Meet Professor WenXuan Shi

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already part of our daily lives, whether you are already in the job market or preparing to join it. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the global skills gap could add US$11.5 trillion to global GDP by 2028. Yet, for this potential to be realized, education and training systems must evolve in alignment with market demands.

At the forefront of this educational landscape at Nankai University, Professor WenXuan Shi stands out for integrating AI into the curriculum, preparing students to meet the challenges of actual and future job landscapes. “Every employer, if you look out there, will have different requirements. No doubt all employers want these students nowadays to have the skills that are in demand today, such as AI,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with market-ready knowledge.

Teaching at Nankai University for almost 20 years, WenXuan has focused on enhancing education in AI, data science, and machine learning. His project, Blue Power Station, is a good example of his approach. By collaborating with industry experts from IBM, he introduces students to real-world challenges through courses like Data Science Practitioners and AI Fundamentals. “AI, data science, and machine learning aim at solving problems in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and so on. We also involve our students in this undergraduate research,” he notes, showcasing how his students engage with a wide range of practical applications when they graduate from university.

Considering the broad applicability of AI across various sectors and the impact of learning it for future professionals, WenXuan is committed to positioning his students as frontrunners in the AI field. “Artificial intelligence has now developed to a stage where it has penetrated virtually every industry. It’s not just limited to computer-related fields,” he states, underscoring the students’need to develop a comprehensive understanding of AI principles and techniques.

Talent shortage across industries usually also stifles innovation. That’s why offering extracurricular content and engaging students in this opportunity is a big goal for WenXuan. According to him, students affirm that the free IBM SkillsBuild digital credentials are attractive to them, as they enhance their employability, which is a key factor to consider when choosing on which content they will engage with. “Over the past couple of years, many students who took the data science course have earned digital credentials. These credentials serve as a plus point when they apply for jobs or graduate studies,” he explains.

Professor WenXuan celebrates and proudly shares his students’ achievements. He proclaimed that many of these students successfully secured positions at global firms in 2024 connected to this practical education approach.

As he looks to the future, Professor Shi remains dedicated to continually advancing AI education at Nankai University. “Our goal is to introduce AI concepts to all students at the university,” he emphasizes. By closely aligning education with market requirements, he is ensuring that students are prepared to enter the workforce and equipped to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by technology.