Shaping the Future of Education: Highlights from the 9th TCTF-NTU Advanced Leadership Development Forum

The 9th TCTF-NTU Advanced Leadership Development Forum, supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (TCTF), was successfully held at NTU on March 3, 2025.

The significant event marked an exciting new beginning for the latest cohorts of Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA) Master of Science in Managerial Economics (EMME) and Master in Public Administration (EMPA) programmes.

Participants from over 20 well-known universities convened at the forum themed, “Educational Innovation and Talent Cultivation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” where they engaged in thought-provoking discussions on how AI is reshaping education.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Professor Ling San, Deputy President and Provost of NTU, Qin Wen, Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in Singapore, Professor Liu Hong, Associate Vice President (International) of NTU, Director (Research & Executive Education), NCPA, Professor Miao Chun Yan, Associate Vice President (Capability Building), NTU, Associate Professor Wang Jue, Director, NCPA and Dr Wang Hang, Deputy Director, NCPA.

In her opening address, Prof Wang Jue thanked TCTF for their continued support for this annual forum, a vital platform for advancing educational leadership, fostering cross-border collaboration, and nurturing innovative talent.

In his bilingual keynote address, Prof Ling San highlighted three key takeaways on AI’s transformative influence on education; NTU's commitment to AI education, research, and innovation to nurture socially conscious AI talent and develop human-centric solutions. Although AI is revolutionising learning, educators remain the custodians of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and personal growth. He also advocated for an ecology of lifelong learning that extends beyond the classroom through industry partnerships. Prof Ling mentioned NTU’s strength in global collaboration, envisioning a future where shared educational resources equip students for the AI-driven era, empowering them to navigate future challenges and societal implications.

Counsellor Qin Wen reinforced these points, highlighting how AI is reshaping industries and encouraged educators and students to embrace the possibilities of innovative learning for the common good. 

After the opening ceremony, the five keynote speakers, Professor Liu Hong, Professor Cheng Jing, Vice President of East China Normal University, Professor Zhao Zhiqin, Vice President of  University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Professor Hao Wenbin, President of Qiqihar University, and Professor Chen Binkai, Vice President of Central University of Finance and Economics shared their institutions’ varied experiences and successful strategies for cultivating AI-driven talent, fostering innovation in education and technological advancements.

The afternoon’s session was also packed with robust discussions as several university leaders gave insightful keynote speeches, including Professor Chen Yan, Assistant Principal of Fudan University, Professor Qin Hong, Vice President of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Professor Xu Cunning, Vice President of Qinghai Normal University, Professor Li Xue, Assistant Principal of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Professor Gao Rui, Vice President of Qingdao Campus of Shandong University, Professor Chen Shengping, Director of Academic Affairs Department of Sun Yat-sen University, Professor Liu Qingtang, Dean of Undergraduate College of Central China Normal University, Mr Wang Chen,  Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Department of University of Science and Technology of China, and Ms Yuan Wen, Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Department of Sichuan University. 

The first day of the forum concluded fruitfully with a welcome dinner hosted by NCPA, fostering connections among guests and students over fine dining and engaging conversations. Prof Liu Hong presided over the evening, lauding the importance of global collaboration in shaping the future of education.

The second day took a more interactive approach, with sub-forum discussions and deeper conversations about AI and education. The forum also featured academic and cultural visits to Xiamen University Malaysia, the University of Malaya, and Chinese enterprises in Malaysia for first-hand insights into the evolving landscape of international educational and cultural exchange.

Through open dialogue, collaborative partnerships, and a shared commitment to innovation, the 9^th TCTF-NTU Advanced Leadership Development Forum continues to foster meaningful knowledge exchange in global education and innovation.