Sungkyunkwan University discusses AI innovation at international academic conference

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) discussed the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), humanity and innovation across culture, health and education at a recent international academic gathering.

An SKKU official said Wednesday that the college hosted the 2025 Global Colloquium at the Cho Byung Doo International Hall in the 600th Anniversary Building, July 24. The event was part of the school’s international summer semester program, bringing together 200 participants, including faculty, graduate students and external experts.

“The academic gathering served as a platform for global exchange on the challenges and possibilities AI presents to the humanities and social sciences,” the official said in a press release.

“The 2025 Global Colloquium underscored our commitment to fostering global dialogue on how AI can enrich human-centered progress.”

The event started with SKKU Vice President for International Affairs Cho Min-hyo’s welcome remarks, followed by opening speeches from President Yoo Ji-beom and Deputy Minister of Education Kim Young-gon.

Harvard University Undergraduate Education Dean Amanda Claybaugh delivered the keynote address. She explored both the opportunities and challenges of incorporating AI into university curricula during her presentation, titled “Navigating AI Integration in Undergraduate Education.”

The event’s first session featured Harvard University professor Martin Puchner discussing “How to Talk to AI,” a philosophical and literary exploration of human-machine dialogue. SKKU professor Lee Ji-eun and Kyungpook National University professor Kim Hee-jin also provided thought-provoking commentaries on the subject.

The second session was led by University of Toronto professor Javed Mostafa, who addressed “AI and Wellbeing,” analyzing the dual aspects of AI’s influence on human health, including its transformative benefits and ethical risks. Discussants included SKKU professor Cha Won-cheol and Kyung Wee University professor Kim Sang-rae.

In the third session, Columbia University professor Dennis Yi Tenen offered a critical look at the cultural and linguistic implications of AI-powered translation tools in his presentation, “Translation Machines.” SKKU professor Kim Na-yeon and KAIST professor Jung Seo-hyun also contributed their perspectives on communication in a multilingual digital world.

The final session concluded with New York University professor Safinah Ali speaking on “Creative AI.” She highlighted how AI is reshaping human creativity in education and the arts. SKKU professor duo Jung Il-hwan and Hong Ju-hwa also offered their reflections on future creative collaboration between humans and machines.