On March 19, the 5th School Leadership across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Forum cum Global Bay Alliance Ceremony, was successfully held at Shenzhen Nanshan Experimental Education Group Qilin Middle School. Jointly launched by the Education Bureau of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, the Department of Educational Administration and Policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC) at The Education University of Hong Kong, with strong support from the China Centre for International People-to-People Exchange, Hong Kong Education City, and Committee of the CPPCC of Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Mr. Xia Lei, Deputy District Governor and Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Nanshan District People's Government; Ms. Yang Jun, Secretary of the Nanshan District Education Working Committee, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, and Director of the Nanshan District Education Bureau; Mr. Yan Hui, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairperson of the Nanshan District Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Li Hanxiang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Education City; Mr. Zhang Xueren, Deputy Director of the China Centre for International People-to-People Exchange; Prof. Sedat Gumus, Director of the APCLC; Dr. Lu Jiafang, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the APCLC; Dr. Qian Haiyan, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Policy at the The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and nearly 300 school representatives attended the event. The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Yan Hui, Mr Li Hanxiang, and Mr. Zhang Xueren.

The Global BAY Alliance (an alliance of elite clubs dedicated to innovation in international education for youth) was officially launched at this event. School leaders and education experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong, and Nanshan District, Shenzhen, serving as representatives of the alliance's members, jointly illuminated the launch pillar, marking one of the event's key achievements.

Dr. Melissa Butt, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Education at the University of Sheffield and an internationally renowned STEM education expert, delivered a keynote speech titled "The Future Development of STEM Education, Educational Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence." The presentation systematically addressed core issues in STEM education in the age of artificial intelligence, covering multiple dimensions such as leadership development, curriculum innovation, and cutting-edge international practices. By integrating specific case studies and practical approaches, she provided attendees with cutting-edge concepts and actionable strategies.

Principal Li Andy of The Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School, Dr He Cheng of Kao Yip Middle School, and Principal Han Xiaohong, Party Secretary of Shenzhen Nanshan Second Foreign Languages Education Group, delivered keynote speeches to the attendees. Principal Li emphasized that schools should be fully prepared before promoting artificial intelligence education - from leadership awareness and resource allocation to strategic planning---to ensure they "win before they fight," thereby increasing the likelihood of successful transformation. Principal He proposed the concept of the "School Brain," stressing that data-driven approaches can transform schools into intelligent entities, enabling students, teachers, and administrators to use, share, and analyze data in real time. Principal Han shared the artificial intelligence education model developed by the Nanshan Education Bureau. He explained how schools are breaking down educational barriers, moving beyond single learning scenarios, and transcending the limitations of traditional classrooms by collaborating with enterprises and universities to create smart learning spaces that foster active inquiry among students.

As one of the highlights of the forum, Dr Lu Jiafang moderated a roundtable discussion with international and local education experts, including Ms. Li Dan, Founder of Blaze Robotics Academy; Mr Stephen Whiffin, Assistant Superintendent, Coquitlam School District, Canada; Mr. Oliver Stefan Sauer, CEO of the German F+U Education Group; Mr. Kam Wai Ming, Principal of HKSKH Bishop Hall Secondary School, Mr. Cheong Chit, Principal of Ilha Verde Middle School of Macao Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Shi Yiqi, Vice Dean of Shenzhen Nanshan Institute of Education Sciences. The panelists collectively outline a "Vision for future-ready inclusive schools" and discuss how to work toward realizing this vision from the perspectives of school leaders and education officials. Through the "Global Bay Area" platform, participants shared diverse approaches and practical methods for addressing future educational challenges.

In the afternoon, the attendants visited high-tech companies in Nanshan District to conduct on-site tours and exchanges, gaining an in-depth understanding of the application of artificial intelligence in the field of education. This visit provided new insights into the future integrated development of education and technology across regions.

The APCLC will continue to promote cross-sector collaboration and professional development, working hand in hand with schools and industries towards a new milestone in the era of artificial intelligence in education.

Contributed by Dr Janice Tang

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Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC) | The Education University of Hong Kong