FLASS leaders take deep dive in data science in Singapore’s QS summit

A delegation of 15 EdUHK staff, including the Dean of FLASS, Professor Li Wai-keung, and other senior faculty members, participated in the EduData Summit 2025 on 4 and 5 June. Organised by EdUHK in strategic partnership with QS, the summit took place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. The delegation was headed by President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin and Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development).

In addition to the Dean, senior academic staff from FLASS in the delegation included Professor Stephen Chiu Wing-kai, Associate Dean (International Engagement), Dr Chan Man-ho, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies & Student Learning), and Professor Philip Yu Leung-ho, Associate Director of the University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.    

The summit, themed “Connecting EduData: Aligning Data Science, Skills and Innovation”, brought together over 400 educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from across the globe. The event explored the transformative potential of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The University participated in three key sessions, underscoring its leadership in harnessing data-driven approaches to reimagine education.  

One of the featured sessions, titled “Leading with Data: Shaping University Strategy for a Changing World”, focused on how universities can utilise integrated data ecosystems to inform strategic decision-making across academic, operational, and financial domains. The session was moderated by Vice President Professor Chetwyn Chan, with Professor Li serving as a panelist.

“The scientific and systematic use of data has become central to today’s higher education sector, especially as AI develops at an unprecedented pace. Data helps assess students’ performance, identify those who require additional teaching support and early intervention, improve curriculum and instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of academic programmes and initiatives for continuous improvement. It also enables a deeper understanding of an institution’s strengths and weaknesses academically and operationally,” Professor Li shared during the discussion. He also gave a brief account on recent efforts by EdUHK in identifying at-risk students using data analytics.

Reflecting on the summit’s success, President Professor Lee remarked in his keynote speech preceding the panel session: “This summit demonstrates our commitment to leveraging data science and AI to inspire inclusive learning ecosystems and unlock the potential of every learner. By fostering collaboration and dialogue across international and sectoral boundaries, we aim to create a future where education is more innovative, accessible and impactful.”

The EduData Summit 2025 served as a global platform for intellectual exchange, offering valuable insights into how data-driven solutions can address the challenges of modern education. In partnership with QS, EdUHK reaffirmed its leadership in advancing educational innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of learning.

In addition to hosting sessions, EdUHK academic staff engaged with summit participants, including researchers and industry professionals, to foster exchanges and collaborations. The delegation also visited major universities in Singapore to strengthen connections, explore academic partnerships and share best practices in education and innovation.