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Illuminating tomorrow : Lingnan’ s transformative milestones in AI education

Text: Eva Tsang

Photos: Lingnan University

The rise of ChatGPT and the computational revolution brought by DeepSeek-R1 are reshaping global education at an unprecedented pace. In this transformative landscape, Lingnan University has emerged as a leader, firmly establishing itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education. The University has already achieved significant milestones that affirm its commitment to innovation and the advancement of AI technologies.

“AI is not just a tool – it is a catalyst for reshaping educational paradigms,” Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, says. “Future education must go beyond merely passing skills on to students, and focus on cultivating their values and core competencies.” This vision reflects the University’s current path and its reputation as a globally recognised institution with a comprehensive range of programmes in the arts and sciences.

In alignment with the Hong Kong government’s emphasis on fostering AI and data science as key technological sectors, Lingnan has made substantial upgrades to its academic research capabilities. In particular, the unveiling of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Centre, named Lingnan HPC NexT, in February 2025 marked a pivotal moment in this evolution. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with dozens of supercomputers delivering an impressive 6,000 TFLOPS of computing power, is designed to support advanced research initiatives and propel AI-related projects forward.

Prof Qin emphasises the strategic importance of this centre. “ It houses supercomputers with computational power comparable to the top 100 worldwide, dramatically reducing project computation times from months to mere hours, ” he says. “ This acceleration enables researchers to achieve results more efficiently. The centre’s second phase, set to begin at the Lingnan Hub, will incorporate advanced cooling technologies that not only lower electricity costs but also reduce carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.”

To further bolster its academic ecosystem, the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) and the School of Data Science (SDS) were established last year. This initiative was seen as vital for integrating traditional humanities disciplines with cutting-edge AI digitisation, thereby enhancing teaching, learning, and academic innovation across the University.

Lingnan HPC NexT houses dozens of supercomputers delivering an impressive 6,000 TFLOPS of computing power.

As everyone navigates this new era, Prof Qin underscores the necessity of coexistence and collaboration with AI. “AI is evolving into a tool as user-friendly as Excel spreadsheets,” he says.

Indeed, the integration of various AI technologies, including chatbots and content generation, is set to enrich learning experiences and foster creativity among students. To support these developments, Lingnan has provided free access to ChatGPT for all students, faculty, and staff since August 2023, with subsequent upgrades to GPT-4o and GPT-4 Turbo.

In February 2025, the University adopted the DeepSeek-R1 model and a suite of ChatGPT tools, accessible through the University portal. This addition is intended to enhance both teaching and learning experiences, streamline research processes, and boost workplace efficiency. It also demonstrates Lingnan's steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for educational excellence.

During a recent TechTalk lecture, Prof Qin mentioned DeepSeek, an AI start-up from mainland China that has garnered global attention for its innovative approach to AI efficiency. “With DeepSeek’s emergence, attention is shifting towards resource optimisation and reducing AI development costs,” he said. This breakthrough not only challenges existing monopolies in the AI market but also promotes widespread access to transformative technologies.

President S. Joe Qin delivers a TechTalk lecture.

In autumn 2024, Lingnan introduced the core course on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) as a mandatory component for undergraduates with the aim of systematically fostering effective collaboration with AI. This curriculum helps students to master the logical reasoning capabilities of large language models, explore AI applications across various research fields, and understand the ethical implications of AI use.

Prof Qin has identified three essential competencies for students in the AI age: human-AI collaboration, advanced cognitive skills, and critical thinking. To cultivate these skills, Lingnan is dismantling silos and deliberately taking a more interdisciplinary approach.

Moreover, the University is actively promoting advanced digital teaching methods by making use of the latest technologies. And, recently, the innovative IDEAL-Gen.AI platform (Instructional Design Enhanced Active Learning through Generative Artificial Intelligence), developed and led by Lingnan University, was shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards in the Best Use of Generative AI category.

As Lingnan continues to illuminate the future of education through its transformative AI initiatives, it stands ready to guide students and scholars toward a brighter tomorrow. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the University is not just preparing individuals for the challenges ahead, but also shaping the very landscape of AI education itself. This commitment to excellence ensures that Lingnan will remain a beacon of knowledge and progress, lighting the way for future generations in the evolving world of AI.

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