SJC Alumni Reconnect at AI Seminar to Shape Future of Global Communication

Written by Wu Wenjing, Li Shaorong

Photography by Wang Qi'ao, Tang Jiaman

Translated by Guo Yishun

On December 6, 2024, alumni from the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) returned to their alma mater for an engaging seminar on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and international communication. The event, held in celebration of SISU’s 75th anniversary, drew over 40 alumni and industry experts from around the world.

The AI and Innovation in International Communication Practice Forum, hosted at SISU’s Hongkou Campus, in exploring how AI is transforming global communication practices, focused on the rapidly changing landscape of international communication in the AI era and how to cultivate a new generation of communicators who can tell China’s story more effectively on the world stage.

Vice President Yi Yonggang opened the forum with a warm welcome to the alumni, acknowledging their significant role in the university’s continued success. He emphasized that alumni are SISU’s most valuable asset and urged everyone to seize the opportunity to integrate AI with international communication, driving new models of productivity and quality development in global dialogue.

Dean Wu Ying also spoke during the opening, noting that the forum was more than just an academic exchange—it was an opportunity for alumni to reflect on how SISU has shaped their careers and consider the future of international journalism and communication. She described the event as a convergence of technology and tradition, expressing her anticipation for the insights the alumni and experts would share on AI’s impact on communication practices.

Party Secretary Fan Juan remarked that the rapid development of artificial intelligence has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to international communication. She expressed hope that today’s gathering of experts and alumni would harness their collective wisdom and efforts to explore new pathways for international communication empowered by AI.

For the alumni in attendance, the forum was a chance to reconnect with former classmates and engage with a wider network of industry experts. Among the heated discussions hosted by Vice Dean Yan Yining and Zhang Wenyuan, several speakers highlighted the pressing need for international communicators to adapt to AI-driven changes.

Qian Jin, Associate Research Professor at SJC, addressed the challenges of training future talent for a world increasingly shaped by generative AI. He stressed the importance of aligning talent development with national needs and integrating AI tools into foreign language education to enhance communication effectiveness.

Pan Xu, Deputy General Manager of Xinhua News Agency’s Shanghai Branch, talked about how AI can revolutionize the media industry but also the need to maintain integrity and critical thinking. He urged a deeper understanding of regional contexts to ensure precise and effective international communication.

Liu Yong, CEO of Shanghai Xingjingyuan Sports Group, explored AI’s potential in sports communication. He pointed out how AI could boost fan engagement during global events like the Olympics but warned about the ethical implications, particularly concerning data privacy and fairness in algorithms.

Zhou Xiang, Project Director at the New Media Development Research Center of Shanghai United Media Group, shared his view on the evolving role of AI in news production, highlighting the limitations and nuances of AI’s current abilities, calling for a more balanced approach to its development.

Cai Danfeng, Founding Partner of Confitop Capital, discussed how talent competitiveness is shifting in the AI era. She encouraged alumni to embrace ongoing learning, broaden their skill sets, and be proactive in adapting to the new AI-driven landscape.

Li Zheng, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at AtoM Creative, used case studies to illustrate how AI is reshaping the advertising industry, but also emphasized that human creativity remains essential for maintaining the industry’s edge.

Bo Yajun, Product Director at Shanghai ABLE DIGITAL SCIENCE&TECH Co., provided insights into how AI is driving educational reforms, with a focus on AI-enabled course structures and tools to support curriculum development.

Li Tingyun, Chairman and CEO of C-ADIC, a Shanghai company offering advertising and software services, focused on AI-driven communication and creative innovation. He explored the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence through five aspects, represented by “EDCBA.” Drawing on breakthroughs in algorithms and unique models, he discussed how innovations are driving creative breakthroughs in marketing and other fields.

At the conclusion of the event, Liu Yong and Cai Danfeng were elected Vice Presidents of the SJC Alumni Association, with Secretary-General Wang Huihua presenting their appointment certificates. This moment symbolized not only their personal achievements but also the continued strength and influence of SISU’s alumni network.