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IHERD delegation visits Sichuan University to expand partnership networks for AI innovations

IHERD is actively expanding its global partnership networks, leveraging its expertise to drive educational innovation and advance an AI-empowered, student-centred and personalised model of teaching and learning under the Education 4.0 initiative. Advancing this mission, Professor CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, alongside Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director of IHERD and Head of the Digital Transformation Division, recently visited Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. The IHERD representatives met with a delegation led by Professor YE Ling, Vice President of Sichuan University (SCU), and also exchanged views with Professor LU Jiancheng, Dean of the College of Computer Science of SCU, for an in-depth discussion on synergies between the two institutions’ digital transformation initiatives, recent educational research accomplishments and the future of AI-empowered education. PolyU has recently taken the lead to launch the International Consortium for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation with AI (ICHETI) on 3 July 2026. Established alongside 16 founding members from across the globe, ICHETI is a strategic alliance of world-leading universities at the forefront of educational innovation. Dedicated to sharing best practices and co-developing new technologies, the consortium drives the paradigm shift toward a next-generation model of teaching and learning. IHERD serves as the official secretariat for the consortium.

ETI Salon #10: AI in Teaching, Learning and Research Training: Sharing and Discussion on the MIT Report

The 10th Education Transformation and Innovation (ETI) Salon, hosted by Professor Jiannong CAO, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, brought together University colleagues for a timely sharing and discussion on AI in higher education, centred on insights from the MIT Ad Hoc Committee Report on AI Use in Teaching, Learning, and Research Training. The session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and strategic implications of AI-enabled education and research in the context of PolyU's Education 4.0 (E4.0) transformation. During the Salon, Professor Cao highlighted the significance of the MIT report as a valuable reference for universities navigating the profound impact of AI on education. He emphasised that the emergence of AI presents not merely a technological challenge, but an opportunity to reconsider the nature, scope, and purpose of higher education. Drawing connections between MIT's recommendations and (E4.0), he underscored the need for a coherent institution-wide response that promotes student-centred learning, responsible AI adoption, and sustainable educational innovation. Building on this strategic framing, Dr Joyce ZHANG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing and IHERD, presented a synthesis of the report's key findings and recommendations. The presentation outlined MIT's guiding principles for the use of AI in education, including human-centred learning, intentional pedagogical design, preservation of human agency and judgement, and continuous adaptation as technologies evolve. Participants were introduced to the report's recommendations on curriculum design, assessment reform, research training, community building, governance, and institutional support mechanisms for AI integration. Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director and Head of the Digital Transformation Division at IHERD, then explored the implications of the report for PolyU. The discussion examined how many of the report's themes align closely with the E4.0 Blueprint, particularly in advancing active and applied learning, strengthening AI and digital competencies, enabling personalised learning experiences, and enhancing responsible AI governance. The presentation also identified areas for further exploration, including assessment redesign, the preservation of meaningful human interaction and mentorship, and the development of institutional capabilities to support continuous adaptation in an increasingly AI-enabled environment. The Salon concluded with an engaging exchange of views among participants on the evolving role of AI in teaching, learning, and research training. Discussions covered topics such as balancing AI-enabled efficiency with deep disciplinary learning, rethinking assessment approaches, establishing clear frameworks for AI use, and strengthening institutional governance and support structures. Participants shared valuable perspectives on how PolyU can continue to foster responsible, ethical, and impactful AI adoption while safeguarding the human dimensions of education.

Empowering jobseekers: AI interview coach addresses youth employment challenges

Securing graduate employment has become increasingly challenging in Hong Kong, where the unemployment rate among residents aged 20 to 24 reached 12.3% in late 2025. More broadly, recruitment industry reports point to intense competition and widespread interview anxiety, with approximately 242 applications per opening and 93% of candidates reporting anxiety about interviews. As employers increasingly value communication, adaptability and problem-solving abilities alongside technical qualifications, interview readiness has become a decisive factor in graduate success. Bridging the preparation gap with AI To address this critical societal challenge, PolyInterview was developed under the leadership of Dr Zhiyuan Wen, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing and the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD); Dr Kelly Chan, Associate Director of IHERD and Head of the Digital Transformation Division; and Professor Jiannong Cao, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD. The groundbreaking platform addresses a persistent gap in higher education career preparation: while realistic, multi-round interview practice is vital to building confidence and reducing candidate anxiety, traditional expert mock coaching can cost USD 180 or more per session, making it difficult to scale personalised human coaching for thousands of students. PolyInterview transforms traditional preparation by delivering true job-oriented personalisation. Built on the core principle that successful employment hinges on both matching job requirements and convincingly articulating that fit to employers, its multi-agent framework uses target job descriptions and candidates’ CVs to generate tailored question sets and answer-aware follow-up questions. A lexical-alignment comparison between matched and cross-role job descriptions found that, in 93.7% of analysed sessions, the generated question sets were more closely aligned with the target job description than with job descriptions from other roles. Rather than relying on simple text chatbots or static question banks, students interact in real time with a digital human interviewer—a rendered video avatar that simulates realistic conversational dynamics across distinct interviewer profiles at different difficulty levels. Comprehensive, multimodal feedback for real-world impact Beyond simulation, PolyInterview incorporates four parallel evaluators producing 13 behaviour-level features, aggregated into 10 assessment aspects and two competency tracks, assessing candidates' professional performance, non-verbal expressions, and oral delivery. Grounded in industry-validated standards such as the KSA (Knowledge-Skills-Abilities) framework and the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) model, the platform provides actionable feedback on language, facial expressions, and body movements, detailed performance transcripts, and refined response suggestions immediately following each session. In evaluations by ten HR and communication professionals, the actionability of its feedback recommendations received an average rating of 4.70 out of 5. “By combining personalised questions grounded in real job requirements with comprehensive multimodal feedback, we are helping students stand out in a tough market—ensuring they are fully prepared when opportunities arise,” Dr Wen noted. Pilot tests involving 129 participants from six institutions and organisations, spanning more than eight academic disciplines have affirmed the platform’s real-world value, with students praising its immersive feel and practical insights. Building on this foundation, as of 3 September 2026, PolyInterview had supported 1,621 interview sessions involving 221 users. Designed in line with PolyU’s commitment to responsible technology and privacy, all raw data remains securely hosted on campus servers, supported by PostgreSQL transparent encryption and single-click data deletion controls. As part of PolyU Education 4.0, PolyInterview exemplifies how the University leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence not merely as a learning aid, but as a catalyst for societal mobility. By enhancing career readiness and widening access to high-quality interview preparation, the platform empowers young jobseekers to overcome career entry barriers and seize opportunities in an increasingly competitive employment landscape. On 15 July 2026, “PolyInterview: A Multi-Agent Interview Practice Platform for Communication Education” was named Champion in the Stream 2 - Challenge category at the 2nd International Competition on AI in Education 2026, organised by the Artificial Intelligence Research and Education Alliance (AIREA) of The Education University of Hong Kong. The award is a recognition of the platform’s innovative use of AI to deliver personalised interview practice and evidence-based feedback.

IHERD delegation visits Beijing Institute of Technology to strengthen the collaboration in AI-driven innovations

IHERD is actively expanding its global partnership networks, leveraging its expertise to drive educational innovation and advance an AI-empowered, student-centred and personalised model of teaching and learning under the Education 4.0 initiative. To advance this mission, Professor CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, alongside Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director of IHERD and Head of the Digital Transformation Division, recently visited the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) in Beijing, China. The IHERD representatives met with a delegation from BIT for an in-depth discussion on synergies and collaboration opportunities between the two institutions in AI and innovation. BIT is one of the 16 founding member of the International Consortium for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation with AI (ICHETI), initiated by PolyU. Established on 3 July 2026, ICHETI is a strategic alliance of the world-leading universities from across the globe at the forefront of educational innovation. Dedicated to sharing best practices and co-developing new technologies, the consortium drives the paradigm shift toward a next-generation model of teaching and learning. IHERD serves as the official secretariat for the consortium. During the visit, the IHERD delegation also toured BIT’s advanced facilities to further explore concrete opportunities for technological and institutional collaboration.

IHERD delegation visits Peking University to collaborate on AI innovations in higher education

IHERD is actively expanding its global partnership networks, leveraging its expertise to drive educational innovation and advance an AI-empowered, student-centred and personalised model of teaching and learning under the Education 4.0 initiative. Advancing this mission, Professor CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, alongside Dr Kelly CHAN, Associate Director of IHERD and Head of the Digital Transformation Division, recently visited Peking University in Beijing, China. The IHERD representatives met with a delegation led by Professor FANG Fang, Vice President of Peking University, for an in-depth discussion on synergies between the two institutions’ digital transformation initiatives, recent educational research accomplishments and the future of AI-empowered education. PolyU has recently taken the lead to launch the International Consortium for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation with AI (ICHETI) on 3 July 2026. Established alongside 16 founding members from across the globe, ICHETI is a strategic alliance of world-leading universities at the forefront of educational innovation. Dedicated to sharing best practices and co-developing new technologies, the consortium drives the paradigm shift toward a next-generation model of teaching and learning. IHERD serves as the official secretariat for the consortium.

Prof. CAO Jiannong shares insights on AI-Era talent development at BOC Cross-border Education Launch Event

On 11 September 2026, Bank of China officially hosted its cross-border education launch event in Beijing, China during the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). The event featured several major announcements and strategic partnerships aimed at advancing international education and global talent mobility. During a panel discussion entitled “Global Talent Development in the Age of AI”, Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, shared that universities must move beyond transmitting knowledge and instead help students integrate multidisciplinary, cross-boundary learning and apply it to real-world problems. He emphasised that a central task in the AI era is to cultivate students’ ability to use AI across disciplines, while guarding against over-reliance that would offload their own cognition, learning and thinking. Teaching students to work with AI as a form of human–machine collaboration, he noted, should be a key direction for higher education going forward.   Watch the highlight of Prof. Cao’s remarks (00:25 - 01:12):

ETI Salon #9: Capability Building: A Proposal for an AI and Digital Competency Centre

The 9th Education Transformation and Innovation (ETI) Salon, hosted by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, brought together University staff to explore a proposed AI and Digital Competency Centre, one of the University-led initiatives envisioned to support the implementation of the PolyU Education 4.0 Blueprint. During the presentation, Prof. Cao outlined the rationale and vision for establishing a dedicated capability-building platform that would support the development of AI and digital competencies across the University community. The proposal highlighted the importance of fostering digital readiness, promoting responsible and effective use of emerging technologies, and strengthening the University's capacity to navigate an increasingly AI-enabled future. The proposed Centre is envisioned as a collaborative hub that supports continuous learning, hands-on exploration, and the sharing of good practices in AI-enabled teaching, learning, research, and professional services. The initiative aims to empower academic, teaching, professional, and student communities to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to drive innovation and digital transformation across the University. The session concluded with a lively and constructive discussion, during which participants shared valuable perspectives, suggestions, and reflections on the proposal and its future development. We extend our sincere appreciation to all attendees for their active engagement and contributions in shaping the University's AI and digital competency-building journey.

PolyU launches global report on ai-driven transformation across 100 leading universities

The team of Prof. HU Xiangen, Director of Educational Research Centre [to be renamed as the Educational Research and Technologies Centre (ERTC) on 1 September 2026], IHERD, launched the “Pacesetting Global Educational Transformation Report: AI-Driven Innovations from 100 Selected Top Universities” at the Global Smart Education Conference 2026 in Beijing on 18 August. The report, published in six official UN languages, examined 100 representative universities worldwide and sought to identify emerging patterns of AI-driven transformation in higher education and to explore how selected institutional experiences may inform broader efforts to build more inclusive, ethical, and future-oriented higher education systems.   Online coverage: CCTV - https://edu.cctv.com/2026/08/19/ARTI8aAzZKRVX5YIYugvW2sX260819.shtml Sina - https://finance.sina.com.cn/tjhz/2026-08-20/doc-ininxqxx8889456.shtml

Restructuring of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD)

The restructuring of IHERD will be effective from 1 September 2026.  IHERD is positioned as PolyU’s nexus for education transformation. By bridging cutting-edge pedagogical research with technological innovation, it empowers the university community to cultivate future-ready graduates and drive global educational excellence. The restructuring integrates the Digital Transformation Division (DTD), the Educational Development Centre (EDC) and the Educational Research Centre (ERC) [to be renamed as the Educational Research and Technologies Centre (ERTC) (教育研究及技術中心) on 1 September 2026] supported by a Central Team. This integration will strengthen institutional capacity, enhance strategic alignment and foster the cross-functional collaboration needed to drive the planning and implementation of PolyU Education4.0. Under this new structure, the key roles and responsibilities of the three core divisions are as follows: DTD will drive AI and digital adoption and education process integration, developing and enhancing AI and digital competencies and management efficiency.  EDC will be responsible for advancing faculty development and support in quality education, providing training in AI and digital literacy and skills, and conducting surveys and data analysis. ERTC will focus on pioneering educational research, frontier technologies and tools, pedagogical innovation, curriculum reform, and AI policy and academic integrity. 

Prof. CAO Jiannong joined Metro Finance’s show “AI in Action” to discuss the new role universities play in the AI era

As AI transforms industries worldwide, higher education is undergoing a major shift: what role should universities play in the AI era? Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, joined Metro Finance’s show “AI in Action” to share his insights. Traditional lectures are teacher-centric, leaving students with diverse interests constrained by a passive, one-size-fits-all model. PolyU’s Education 4.0 framework hands learning ownership back to students, transitioning educators into expert mentors. Empowered by AI tools, students can tailor personalised learning pathways based on their passions, unlocking their full interdisciplinary potential.  At the same time, the widespread adoption of AI brings new educational responsibilities. Prof. Cao discussed how PolyU encourages students to leverage AI while fostering critical thinking and information literacy, ensuring technology remains a positive force for learning.    Full Interview: