AI and the Future of Humanity
Programme Code: ACT260311
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3 / Grade 9 / Year 10 and above students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 13-17, 2026
Programme Time: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (HKT) ; PM only on 14/7
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 6,500
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 1,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members
The Academy Aspiring Scholarship is now open for applications until May 31, 2026. Candidates who are successfully accepted will be granted a Membership Scholarship.
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: May 8, 2026 (Friday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
This programme explores how contemporary AI is reshaping human identity, social life, work, culture, and future societies. Through discussion-based sessions and real-world case studies, participants examine ethical and social questions raised by AI, alongside foundational issues about intelligence, language, and consciousness in humans and machines, and reflect on how AI systems should be designed and governed in human-centred ways.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Analyse how AI is reshaping human identity, social life, work, culture, and governance
- Examine ethical and social challenges raised by AI systems
- Explain key issues concerning intelligence, language, and consciousness in humans and machines
- Critically assess competing visions of AI-driven futures
- Articulate informed views on human-centred AI design and governance
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructors:
Dr. David Villena – He teaches in the Department of Philosophy at The University of Hong Kong. He is part of the Master’s in AI, Ethics and Society programme, where he convenes the course AI, Media and the Ethics of Influence. He has also taught undergraduate courses including The Ethics and Philosophy of Digital Technologies and The Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. His research spans applied ethics, philosophy of technology, philosophy of mind and cognitive science, with a focus on their intersections. He was awarded the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2024-25).
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation (Note: HKU Residential Halls only accept student aged 15 and above at the time of arrival):
Accommodation Code: ACC06
Hall: The Jockey Club Student Village III
Check-In Date: July 12, 2026
Check-Out Date: July 18, 2026
Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.