Exploring AI development in learning: Highlights from annual China Alumni Conference

Text: Jennifer Su

For alumna Du Yucong, attending her first alumni conference in her hometown, Chongqing, was an eye-opening experience. Not only did she meet alumni from various provinces in China, but she also had the opportunity to interact with alumni representatives from overseas, including Turkey and India.

The annual NTU China Alumni Conference, held on 20 September 2025, focused on emerging trends in human learning and AI development.

The Secretary General of NTU Alumni Association (Chongqing) said, " The highlight was the cross-regional and cross-disciplinary exchange. I met an alumnus in Turkey who offered support for fellow alumni planning to expand to Europe. Even if we are working in different industries, our alumni network made these connections possible."

Du Yucong (far right) with Prof Boh Wai Fong (2nd from right), NTU Alumni Association (Fujian) Secretary General Zhang Shini (2nd from left) and student volunteer at the Conference. 

Here are the highlights from the event:

The conference opened with a welcome address by NTU Provost, Prof Christian Wolfrum, who joined NTU in July and attended the alumni event in China for the first time.

Alumnus Dr Tao Ji (EEE/2011), Chief Intelligent Driving Technology Officer and General Manager of the Artificial Intelligence Department at China Changan Automobile, advised interested alumni to read A Brief History of Intelligence, which offers a fascinating perspective on the evolution of both natural and artificial intelligence. His advice: “Always stay curious, stay creative, and keep thinking deeply. Let AI be not a replacement for human effort, but a partner that helps us create a better and more meaningful life.”

The Panel Discussion was moderated by Prof Boh Wai Fong, NTU Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement (far left), focusing on the crucial role of humans in learning and development in the age of AI. From left: Dr Tao Ji, Prof Louis Phee, NTU Vice President (Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Dr Cao Ziwei (Lien Fellow /2018), Party Secretary, Board of Director and CEO of Xiaomi Consumer Finance, and Prof Wen Yonggang, Associate Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean, Graduate College.

The conference concluded with a reunion dinner attended by NTU leadership and alumni leaders. The event received support from the Singapore Global Network, NTU Alumni Associations in Chongqing and Guizhou, and other partners.

Gnanavelu Arulmurugan (right), an alumnus from India, presented a painting to NTU President, Prof Ho Teck Hua.  

Alumni leaders from different Alumni Associations went on stage to sing, marking a heartwarming ending to the dinner.