Titled “Excellence in Journalism and Communication Education: Showcasing Works and Sharing Best Practices Across Greater China and Beyond”, the forum addressed the challenges and opportunities brought by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and new media. Panelists emphasised that, despite the rapid growth of social media, citizen journalism and AI-generated information, the role of traditional journalism in verifying and providing reliable information remained vital. They highlighted the importance of teaching students the commitment to truth and accuracy and equipping them with critical thinking and storytelling skills.

The scholars called for a curriculum overhaul noting that equipping students with traditional skills would no longer be adequate. They recommended incorporating AI into current modules, introducing specialised technology courses and organising thematic workshops or seminars. As traditional media outlets like newspapers, television and radio no longer served as main career options for graduates, scholars emphasised the importance of reassessing core courses and increasing the variety of internship opportunities to better prepare students for demands in emerging markets.

Academic assessment was another focus of the discussions. The experts emphasised the need to modernise assessment methods, taking into account students’ growing use of AI tools and ensuring educators could effectively evaluate students’ abilities including understanding academic literature, critical thinking and independent reasoning.

Participants also emphasised the need to assist educators—many of whom were trained for traditional media operations—in adapting to technological changes. They also advocated for active recruitment of scholars with interdisciplinary expertise and practical understanding of local media industries to introduce fresh perspectives and up-to-date knowledge to the classroom.