Macao Science Center and Jesuits Macau Jointly Held a Seminar on Educational Innovation and Holistic Education in the AI Era
Jesuits Macau and Macao Science Center jointly held a “Seminar on Educational Innovation and Jesuit Educational Practices” on January 17. The Seminar, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the founding of Escola Estrela do Mar and Colegio Mateus Ricci, aimed to promote artificial intelligence (AI) education in the community. As part of the Center’s “AI Lecture Series”, the event facilitated in-depth discussions between educational theories and practical applications, while also establishing a professional platform for educators to delve into the trends in AI development. The seminar attracted more than 360 participants.
At the Seminar, Dr. Sio Hon Pan, the Curator of Macao Science Center, delivered a speech entitled “Educational Opportunities and Challenges in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”. He analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the three AI Schools of Thought (Connectivism, Symbolism, and Behaviorism) through citing the DIKW (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom) Pyramid Model. And then he emphasized the significance of establishing a “personalized knowledge graph” to facilitate structured learning and innovative applications. He stated that in a time of rapid skill evolution and evolving academic standards, education should be anchored in problem-solving as its core driving force. The most efficient learning approach involves exposing learners to real-world challenges, enabling them to acquire essential knowledge and skills through practical experience. AI can serve as a potent tool in accomplishing this objective.
Dr. Sio emphasized that while AI technology offers the potential for enhanced efficiency and personalized learning in education, the fundamental essence of education is still about “nurturing individuals”. Technology should act as a supportive tool to advance the objective of holistic education and foster students’ comprehensive growth in knowledge, emotions, and values. He further emphasized that teachers play an increasingly pivotal role in the AI era, guiding students to effectively utilize technology while upholding humanistic values and nurturing critical thinking skills.
The guests attending this Seminar also included: Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, Mr. Wong Ka Ki, Deputy Director of Education and Youth Development Bureau, Father Clement Tsui, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Escola Estrela do Mar and Colegio Mateus Ricci, along with other representatives from the educational and religious sectors. They engaged in discussions on integrating traditional educational philosophies with modern innovative practices.
In the future, the Center will continue to conduct the “AI Lecture Series” and associated teacher training programs and community science popularization initiatives to promote AI education. This effort aims to assist educators in mastering problem-oriented teaching approaches, while offering a platform and resources for Macao to nurture individuals with scientific literacy, innovative skills, and a humanistic ethos.
The Seminar attracted more than 360 participants
Dr. Sio Hon Pan, the Curator of Macao Science Center, delivered a speech at the Seminar
The guests discussed on topics of education and holistic development in the AI era
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Macao Science Center Limited 3-PR-PUB-26
January 23, 2026
