Embracing the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities for the New School Year

In recent years, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have revealed technology’s boundless potential. This summer, the world’s first Humanoid Robot Games were successfully held in Beijing. Robots not only boxed, ran, played football, and competed in table tennis; they also analysed data, adjusted strategies, and collaborated seamlessly with their robotic teammates—showcasing the remarkable achievements of AI. These breakthroughs signify that AI and robots are no longer merely tools, but “partners” in our lives, studies, and even in the workplaces of the future.

To meet this global trend, the deep integration of AI and education will be one of our key development priorities in the coming academic year. Our school will gradually introduce AI-powered teaching tools to create a more personalised and efficient learning environment. Whether it is language-learning platforms that enhance students’ proficiency, problem-solving systems that provide precise feedback, or AI-driven arts courses that spark inspiration and deepen creativity, we hope AI will elevate teaching effectiveness and extend the boundaries of every student’s potential. At the same time, we will host more STEAM activities and launch AI-related courses to help students master new technologies and prepare for the future. AI is not only a learning assistant; it is also a vital force for discovering potential and broadening horizons.

However, the rapid advancement of technology also brings challenges. Over the next decade, AI will reshape the labour market. Even in traditional fields such as banking, law, accounting, and healthcare, tasks involving data processing and routine procedures will inevitably be automated. This means that book knowledge or a single skill alone will no longer suffice to meet future changes and demands. In response, society will need talent with innovative thinking, cross‑disciplinary integration capabilities, and strong emotional and communication skills.

Therefore, I hope our students will choose not to worry about technology replacing humans, but to embrace it and become pioneers who harness AI. No matter how powerful it is, technology is ultimately just a tool; what is truly irreplaceable are human creativity, judgment, communication, leadership, and empathy. I encourage everyone to participate actively in the school’s AI courses and activities, learn to use AI tools, and even acquire fundamental programming skills. At the same time, strengthen your critical thinking: learn to distinguish fact from misinformation, and use and develop AI technologies with ethics and the welfare of society in mind.

Moreover, remember that a passion for lifelong learning—and the capacity to pursue it—will be essential for the future. In the years ahead, Hong Kong will need versatile individuals with both technological expertise and a solid grounding in the humanities. Whether you pursue careers in services, finance, healthcare, the creative industries, or engineering, what will truly set you apart are your capacity for innovation, your information literacy, and your sense of responsibility to society and the world.

Students, the advent of the AI era brings both challenges and opportunities. While technology opens new windows onto how we learn and live, it is your present effort and commitment that will ultimately shape the future. As we embark on a new academic year, I urge you to cultivate three essential qualities: autonomy, self‑discipline, and confidence.

• Self-reliance: Proactively learn new knowledge, master emerging technologies such as AI, and expand future possibilities.
• Self-discipline: Manage your time wisely and use technology responsibly to unlock its true value.
• Self-assurance: Believe in your abilities, be willing to try new things, and face the unknown with courage.

Let us greet the new school year with curiosity and a spirit of exploration, and stride forward together toward a wise, vibrant, and colourful future!

Principal Chung Yiu Kee