Exclusive Interview with Westlake University President Shi Yigong: What Matters Most in the Age of AI?
TechFlow Selected TechFlow Selected
Exclusive Interview with Westlake University President Shi Yigong: What Matters Most in the Age of AI?
To develop critical thinking and analytical skills during the learning process.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Wang Yijie, reporter at China Entrepreneur
Image source: Generated by Wujie AI
Whether at the national "Two Sessions" or in classrooms at Westlake University, Shi Yigong always wears the university's badge on his clothes. As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of Westlake University, this scientist has repeatedly combined scientific research with societal issues, submitting multiple research reports and policy recommendations.
On March 6, after attending a group discussion session for members of the China Association for Science and Technology, Shi Yigong sat down with China Entrepreneur for an interview, sharing his insights on widely discussed topics such as AI and talent development.
Excerpts from Shi Yigong’s interview (edited and condensed):
On how young students should respond to the AI era: Master foundational knowledge and develop critical thinking
Shi Yigong: In the face of the AI era, many young students feel lost—even university students worry about uncertain futures, fearing that some jobs will be replaced by AI and certain companies disrupted by it.
But never forget: AI was created by humans. The people who developed AI succeeded precisely because they mastered foundational knowledge and essential skills, and applied critical thinking to understand our world—ultimately enabling them to create AI.
Every young student must remain resolute amid the rise of AI. You must grasp fundamental knowledge and core competencies, learn the scientific methodology, and cultivate critical thinking. Once you do so, you’ll have the confidence and clarity to face future changes.
Therefore, rather than worrying or feeling anxious about the uncertainties brought by AI and its impact on future careers, focus now on solidly learning the basics. Most importantly, develop critical thinking and analytical abilities throughout your learning process.
On talent development: AI courses could become part of general education
Shi Yigong: Talent cultivation requires a supportive environment. With rapid technological advancement, people ask whether today’s talent development model should differ completely from the past. I don’t think so.
I believe the most fundamental approach remains unchanged: each individual needs to learn and grow within an inclusive, diverse, and intellectually free academic environment, mastering scientific methodologies. In this process, the role of teachers remains indispensable. One difference today, however, is that we must also recognize the importance of AI. Therefore, universities should offer AI courses and incorporate them into general education. AI should enter schools, hospitals, laboratories, research institutions, and every corner of society.
On AI in drug discovery: Explosive breakthroughs may emerge in the near future
Shi Yigong: Looking ahead, AI will undoubtedly play a crucial role in clinical medicine, particularly in hospital diagnostics. It can analyze medical images dispassionately and objectively, delivering precise assessments.
In pharmaceutical development, AI is revolutionizing the entire process—from predicting protein structures and identifying drug targets to forecasting how small-molecule drugs bind to these targets.
Using AI to assist or even lead drug development, thereby improving human health, is inevitable. How quickly this transformation occurs depends on how hard our scientists work, and how fast and widespread AI technology becomes. This will be a collective effort.
As clinical research progresses, we may soon witness an explosion of AI-driven breakthroughs in drug development—delivering treatments for rare diseases, cancers, and more—potentially extending human lifespan.
Join TechFlow official community to stay tuned
Telegram:https://t.me/TechFlowDaily
X (Twitter):https://x.com/TechFlowPost
X (Twitter) EN:https://x.com/BlockFlow_News
