DCB Hosts Its Biggest Worldwise Academy: Generation AI
Exploring Innovation, Humanity and the Future — Led by Students
Ladies, Gentlemen and Robots — welcome to Dulwich College Beijing's biggest Worldwise Academy to date, powered by the imagination, expertise and leadership of DCB Senior School students, the very own Generation AI.
On 12 November, the DCB campus came alive with inspiration as professionals, student innovators, educators and industry leaders converged for the annual Worldwise Academy (WWA). Under the theme Generation AI: Leading Innovation, this year's event demonstrated the extraordinary breadth and depth of DCB's learning environment — one where students explore the future of technology, grapple with its ethical dimensions and step confidently into leadership roles that shape our collective future.
Innovation on Display: Tech Expo
The day opened with a dynamic Tech Expo, showcasing a blend of professional expertise and student-led innovation. Gurus and innovators across the AI industry presented their cutting-edge technologies ranging from inclusive education tools and medical support technologies to visual enhancement solutions, AI companionship, art conservation and lifestyle innovations.
Each exhibit illustrated DCB's commitment to enriching learning beyond the classroom, offering students unique opportunities to explore applied technologies and real-world problem solving.
2025 Worldwise Academy Forum: Led by Students, Powered by Ideas
The Forum, initiated and hosted by the DCB Helion Robotics CCA team, began with a warm welcome from our students: Helion Executive Head Nena L and Worldwise Prefect Julia J.
Just as Dr Cameron Pyke, Head of College, stepped up to speak, a curious robot rolled up beside him — capturing the audience's laughter and setting the tone for an afternoon filled with curiosity and delight.
This signature moment embodied the spirit of the event: student-led, future-focused and rich in both intellect and joyfulness.
Keynote Speakers: AI, Human Potential and the World Ahead
Four keynote speakers offered compelling research and reflections on AI, human capability and the future they are transforming.
Professor Lu Fang from Tsinghua University delivered a keynote on 'breaking the wall of high-power AI needs', highlighting the energy bottlenecks of large AI models and introducing photonic computing as a transformative new paradigm capable of delivering high performance at extremely low power. Her work paves the way toward regenerative, Earth-friendly green AI and has been recognised as one of China's Top Ten Scientific Advances and with the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough Award.
Ms Emma Wu, Senior Curriculum Research Manager, Codemao Technology, spoke from the dual lens of teacher and learning designer for China's largest children's coding platform. She emphasised AI literacy, responsible engagement and the need to develop ethical, informed citizens. 'Being AI literate is not just about learning AI technology; it's about being the best of thinkers, a better person and a better human being.'
From the student perspective, Nena and Zhanhui, two student leaders from the Helion team, highlighted how DCB empowers learners to both use and shape AI. Their reflections celebrated student agency — from understanding data analysis to exploring AI in medical diagnosis.
'AI isn't just part of our futures. It's already in our everyday lives,' Nena shared. 'AI can analyse billions of data points in just a few seconds, but only humans can dream, empathise and imagine the impossible.'
Zhanhui expanded on the human-AI relationship: 'AI may reshape our lives in many aspects, but with such collaboration comes trust, ethics and responsibility. Without it, innovation cannot truly grow.'
These conversations revealed the depth of intellectual inquiry at DCB — where students engage in conversations at the frontier of technology, humanity and ethics.
Panel Discussion: Industry Meets Student Voice
A panel facilitated by two student leaders Kalli Y and Anitra C brought together cross-sector experts and student voice:
Their dialogue — spanning global innovation ecosystems, emerging technologies, ethical considerations and youth empowerment — showcased the depth of learning opportunities available to DCB students, who engage directly with leaders shaping the AI landscape.
Student hosts Noah M and Aurelie L concluded the event with grace, composure and confidence.
The Story Behind Helion: Student Leadership in Action
The theme Generation AI: Leading Innovation was initiated by Helion, DCB's FIRST Robotics Competition team led by a team of student leaders including Nena and Zhanhui. What began with a simple question — 'How can we amplify our impact?' — quickly grew into a powerful demonstration of student leadership. From launching the 'Helion Rising' outreach programme for Junior School students to shaping the entire WWA experience, Helion exemplified initiative and purpose.
'Ambition, when fueled by genuine passion, is a powerful combination that doesn't sit and wait for opportunity, but finds its own through courage and action,' shared Nena.
'We're confident that this experience will ignite a lasting interest in technology amongst our student body,' added Zhanhui.
Their vision — supported by DCB's vast resources, opportunities and staff mentorship — is a testament to how student ideas evolve into community-wide impact.
Purposeful Innovation and the Human Side of AI
Ms Xiaoxiao Qin, Director of Government and Public Affairs, reflected on AI's place in daily life and the event's purpose: 'The event celebrated how AI is being applied to elevate human life. Over ten student clubs participated and demonstrated the creativity and curiosity of the next generation. Each innovation reflects empathy, problem-solving and real-world impact and we are especially grateful to all the innovators for sharing their insight and time with the DCB community.'
Yosef Karasik, DCB Director of EdTech and Innovation, highlighted the significance of students leading such a sophisticated event: 'Watching them design and run the entire event was not only inspiring but deeply reassuring; it reminded us that the future will be shaped by young people who are curious, critical and ethical in how they think about and use AI.'
As Dr Cameron Pyke, Head of College, reminded the community: 'We're at the beginning of this AI journey and who knows how it'll develop. But what we're doing with an event like this is that we're thinking about it seriously, we're engaging with the leaders in the field and above all, we're empowering our students to make the right choices to use AI in a way which benefits them and enhances their human potential.'
Worldwise Academy: Connecting Students With the World
Launched in 2019, Worldwise Academy enriches students' career explorations by connecting them with real-world professionals. The initiative draws together parents, teachers, students, industry professionals and community partners to deliver programmes such as the WWA Summit, Women Empowerment Forum, Parent Masterclass, InArt, Fireside Talks, Theatre Live Festival and company visits.
In 2022, the initiative was recognised with an International School Award for its impact.
