We are excited to launch the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration on “Effective, Inclusive, and Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) Design”! 53 dedicated academics, researchers, and teacher trainers from 27 countries across Asia and Europe are joining forces to reimagine how AI can transform education.

ASEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr ZHANG Lei warmly welcome the participants and shares an inspiring remarks:

“The integration of AI into education is accelerating—prompting critical questions about its impact on pedagogy, equity, and ethics. It is already influencing the ways we learn, teach, assess, and connect. But as we embrace its potential, we must also engage with its complexities. The questions we ask today will determine the kind of learning environments we create tomorrow: 

• How can AI empower rather than replace educators? 

• How do we ensure that AI serves all learners—regardless of background or ability? 

• And how do we uphold the ethical principles that are fundamental to education itself: equity, agency, and most importantly, human dignity? 

A unique strength of this fellowship lies in its intercultural dialogue. When we bring together voices from Asia and Europe, we do more than exchange knowledge—we challenge assumptions, uncover new perspectives, and create space for deeper understanding. In a global education landscape shaped by different values, contexts, and histories, such dialogue is essential—not only for innovation, but for equity and mutual respect.  

At ASEF, we are deeply proud to facilitate such a platform. We believe that real change comes not from isolated efforts, but from communities like this—diverse, thoughtful, and committed to shared learning. You, the fellows, are at the forefront of this important journey. Your insights, experiences, and creativity will help define what effective, inclusive, and ethical AIED looks like—not just in theory, but in practice, in classrooms, and in policies that reach across Asia, Europe, and beyond. 

So, I invite you to be bold in your ideas, generous in your collaboration, and reflective in your practice. Let this be a space where we not only question what’s possible but co-create what’s necessary.”

Prof Yuhong Du, Director of the College of Education for the Future at Beijing Normal University (BNU), warmly welcomed all participants and reaffirmed BNU’s strong commitment to advancing quality education. He emphasised the university’s dedication to supporting scholars in China and beyond in building capacity for AI-driven education systems and future-ready learning environments. Prof Du highlighted the importance of global collaboration in navigating the evolving education landscape, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. He shared BNU’s continued efforts to foster interdisciplinary research, innovation, and international partnerships in education. As BNU is hosting the on-site conference of the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration this November 2025 in Zhuhai,  Prof Du expressed his excitement about meeting all Fellows in person and looked forward to an inspiring and meaningful exchange of ideas:

“Our college was founded with a clear mission—to explore ​​forward-thinking education research and innovation​​, especially where ​​AI, ethics, and global collaboration​​ intersect. That’s why we’re so proud to co-organize this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our vision. Over the next few months, you’ll have the chance to:

• Engage in ​​meaningful cross-cultural discussions​​,
• Work together on ​​impactful research​​, and
• Help shape a global conversation on how we can use ​​AI in education more ethically, inclusively, and effectively​​.

We encourage you to ​​make the most of this opportunity​​—not just to gain knowledge, but to build ​​lasting partnerships across Asia and Europe​​. And we’re especially excited to meet many of you ​​in person this November in Zhuhai​​, where we’ll celebrate your work and strengthen our connections even further.”

ASEF Education Department’s Project Lead for Education Innovation Ms Jyoti RAHAMAN introduces participants to ASEF, ASEFClassNet project and the ASEFClassNet18 Faculty Collaboration programme. It is a dynamic programme for academics, researchers and teacher trainers to connect, collaborate and innovate secondary and vocational education across Asia and Europe.

This initiative fosters an environment where participants exchange knowledge, experiment with creative ideas driven by real-world education challenges, and develop new knowledge to tackle the challenges. Together, they will explore cutting-edge practices, co-develop innovative frameworks, and champion inclusive, ethical approaches to AI in classrooms.

Stay connected to learn more about our fellows’ bold ideas, Asia-Europe dialogues, and powerful collaborations that will shape the future of teaching and learning!

Learn more about the project here!