On April 26-27, Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) opened its doors to nearly 200 principals and teachers from 78 high schools across China for the 2025 Forum for Key High School Headmasters. Together, they explored innovative talent cultivation in the era of artificial intelligence.

During the two-day event, the attendees experienced GTIIT’s innovation-centered educational model through cross-educational dialogues, immersive campus tours, and AI training workshops, to delve into strategies for seamless talent development between universities and secondary schools, expanding opportunities for collaborative education.

Cultivating Innovation, Nurturing Excellence

In his opening remarks, Prof. Eli Aljadeff, the incoming Acting Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, extended a heartfelt welcome to the guests and provided an overview of GTIIT’s development and educational philosophy. Drawing from his seven years of experience visiting high schools and engaging with thousands of students and parents, he noted some students may think it’s time to rest after the Gaokao, while at GTIIT, the real challenge begins upon enrollment – and students need to love science and technology, enjoy logical thinking, and be ready for intensive learning. “Try to solve a problem that you don’t know the answer. This is the idea of ‘research’ and ‘innovation’, and what we are trying to teach our students.”

In a keynote speech, Prof. Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, emphasized the university’s focus on nurturing innovative talents in science and engineering—a mission deeply aligned with the call for innovation-driven development and advancing new quality productive forces. From modest entry scores to diverse, high-impact research outputs and exceptional postgraduate progression, he detailed how GTIIT students thrive through global resources, showcasing the institution’s unique educational approach: "question-driven + research-oriented + innovation-embedded". His insights sparked resonance among educators present.

AI in Education: Leading Minds Shared Insights

The forum also invited top experts from higher education and K-12 sectors to share insights. Through keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, they delivered actionable strategies for the deep integration of "AI + Education".

Chen Mingwei, Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of the Advanced Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), shared insights into humanity's journey in AI exploration. He emphasized that large-scale AI models like DeepSeek are no longer mere tools—they now possess perception and creativity, actively reshaping the landscape of education and scientific research. Calling on educators to face this transformation with openness and inclusivity, he remarked: "When a new era arrives, if you are unable to change it, embrace it with full passion."

Zheng Zijie, a Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence teacher at Beijing National DaySchool, highlighted how AI is driving transformative changes in primary and secondary education. From introducing AI-focused curricula for students to leveraging AI for precision teaching, the school is comprehensively integrating AI to enhance education—ensuring technology serves the fundamental goal of nurturing talent. He also expressed strong appreciation for GTIIT’s talent development model, hoping more people get to know it. He mentioned the university helps Chinese students access world-class educational resources right at home, broadening their horizons for personal growth.

Mentors and Learners on GTIIT Campus

"Creativity and execution are the paramount metrics for future talent," stated Prof. Xu Peng from the Chemical Engineering program at GTIIT. He emphasized that as AI increasingly takes over repetitive and mechanical tasks, GTIIT's curriculum deeply integrates AI with hands-on training, focusing on students' innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. This approach, he noted, will equip students with a more robust competitive edge in the future.

During the student sharing session, Zeng Xianle, a Class of 2021 Mechanical Engineering and Robotics student, recounted his growth at GTIIT. Drawn by the university’s "question-encouraging" teaching philosophy during an open day, he firmly chose this institution in his hometown. As an undergraduate, leveraging GTIIT’s "foundation-focused, practice-driven" curriculum, he engaged in multiple research projects, published an academic paper, and achieved the highest GPA in his department—marking a pivotal leap in his research career.

Fruition in Education, Vision for Tomorrow

During breaks, attendees immersed themselves in a campus tour—from advanced labs to newly built education building, then strolled along tree-lined pathways, experiencing the charm of this "garden of innovation."

campus tour

The event also featured a special "AI-Empowered Teaching & Subject Application Training Camp," where Prof. Mu Su, Deputy Director of AI in Education Research Institute at the South China Normal University, provided hands-on training for educators to drive deeper educational innovation.

At the seminar, guests engaged in discussions on topics such as the integration of large language models in education, AI-powered college entrance exam preparation, and holistic student development, offering insights into cohesive talent cultivation between secondary and higher education. Principals from multiple high schools praised their visit to GTIIT as "refreshing and immensely rewarding," stating, "We truly wish to come again!" One teacher said GTIIT’s cutting-edge educational philosophy "has captured the pulse of our times," expressing eagerness to deepen collaboration with the university to establish a seamless pathway for nurturing innovative talent.

This forum represents a profound convergence of ideas between basic education and higher education, as well as a shared vision for innovation-oriented talent development. Moving forward, GTIIT will collaborate with more secondary schools to jointly advance high-quality education and embrace the revitalization of education in the AI era.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs