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Post Date: 24-March-2022

Highlights of Seminar 1 of the 170th Anniversary Seminar Series

The Future of Technological Innovation: All Hands on Tech

Will AI/Technology destroy jobs or create jobs?

“On a positive note, technology will create more new jobs.” – Mr. Danny Lee

“Overcome the fear of challenges. Problems are opportunities!” – Mr. Ken Yeung (’82)

“Failure is not the end. Researchers fail over and over again before reaching success.” – Prof. Helen Meng

The 170th Anniversary Seminar Series, jointly organised by St. Paul's College and Asia Society Hong Kong Center, kicked off with “The Future of Technological Innovation – All Hands on Tech” seminar on 4 March. The first seminar attracted over 5,000 participants from the SPC community and the public to watch it live. SPC is proud of the impressive turnout, with enthusiastic and widespread participation among its students, parents and alumni. SPC has a long tradition of contributing to society and is committed to building the future together by nurturing and empowering the young generation.

Speakers Prof. Helen Meng, Patrick Huen Wing Ming Professor of Systems Engineering & Engineering Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Mr. Danny Lee, Senior Advisor, Blue Pool Capital Limited, along with moderator Mr. Ken Yeung (SPC ’82), CEO of TOM Group Limited, shared their insights into the global trends in technology and their impacts on the way we study, work and live.

Many people are afraid of AI as many jobs may disappear due to its emergence. Both Prof. Meng and Mr. Lee pointed out that the cross-disciplinary applications of AI will create more job opportunities in different fields – engineering, programming, biotechnology, new energy, etc. Mr. Lee added that AI cannot replace the creativity of humans and employers are looking for problem solvers who possess both hard and soft skills. To be future ready, students should seize opportunities to gain real-world experience outside the classroom, and take the initiative to learn online, such as through TED Talks on YouTube. Mr. Lee stressed that it’s not just about what you learn, it’s really about how you learn.

Prof. Meng also pointed out that AI, a powerful technology, is a double-edged sword with benefits and potential perils. While it is growing at an unprecedented speed, students should be aware of its limitations, ethical issues and social impacts.

Mr. Yeung encouraged students to overcome the fear of challenges as problems are opportunities. He added that parental support is important in child development. “Help them learn from failure and become resilient, self-confident adults,” said Mr. Yeung.