On 27 February 2026, the Fourth Education Transformation and Innovation (ETI) Salon was successfully held, shifting the dialogue from pedagogical concepts to the structural and technical foundations required to realise the PolyU Education 4.0 (E4.0) vision. Hosted by Professor CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education), who serves as the Chairman of the Digital Transformation Committee (DTC), the event focused on the dual necessity of AI transformation and digital transformation, emphasising that AI applications risk "building on sand" without a robust, unified data foundation.
Professor Xuesong ZHAI, Chair of Science and Technology Education at Zhejiang University, shared the "Zhejiang University Experience" in integrating AI across a top-tier institution. He introduced their "Red Page Book", a strategic blueprint that provides clear ethical guidelines and operational rules for AI use in research and teaching. Professor Zhai highlighted the innovative "AI+X" multidisciplinary programme, which co-nurtures PhD students across computer science and other disciplines to foster cross-domain innovation. He demonstrated how AI-powered "Reverse Engineering" in coding classes allows students to move from mature AI-generated models to granular problem-solving, and shared cutting-edge research on using facial and gesture recognition to support student mental health and embodied intelligence in the classroom.
Providing the institutional roadmap for PolyU, Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director and Head of Digital Transformation Division at IHERD, unveiled the University’s Digital Transformation (DT) Blueprint. Transitioning from the successful pilot of the Graduate School Data Hub to a university-wide initiative, Dr Chan discussed that legacy systems must be replaced by a modern three-layer architecture—comprising a foundational Data Hub (the "plumbing"), integrated Business Functions, and an Innovation Layer for AI-driven decision-making. This framework aims to create a "Single Source of Truth" that enables PolyU to respond to educational changes with unprecedented agility. Dr Chan emphasised DT is not technology alone — it’s about people, culture, and shared purpose. Transformation begins with a shared vision (E4.0) and grows through systematic frameworks, sound governance, empowered people,
The salon concluded with a discussion on the role of human agency in an automated era. The panel addressed the concept of "Embodied Cognition", noting that while AI can provide massive, personalised resources and simulate complex environments via the Metaverse, it cannot replace the essential "human touch"—the emotional support, mentorship, and physical interaction that define a holistic education.
In his closing remarks, Professor Cao reminded colleagues that the transformation is a deeply human journey. He noted that while the technology is evolving rapidly, the ultimate goal of the E4.0 initiative is to empower both teachers and students through a systematic, culture-led digital evolution.
| Research Units | Zhejiang University | Institute for Higher Education Research and Development |
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