Exploring the Future of Communication in the AI Era — The 18th Conference at Fo Guang University Sparks Dialogue on Innovation and Sustainability
Today (May 22), the Department of Communication at Fo Guang University held the 18th Conference on Communication and Development under the theme “Communication Innovation and Sustainable Practice in the AI Era” at the International Conference Hall, Room 301 of Yunqi Building. The conference featured opening remarks by President Chao Han-Chieh of Fo Guang University, Chancellor Yang Chao-Hsiang of the Fo Guang Shan University System, and Honorary Professor Chao Yi of the Department of Communication. Scholars and experts from universities across Taiwan gathered to address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid AI development in the field of communication. The event included keynote speeches, academic forums, and paper presentations to foster academic interaction and exchange of practical insights.
President Chao emphasized, “As we enter the AI era, communication and innovation must leverage AI technologies to advance innovation and sustainable practices. However, we must also remain vigilant about the risks of misinformation generated by AI.” Chancellor Yang noted that the 18th annual conference of the Department of Communication marks not only a milestone of perseverance and enlightenment but also holds profound significance. He emphasized that in the AI era, higher education should promote three key aspects: cultivating AI professionals, encouraging cross-disciplinary applications, and enhancing AI literacy across society. He expressed hope that this conference would inspire new possibilities for innovation and practical implementation.
Honorary Professor Chao Yi approached the topic from an intergenerational perspective, highlighting the importance of AI and affirming Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s insightful vision for sustainable education.
The keynote speech was delivered by Professor and Director Chen Chih-Ming of the Graduate Institute of Library, Information and Archival Studies at National Chengchi University, who also serves as Director of the Chinese Culture Metaverse Research Center. His presentation, titled “AI, Cultural Communication, and Teaching Innovation”, delved into the multifaceted roles of information technology in cultural preservation, dissemination, and application. He highlighted innovative practices in digital curation within the metaverse for religious and cultural education, while also reflecting on the ethical concerns and challenges that arise from technology’s involvement in cultural communication and pedagogy.
The academic forum, hosted by President Lee Tien-Jen of Huafan University, centered on “AI, Cultural Communication, and Teaching Innovation”. Panelists included Honorary Professor Chao Yi (Fo Guang University), Dean Kuo Wen-Ping (College of Communication, Chinese Culture University), Director Huang Chao-Hsi (Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Ilan University), and Associate Professor Hsu Ming-Chu (Fo Guang University). The discussants offered diverse perspectives from their respective fields, engaging in a rich dialogue about the applications, challenges, and future development of AI in cultural communication and educational practice.
A highlight of the event was the appearance of an AI-generated virtual news anchor created by Associate Professor Hsu Ming-Chu, who greeted and thanked all attending guests, scholars, and students. Professor Hsu also introduced her ongoing project “AI Application and Rolling Narrative: A Vision for Immersive Teaching”, showcasing innovative pedagogical approaches that open new horizons for AI-based education.
The afternoon sessions featured poster presentations and four thematic paper panels, covering topics such as Social Media and Journalism, Environmental Sustainability and AI Communication, Brand Marketing and AI Applications, and Educational Innovation and AI Talent Development. Graduate students from various institutions presented empirical and theoretical research on the use of AI in social platforms, sustainability, education, and content creation, demonstrating the extensive and evolving role of AI within the communication field.
The conference successfully launched a forward-looking dialogue on the integration of AI and communication, reaffirming Fo Guang University’s academic mission and proactive engagement in innovation and sustainable practices in communication.
Conference organizer and Chief Secretary of Fo Guang University, Professor Hsu Ming-Chu, emphasized that future AI education should uphold a “human-centered” approach, promoting the accessibility of AI knowledge and applications. She stressed the importance of ethical education and AI literacy to ensure a balanced advancement between technological progress and social responsibility. Fo Guang University will continue to host academic events that promote interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange, driving diverse development and innovation within the communication field.
