PolyU, EDB and SCOLAR co-organise International Summit on Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026; Showcase latest AI-related innovations in language education
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is hosting the International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026 (AIinLT 2026) from 21 to 24 June. Organised by the PolyU Department of English and Communication (ENGL), in collaboration with the Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), AIinLT 2026 provides a dynamic platform for teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as education researchers and professionals, to exchange insights and experience. The Summit features keynote presentations and a panel discussion exploring the latest applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education, as well as workshops designed to advance teaching and learning practices with AI.
The opening ceremony, followed by the first keynote address and panel discussion, was held today in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU. Officiating guests included Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education),and Dr Anissa CHAN WONG Lai-kuen, Chairperson of SCOLAR.
Dr Choi Yuk-lin said that the event marked the grand unveiling of Digital Education Week 2026, which would be leveraged to effectively connect experts, scholars and relevant sectors around the world to exchange successful experiences, with a view to establishing an international platform for the sustained advancement of digital education, and showcasing the learning outcomes of Hong Kong students in digital education. Dr Choi noted that the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools (the Blueprint) just announced would serve as a roadmap to provide guidance for schools to promote AI education from primary through secondary school levels. She emphasised that the EDB is driving the comprehensive implementation of “AI for all schools” and “AI for all students” with a view to ensuring our education system aligns with the country’s positioning of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre by providing talent support.
Prof. Cao Jiannong highlighted PolyU’s commitment to advancing language education through the integration of AI in language learning and teaching. Through the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, the University has embraced purposeful, pedagogically sound applications of AI to enrich learning and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in future workplaces. This commitment is reflected in the University’s new Language Education Institute, which will provide all PolyU students with opportunities to harness AI to support their language learning journeys. It is also evident in the University’s emphasis on the humanities, which play a vital role in helping students and educators use AI ethically while fostering deeper learning and creativity.
Dr Anissa Chan said that SCOLAR has remained steadfast in its mission for the past 30 years to enhance the language proficiency of the people of Hong Kong. Looking ahead, SCOLAR will work in line with the Blueprint to bring together expertise from various sectors to shape a new landscape for language education. She hoped that the Summit would not only mark a new chapter in integrating AI into language learning, but also serve as an important bridge to foster innovation across sectors.
Prof. Mairéad PRATSCHKE, an independent researcher and adviser specialising in AI strategy, ethical governance and human-centred design, delivered the first keynote address. In her presentation, she explored language education within hybrid communities—learning environments in which human educators, peers and AI agents each play integral roles. She also outlined the distinct contributions of both human and machine participants and their evolving impact on the future of education.
The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Prof. Jenifer HO, Associate Professor of ENGL, and Dr Rickey LU, Senior Lecturer of ENGL. Themed “AI Across Educational Landscapes: Insights, Challenges, and Knowledge Exchange,” the panel consisted of educators from local primary and secondary schools, as well as scholars in the fields of education innovation and languages, promoting cross-sector dialogue.
Throughout AIinLT 2026, a number of local and international scholars and experts will deliver keynote addresses (in alphabetical order by surname): Prof. CHEUNG Chi-keung, Professor and Dean of Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof. Jang Ho LEE, Professor of English Education at Chung-Ang University, Korea; Prof. Tony MCENERY, Chair Professor of Corpus Linguistics and AI for the Humanities at PolyU; Prof. Benjamin Luke MOORHOUSE, Associate Professor at City University of Hong Kong; and Prof. YANG Hongxia, Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence at PolyU. They will share key insights on AI and its ongoing role in transforming language learning and teaching across a multitude of learning contexts.
As part of AIinLT 2026, a series of hands-on workshops will be held on 23 and 24 June to provide educators with practical solutions for integrating AI into the classroom, thereby creating more engaging and personalised learning experiences that more effectively meet individual student needs.
For more details of the International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026, please visit: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt2026/home
***END***
