In a highly digitized environment, how can we maintain humanistic care

and ethical responsibility? This forum focuses on the cultivation of art and

design talents in the era of AI, discussing how education can guide

students to recognize their self-worth at the intersection of technology and

art, embrace the mission of innovation, and foster an educational

environment that integrates technology and art, innovation and a sense of

responsibility, thereby nurturing talents who will shape the future.

Professor Christoph Lindner, drawing on pedagogical cases from the Royal

College of Art, elucidated how to integrate critical thinking with nature and

traditional crafts in the AI era to explore pathways for sustainable design

and innovation. "Critical thinking is the process of in - depth analysis and

evaluation of matters — not intended to prompt the rejection of AI, but

rather to highlight, with AI's assistance, the importance of innovation... We

envision these as future learning approaches, in which academia explores

new methods to provide students with more innovative educational

environments, thereby unlocking AI's broader potential for innovation."

In his talk, Professor Ma Sai emphasized that the identity and mission of

designers lie in their ability to address complex social issues through

innovative and technological means from interdisciplinary and

cross-cultural perspectives, thereby promoting the shared development of

humanity. He underscored the importance of cultivating future talents

equipped with research capabilities, collaborative skills, and leadership.

“We aim to educate students through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural

approaches—not only to break down traditional disciplinary boundaries

more effectively, but also to raise their awareness of real-world problems

and expand their global perspectives. Essentially, these interdisciplinary

and cross-cultural projects are designed to foster students’capacity for

lifelong learning."

Professor Lorenzo Imbesi’s keynote address drew upon his extensive

academic exchanges between China and Italy, as well as his experience in

cross-disciplinary and international collaboration as President of CUMULUS

(International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and

Media). He highlighted how design education serves as a bridge

connecting diverse cultures, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation,

with the ultimate goals of sustainable development and global well-being,

thereby cultivating future-oriented design talents.

"As designers, we have an innovative spirit, capable of integrating design

into human interactions, thereby creating a more open environment for

knowledge sharing... Knowledge is fluid, transcending boundaries—it

interconnects and holds profound value for all."

Professor Rathna Ramanathan emphasized that design education must

transcend disciplinary boundaries, fusing art, technology, and

responsibility. She advocated for cultivating students' interdisciplinary

adaptability and creativity, encouraging them to become lifelong learners

capable of tackling global challenges and reshaping the future of society.

"In an era of profound technological and cultural transformation, design

reveals itself as more than mere craftsmanship, but a fundamental way of

comprehending and engaging with the world. By integrating art,

technology, and a sense of responsibility, it equips students to deal with

future global challenges."