Global AI leaders gather at HKBU to share insights on AI & Large Language Models
HKBU-NVIDIA Joint AI Laboratory International Symposium on Frontiers of AI & Large Language Models concludes with great success on 6 March 2026
Nearly 400 enthusiastic students, faculty, industry leaders, and innovators gathered at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) on 6 March 2026 for a landmark International Symposium on the “Frontiers of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).” Hosted by the Department of Computer Science and in partnership with the Research Office, this Symposium was one of the academic events of HKBU’s 70th Anniversary celebrations. It sparked inspiring discussions on cutting-edge breakthroughs, ethical imperatives, and the future trajectory of AI and LLMs.
Advancing Innovation Through Global Collaboration
“HKBU has a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. This Symposium further reflects our commitment by bringing together leading minds whose work is reshaping our world," said Professor Aiping Lyu, Vice-President (Research and Development) at HKBU, in his welcoming remarks.
Professor Lyu further emphasised HKBU’s partnership with NVIDIA through the HKBU-NVIDIA Joint AI Laboratory, which continues to drive pioneering ideas and unlock transformative advancements for society.
Inspiring Keynotes from World-Class Experts
Five distinguished keynote speakers delivered visionary presentations:
- Professor Marc Hamilton, Vice President of Solutions Architecture and Engineering at NVIDIA, highlighted the importance of open models in driving innovation and accessibility in AI research.
- Dr. Zhengping Qian, Head of CTO Office at Alibaba Cloud, Alibaba Group, shared insights from building and deploying large-scale foundation models such as Qwen and Wan, emphasising both technical and organisational challenges.
- Professor Wenfei Fan, Chair Professor of Web Data Management at the University of Edinburgh, introduced a broader perspective on AI, advocating for multi-paradigm AI approaches beyond the current LLM focus.
- Professor Dinggang Shen, Founding Dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering at ShanghaiTech University, explored AI’s integration into clinical workflows to enhance healthcare outcomes.
- Professor Martin Wong, Provost and Chair Professor of Computer Science at HKBU, showcased the university’s bold initiatives in advancing AI research, education, and talent development.
Engaging Panel Discussion
The keynote sessions were followed by a lively panel discussion, moderated by Professor C. Mohan, Distinguished Professor of Science at HKBU and a globally renowned expert in databases, blockchain, and AI.
Panellists included Professor Marc Hamilton, Dr. Zhengping Qian, Professor Dinggang Shen, and Professor Martin Wong. Their discussions touched on ethics, scalability, and the next big breakthroughs in AI, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The session featured active and insightful Q&A from the enthusiastic audience, with participants engaging directly with the panellists on practical implementation, ethical dilemmas, and AI’s future societal impact.
A Vision for the Future
In closing the Symposium, Professor Michael Ng, Dean of the Faculty of Science, remarked, “This was far more than a series of talks. It was a celebration of innovation, a powerful convergence of global expertise, and an inspiring glimpse into AI’s boundless possibilities.”
Established in 2022, the HKBU-NVIDIA Joint AI Laboratory is dedicated to bridging disciplines, connecting academia with industry, translating theory into real-world applications, and boldly pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve for humanity.
This article was originally published by the Department of Computer Science.
