On June 16th, the "Encountering AI in Paris" campus open day organized by SPEIT, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, proceeded as scheduled. The event welcomed numerous parents and students for exchanges and consultations. Nearly 10,000 participants joined both online and offline, with online live views reaching 20,000.
In the afternoon of the 16th, the institute held a fascinating AI-themed session at the Sino-French Experimental Building, simultaneously conducted both offline and online.
Mr. Toumazet, the French dean, delivered the opening speech, extending a warm welcome to the attendees. Professor Chen Cailian, the institute's Party Secretary, combined her own research to eloquently introduce French engineering education models, mathematical research in France, current trends in artificial intelligence development, and detailed the institute's unique talent development model.
The event also featured a special presentation titled "Trends in Artificial Intelligence Development and Contemporary Youth" by Dr. Duan Qi, CTO of SenseTime Healthcare and alumnus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He provided a professional perspective on current AI development trends and emphasized the importance of mathematical foundations as the underlying logic of AI.
Three outstanding alumni representatives from the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024—Yu Haobo, Wang Pengyu, and Hu Yongyi—were also present. They currently work at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, Tesla, and AI unicorn company Minimax, respectively. They shared insights on AI and industry development, along with their learning experiences at the institute. They mentioned, 'Education should not just fill a vessel, but light a fire.' They unanimously agreed that the institute's 6.5-year Sino-French engineering program helped them establish a solid mathematical foundation, provided them with a broad international perspective, and enhanced their excellent critical thinking skills, continuously fueling their career development.
During the interactive session, students discussed topics such as the integration of engineering and AI development, the value of foreign language learning in the era of AI, and more with the guests. Dr. Duan Qi emphasized that AI is an inevitable trend for future development, serving as both the object of research and a powerful tool for empowering various industries. He encouraged students not to neglect language learning despite the emergence of AI tools, as language serves as a carrier of culture, which is essential for the nourishment of AI development.
In the morning of the 16th, the institute set up consultation booths at the Sports Center. The sports center was bustling with activity as parents and students flocked to the institute's consultation booths. Many teachers and student volunteers arrived early to provide consultations and answers to inquiries about the institute's educational mechanisms, faculty lineup, academic directions, employment prospects, and more.
Previously, SPEIT held city promotion events in Hangzhou and Ningbo, and conducted promotional activities at high schools in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hubei, Guangdong, and other provinces, all of which were warmly welcomed. Recently, the institute organized faculty and students to visit multiple high schools in the Shanghai area for promotional purposes.
The "Encountering AI in Paris" campus open day provided a platform for students and parents to understand the institute and engage in learning exchanges. We welcome applications to SPEIT and eagerly look forward to welcoming more outstanding students in September, as we strive for excellence together!"
