Cambridge, MA – May 24, 2025

In a timely and thought-provoking event titled “East–West Dialogue: Reimagining Global Communication Education in the Age of AI,” two world-renowned scholars—Professor Bu Zhong of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Professor Paul Mihailidis of Emerson College—engaged in a robust cross-cultural conversation on the future of humanity and media literacy in the age of artificial intelligence.

Organized as part of the BNBU Boston Center's Cambridge Confluence living room dialogue series at Harvard Square, the dialogue was moderated by Professor Wm. Andrew Schwartz, Associate Director of the BNBU Boston Center and Executive Director of the Center for Process Studies. The dialogue was held in conjunction with BNBU’s 20th anniversary celebration series, highlighting the institution’s growing international footprint and commitment to fostering meaningful East–West engagement.

Professor Zhong, Dean of the School of Communication at HKBU, drew from his research in media psychology and socially responsible AI to reflect on how communication education in Asia is adapting to new technological demands. Professor Mihailidis, a leading voice in civic media and digital literacy and new Dean of the School of Communications at Emerson College, emphasized the importance of preparing students to be ethical and critical participants in a global media landscape shaped by algorithmic systems and civic complexity.

Together, the speakers explored how differing cultural perspectives can inform a more holistic, human-centered approach to communication pedagogy. From the ethics of generative AI to the civic responsibilities of digital citizens, the discussion pointed to the urgent need for collaboration between Eastern and Western institutions in reimagining global communication education and media literacy.

The BNBU Boston Center plans to continue hosting events that spark intercultural dialogue on pressing global issues, building on the momentum of this successful exchange.