HKBU launches HK's first AI Media Centre focused on social impacts of AI

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) on Friday opened its AI Media Centre, the first among local universities to study AI’s effects on people, society and behavior using communication-driven approaches.

The center, under the School of Communication, was officially launched on January 30 during HKBU’s 70th anniversary year. 

It aims to create positive social impact through transdisciplinary research that places humanity at the core of AI development.

Officiating the ceremony were the Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of Graduate School, Professor Lyu Aiping; School of Communication Dean and AIM Director Professor Zhong Bu; and Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies), Professor Charles Feng, who also serves as AIM Co-Director.

The center brings together experts from media studies, sociology, psychology and data science to address real human issues with both technical and social perspectives. 

It promotes the concept of “Intelligence with Integrity,” seeking to develop AI that respects, empowers and retains human warmth rather than replacing people.

A fireside chat titled “Social Science Approaches to AI” followed the launch, featuring leading scholars from City University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. 

They discussed urgent AI-related social phenomena and how communication research can tackle emerging challenges.

Located in the Lee Shau Kee Communication and Visual Arts Building, AIM will serve as a hub for research, teaching and practical tool development in human-centered AI. 

It fosters industry-academia partnerships and trains professionals to meet evolving societal needs.

The center houses nine specialized labs, including those focused on AI in animation, media psychology, well-being, games design, journalism, persuasion, research methods, social good and governance.

Current projects include AI tools to predict suicidal thoughts for timely intervention, automated detection of misinformation, studies on building digital trust, and exploration of AI’s role in transforming communication.