Responding to National Vocational Education Reform, Promoting Industry-Education Integration

On March 21, 2025, Faculty of Data Science of CityU, International Training and Testing Center of CityU, and the Zhuhai Occupation Training Guidance Service Center, in collaboration with DIRECHBLUE., jointly hosted the "Smart Future: AI Industry Interactive Forum" at the Taipa campus of City University of Macau. This event aimed to bridge education and industry through university-enterprise cooperation, fostering AI composite talents that meet societal demands.

Professor Zhou Wanlei, vice rector of CityU and dean of the FDS, noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming societal and industrial structures, offering unprecedented development opportunities for students. City University of Macau is committed to cultivating digital talents with composite skills through close collaboration with the industry, helping students deeply understand AI technology trends and job market demands. Professor Zhou encouraged students to adapt to the digital era and become innovators leading the digital age.

Mr. Ung Choi Kun, Vice Chairman of the University Council, emphasized that AI is the core driving force of the digital era. The university's "Degree + National Skill Certificate" model aims to nurture talents with diverse abilities. He encouraged students to apply theoretical knowledge practically, contributing to Macau's diversified economic development and continuously exploring and innovating in the AI field.

Ms. Meng Li XIE, represents the Zhuhai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau & Zhuhai Occupation Training Guidance Service Center praised City University of Macau as a key educational hub in the Greater Bay Area, committed to cultivating talents with international perspectives. She highlighted that these students will play a vital role in supporting the digital development of the Greater Bay Area. Ms. Xie encouraged students to seize the historic opportunities presented by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to make breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, and to build successful and distinguished careers.

Expert Lecture: AI Industry Trends and Career Planning

The lecture was divided into two parts: an expert lecture and a roundtable forum. In the expert lecture, the Chief Architect of Inspur Cloud Information Technology Co.,Ltd , discussed AI industry trends and career planning. He highlighted the nation's emphasis on AI as a strategic technology for driving technological revolution and industrial upgrading. Detailed the innovative applications brought by the open-source strategy of the DeepSeek large model and reminded participants of potential security risks associated with AI technology, urging them to take effective measures to address these challenges.

Roundtable Forum: Expert Insights and Practical Sharing

The roundtable forum was moderated by Professor Tianqing Zhu, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Data Science at City University of Macau. Experts from Macau, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen were invited to discuss how AI is impacting corporate talent structures and team management, as well as how students can address employment challenges in the AI era. They agreed that AI not only significantly enhances work efficiency but also drives a shift in talent demand-from specialized professional skills to comprehensive abilities and proficiency in applying AI tools. Therefore, fostering students’ enthusiasm for interest-driven learning, enhancing critical thinking, and mastering practical AI skills are crucial for their success in future workplaces.

This lecture marked an innovative attempt at industry-education integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. It also highlighted City University of Macau's "Degree + National Skill Certificate" model, which aims to cultivate high-quality talents for the AI industry in the Greater Bay Area, facilitating deeper integration and mutual prosperity between Macau and the Greater Bay Area.