Highlights from the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration Conference in Zhuhai, China [11 – 16 Nov 2025]

An Inspiring Gathering in Zhuhai
Over five transformative days at Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai (BNU), the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration Conference brought together academics, educators, researchers, teacher trainers, and innovators from 30+ Asian and European countries. Participants explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and intercultural dialogue are reshaping the future of teaching and learning.

A Space for Shared Learning and Collective Imagination
From thought-provoking keynotes to hands-on interactive workshops and peer-driven research collaboration, the conference created a dynamic platform for shared learning, critical reflection, and collective imagination about the future of education.

Opening Messages: Setting the Vision
In their opening remarks and keynote addresses, Mr Zhang Lei, Deputy Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), Prof Yuhong Du, Director of the College of Education for the Future at BNU, and Prof Rupert Wegerif, Director of the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, set the scene with three powerful messages:

1. “We stand at a pivotal moment. AI is transforming how knowledge is created, accessed, and assessed—yet the key question is not what AI can do for education, but how we can design AI that is effective, inclusive, and ethical—by and for educators.” – Mr Zhang Lei

2. “Education, at its core, is about humanity. Technology can change how we learn, but not why we learn.” – Prof Du

3. “We are invited to rethink education, to not only strive for education through dialogue, but to build education in dialogue.” – Prof Wegerif

Deepening Intercultural Collaboration
Led by Prof Wayne Holmes (UCL), Prof Li Yuan (BNU), and Ms Jyoti Rahaman (Project Lead – Education Innovation, ASEF), Fellows participated in workshops on teamwork, communication, and collaborative writing. These sessions strengthened their ability to work across cultures, perspectives, and disciplinary boundaries.

Strengthening the Joint AI & Education Publication
Across multiple peer-review sessions, twelve intercultural teams advanced their book chapters for the upcoming publication, Effective, Inclusive & Ethical AI in Education Design. The collaborative writing process reinforced the value of intercultural scholarship and collective knowledge-building.

International AIED Symposium – Connecting Research and Practice
On the closing day, the conference included an International AIED Symposium. It showcased cutting-edge research on AI-driven learning design, cognitive offloading, adaptive learning environments, and teacher agency. The programme highlighted the importance of grounding innovation in evidence-based practice.

Learning from Local Innovation
The conference concluded with a visit to the 7th China Education Innovation Expo, where Fellows explored emerging EdTech solutions and innovative school models from across China—bringing global perspectives into direct dialogue with local educational innovation.

A Journey Forward
As the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration Conference comes to a close, participants carry forward a renewed commitment to building inclusive, ethical, and innovative education ecosystems across Asia and Europe. Their continued collaboration will strengthen the Asia-Europe education community and support future-oriented teaching and learning.

Visit our website to learn more about the project: here!