Macao) E-Learning Certification Center Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of three days of academic activities, including special topics lectures on education, the Future of Education Round Table Conference, the University Presidents Seminar, and various open classes, which showcased learning outcomes in such areas as e-learning, innovative science and technology education, and artificial intelligence.

The opening ceremony was held in the Pui Ching Assembly Hall at 10am, November 21st.  Guests of honor were invited to initiate the event with AI facial recognition devices as a symbol of new technology and a new era of education.  About 500 guests bore witness to the event, including Director of the Ministry of Social and Cultural Affairs Mr. Tam Chon Weng, Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government Ms. Choi Teng, Deputy Director of the Public Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and News and Information Department of the Foreign Affairs Office Ms. Chu Teng, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau Ms. Leong Wai Kei, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Bureau Mr. Chang Kun Hong, Director of the International Affairs Department of the Ministry of Education Mr. Lei Iok Tong, various regional representatives in education, and representatives from various local and non-local schools.

Principal Kou delivered the welcoming speech, extending his gratitude to various sectors for their support.  He elaborated on Pui Ching’s efforts over the years to promote innovation in education, preserve Chinese culture and traditional values, develop international mindedness in students, establish cooperative relations with various higher institutions and commercial organizations, and incorporate internationally recognized evaluation systems into education.  Principal Kou also pointed out the importance that Pui Ching gives to moral education, the spirit of innovation, and the diversified development of students, and this is evident in the students’ outstanding achievement in various areas, including science and technology, culture, and sports.

Director of the Liaison Office of the PRC Mr. Fu Ziying, Deputy Director Mr. Luo Yonggang and their party visited Pui Ching this morning and received a warm welcome from the management, teachers and students of the school.  Director Fu and his party toured the school’s various teaching facilities and had in-depth discussions with teachers and students.

Director Fu and his party visited the Chinese Culture Museum, the Innovative Science Education Museum and the library of the school respectively, listened to the teachers’ introduction of the collections and equipment in each museum, and observed the students' daily use of technology for class. Students introduced their winning entries in international competitions and described their design concepts and the methods of operation for their designs.  Director Fu carefully listened to the presentations, had in-depth conversations with the students, and encouraged them to study hard.

After the visit, Principal Kou Kam Fai introduced Pui Ching’s philosophy of education, teaching achievements, student learning outcomes, and their outstanding performance in higher education and international competitions.      

Director Fu commended Pui Ching on its philosophy of education and encouraged the school to foster not only internationally-minded individuals, but also adolescents who take pride in their regional and national identities. 

Director Fu made three suggestions for Pui Ching.  Firstly, he stressed the importance of teaching history; he pointed out it is essential that students learn from the history of the school and the country.  Secondly, he encouraged students to keep in mind the school motto and become compassionate, responsible, internationally-minded, and well-rounded individuals who take pride in their regional and national identities.  Thirdly, he encouraged students to bravely pursue their dreams and aspirations and help to build their country.

School chancellor Mr. Lo Weng Cheong thanked Director Fu for his encouragement and indicated that the school will continue to cultivate responsible youths in the future and live up to the expectations of the country.

The visiting guests also included Director Xu Ting of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office, Deputy Director Song Lihong of the General Office, Deputy Director Gou Renmin of the Education and Youth Affairs Department, Chief Secretary Yan Zhigang of the General Office, Chief Secretary Wang Huijie of the General Office, Deputy Director Shi Lei of the Education and Youth Affairs Department, and Mr. Zheng Hanbin, assistant of the Education and Youth Affairs Department.

Macau Pui Ching Middle School and Macau Pui Ching Alumni Association visited Mr. Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.  Mr. Ho extended his congratulations to Pui Ching Chancellor Mr. Lo Weng Cheong and Principal Kou Kam Fai for the school’s 130^th anniversary and commended Pui Ching on the students’ achievements in various areas.  Mr. Lo and Dr. Kou expressed their gratitude to the S.A.R. government and mentioned that the school would not be where it is today had it not been for the support of the government over the years.

Also at the meeting were members of the Pui Ching Board of Directors Mr. Lao Weng Seng, Mr. Chan Tek Fei, Mr. Wong Hon Kin and Mr. Mok Chi Wai, Supervisor of the Alumni Association Mr. Wong Mo Cheng, Vice-principals Mr. Kuok Keng Man and Dr. Chan Keng Lim, General Director of the Alumni Association Mr. Sio Man Ngai, and Pui Ching Deputy Director Mr. Chan Tak Meng.