HKUST PPOL Fall 2025

AI Governance and Ethical Considerations The conference addresses the challenges of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) globally. Prof. Benjamin Cashore from the National University of Singapore emphasized AI’s dual nature concerning “super wicked problems” like climate change. He argued that governance frameworks must promote innovation while ensuring safeguards to prevent societal harm. Dr. Liu Yunxia from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) presented findings on deepfake regulation in China, Europe, and the U.S., highlighting the need for “adaptive governance models” that leverage blockchain for source verification. She stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, digital platforms, and civil society in navigating AI regulation complexities. Prof. Sharif Naubahar, also from HKUST, drew from science fiction to illustrate how fictional narratives can inform ethical policymaking and help avoid digital disparities. AI in Urban Development and Sustainability Sessions focused on urban renewal and smart city initiatives. Prof. De-Troullioud-De Anversin from HKUST discussed green building technologies in Hong Kong, presenting a framework that aligns technical, economic, and social criteria with local sustainability goals. His case studies showed that a contextualized approach could reduce carbon emissions in residential buildings by 20-30%. Prof. Wilson Wong from the Chinese University of Hong Kong spotlighted AI’s role in urban infrastructure, citing Jakarta’s air quality monitoring system as an effective model for real-time pollution tracking. He cautioned that the efficacy of such technologies depends on equitable access to prevent exacerbating urban-rural divides. 37 Conferences and Events

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