Interaction Design Lecture — Application of AI in Wellbeing and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Seminar
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Date
11 May 2026
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Organiser
PolyU Design
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Time
16:00 - 17:30
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Venue
V304, 3/F, Block V, PolyU Map
Speaker
Dr Feiran Zhang
Connie Cheung
Enquiry
Dr Feiran Zhang feiran.zhang@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
The "Application of AI in Wellbeing and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)" seminar explores how AI-driven educational tools can support children’s emotional development and regulation, specifically in light of the Hong Kong Education Bureau’s (EDB) recent AI funding for schools. Attendees, including educators and teacher trainers, will gain insights into the value of integrating emotional intelligence with AI tools, learning how digital technologies can be purposely designed to support emotional regulation and student success. Key takeaways include exposure to affective and emotion-aware technologies through research by Dr Feiran Zhang, alongside a practical case study of KiguLab presented by Connie Cheung on how to apply social-emotional learning frameworks within a school context. The session aims to equip practitioners with a better understanding of the social-emotional impacts of AI-augmentation, fostering collaboration across fields such as interaction design, social work, and early childhood education.
Tentative Programme
16:00 – 16:10 Opening Introduction
16:10 – 16:30 Research on emotion-aware AI technologies for children by Dr Feiran Zhang
16:50 – 17:20 Mingling & Networking
Event registration is required (deadline: 7 May, noon).
Keynote Speaker
Dr Feiran Zhang earned her PhD in Industrial Design from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in 2021, where her thesis was nominated for the TU/e Best PhD Thesis Award. She then joined TU/e’s Social Robotics Lab (2021–2022) before serving as an ERCIM Fellow (2022–2023) and as a postdoctoral researcher (2023–2025) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Department of Computer Science. Her research focuses on emotion-aware interventions for well-being, multimodal learning analytics, and child-agent interaction to enhance motivation, collaboration, and self-regulation. In addition to her research, Dr Zhang serves as Associate Editor for Behaviour & Information Technology, and the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, and reviews for leading venues including IDC, CHI, HRI, and SORO, reflecting her active professional service in child-computer interaction and learning technologies.
Connie Cheung is the Chief Product Officer of Kigumi and a visionary leader in ethical AI and digital wellness for young learners. Drawing on 15+ years of experience in AI product development and compliant fintech innovation, she is pioneering a platform that empowers pre-teens to engage with technology responsibly. As a mother passionate about shaping safer digital futures, Connie merges her technical expertise with a commitment to fostering ethical digital habits. Previously, Connie spearheaded AI and blockchain solutions at RD Technologies and PwC China, building compliant payment systems and scaling multimillion-dollar platforms. At IBM, she led AI adoption across Greater China, breaking into new markets. Her ability to align cutting-edge technology with regulatory rigor now drives her mission to ensure AI uplifts, rather than risks, young users’ well-being. Connie holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems and Finance from HKUST. Certified in Machine Learning by Stanford, she champions ethical frameworks to make technology a force for good.
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