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CUS hosts the BDSIS Public Seminar on Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI

The College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted the BDSIS Public Seminar titled “The Human Edge: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More in the Age of AI” on 30 March 2026. The seminar attracted over 80 participants, including Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) students, as well as students and staff from across the University. Marking the first public event organised by BDSIS, this seminar opened the newly launched elite programme to the wider PolyU community and fostered insightful discussion on the growing importance of emotional intelligence in a technology‑driven world. The seminar featured Dr. Ling LAM, Lecturer in Management at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), as the keynote speaker. Dr. LAM is widely recognised as the instructor of Stanford GSB’s acclaimed Interpersonal Dynamics course, commonly known as “Touchy Feely”, which focuses on emotional intelligence and leadership development. Moderated by Prof. Alan P. T. LAU, Associate Dean of CUS and Programme Leader of BDSIS, the seminar explored how rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping the global economy while simultaneously elevating the importance of human‑centred skills. Drawing on insights from behavioural economics, neuroscience, and happiness research, Dr. Lam highlighted that success and fulfilment increasingly depend on self‑awareness, empathy, adaptability, and meaningful human relationships—capabilities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate. Following the public seminar, Dr. Lam led an exclusive workshop designed for BDSIS students. This interactive session provided students with an opportunity to engage more deeply and build stronger, more effective relationships. BDSIS students shared that the workshop offered valuable insights by integrating technical knowledge with essential human skills, helping them better prepare for an AI‑driven era. The BDSIS Public Seminar forms part of CUS’s ongoing efforts to promote interdisciplinary education and engage the wider community in discussions on pressing global and societal issues. BDSIS is a prestigious program designed for top‑performing students, offering a highly flexible, interdisciplinary, and customised learning pathway for each student. Each BDSIS student is paired with a renowned PolyU professor as a Personal Academic Mentor (PAM), enabling students to pursue their aspirations through a self‑determined curriculum aligned with their academic and career goals.