The School of Communication at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) successfully held the “Al Creativity, Ethics, and Interdisciplinarity: A Symposium on Empowering Arts and Culture Communication through Generative AI” on 2–3 October 2026. Scholars and industry experts from Finland, the United States, Mainland China, and Hong Kong gathered in Hong Kong to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the arts and cultural communication sector in the age of artificial intelligence. The symposium was conducted in a hybrid format (both online and offline), with participation exceeding 200 attendees.
Prof. Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication, remarked that the symposium focused on how artificial intelligence can empower arts and cultural communication. This initiative aligns with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s goal of accelerating the development of Hong Kong as a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. It also reflects the School’s vision of advancing teaching and research in arts and cultural communication. Prof. Tso affirmed that the School of Communication will continue its mission by engaging with experts and scholars to contribute to future development in this field.
In his opening remarks, Prof. David Tse, Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) of HSUHK, stated, “In this era of transformation, generative artificial intelligence has become a powerful and ubiquitous force, reshaping how humanity creates, understands, and transmits culture.” He emphasised that while technology breaks down barriers and creates new possibilities, significant challenges that must be addressed also emerge. He further noted, “The ethical and creative application of artificial intelligence is not a hindrance to progress but a fundamental basis for advancing further.”
Prof. Andrés Lucero, Associate Professor of Interaction Design at the Department of Art and Media, Aalto University, highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a collaborative partner in the creative process, rather than a mere substitute. He explained that the synergy between humans and AI can inspire greater possibilities in design and artistic practices.
Prof. CHEN Changfeng, Dean of the School of International Communication at Jinan University and Professor at Tsinghua University, noted that generative AI is transforming creativity into a new form of intelligent infrastructure, fundamentally reshaping the models of artistic creation and cultural communication.
The symposium provided a comprehensive examination of the unprecedented opportunities generative AI brings to arts, culture, and communication, while also addressing significant challenges in areas such as creative ethics, copyright ownership, educational transformations, and cultural governance. The discussion underscored the necessity for continuous dialogue and collaboration among academia, industry, and research sectors.
The event also served as a platform for interdisciplinary and cross-regional exchange, with participants from institutions such as:
- Institute of Arts Research, Communication University of China,
- Journalism School, Fudan University,
- School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University,
- School of Communication, Shenzhen University,
- School of Journalism and Communication, Guangzhou University,
- School of Visual Arts and Design, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts,
- College of Art & Design, Nanjing Forestry University,
- Department of Communications, California State University, Fullerton,
- Department of Cultural and Religious Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
- Department of Communication, Donghua University,
- Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Department of Arts Management,
- Department of Sociology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
Prominent industry leaders also participated in the discussions, including:
- Dr. Louis Ng, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum,
- Ms. Heidi Lee Yik-shuen, Executive Director, Hong Kong Ballet,
- Dr Wang Shengyu, Associate Curator, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong,
- Mr. Andy Ng, Director, Kinliu.HK,
- Mr. Colby Ho, Director, VX Real Limited, HK,
- Ms. Nie Jing, Vice President, Yu Guang Tong Chen (GBA) Culture &Tech Co., Ltd.,
- Mr. Tai Hing Shing, Hong Kong veteran media professional, Current affairs commentator.
Their contributions made the various sessions and exchanges highly insightful and impactful for participants attending from different regions and disciplines.
Prof. David Tse, Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) delivered the Opening Remarks
Prof. Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication, shared the Welcome Remarks
Prof. Andrés Lucero, Associate Professor of Interaction Design at the Department of Art and Media, Aalto University, delivered the Keynote speech.
Prof. CHEN Changfeng, Dean of the School of International Communication at Jinan University and Professor at Tsinghua University, delivered the Keynote speech.
Group Photos
Section One: Invited moderator & discussant and speakers
Section Two: Invited moderator & discussant and speakers
Section Three: Invited moderator & discussant and speakers
Section Four: Invited moderator & discussant and speakers
Symposium Discussion
