Okayama University Professors Present AI Applications at UN-ADB Seminar

Okayama University Professors Present AI Applications

On September 2, 2025, experts from Okayama University, including Associate Professor Masahide Koda and Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, participated in a seminar titled "Human-Centered Approach to AI in Higher Education: Knowledge Exchange Between Asia and Japan" held at the UN University in Tokyo. The event was co-hosted by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and was part of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) capacity development program.

This seminar brought together government officials and higher education leaders from various Asian countries to engage in dynamic discussions on the potential and challenges of incorporating AI into education, research, and university administration, focusing on ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered design.

During the seminar, experts from major universities in Japan discussed their latest initiatives related to AI. These include new curricula in mathematics, data science, and AI, as well as predictive analyses of learning outcomes and research concerning AI ethics and governance.

In his session, Associate Professor Koda presented an innovative educational system for medical students titled "AI-simulated patient interactions." This approach enables students to practice medical interviews through interactions with AI, simulating patient roles. This system not only provides a safe environment for students to learn without the fear of making mistakes but also enhances their understanding and empathy towards patients by allowing them to take on the role of the patient during interactions with AI.

Koda also proposed utilizing collaborative learning, where students can engage with AI while working together, thereby fostering multidimensional learning experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to experience a demo version of the AI interaction, leading to positive feedback on the effectiveness of creating a safe learning environment and enhancing empathetic communication skills among students.

Vice President Yokoi participated in a dialogue session with education stakeholders from across Asia. He shared the university's strategies and policies regarding AI application, highlighting UNESCO's leadership in establishing ethical and inclusive AI guidelines worldwide. Yokoi emphasized the importance of integrating AI into higher education systems in a safe, inclusive, and value-based manner.

Highlighting long-standing concerns raised by UNESCO, he addressed issues surrounding digital sovereignty and cultural justice, emphasizing that AI developed in advanced countries is not culturally neutral. The seminar also fostered active discussions on the significance of AI development by and for Asia and ASEAN, promoting international cooperation and collaborative research.

Going forward, Okayama University remains committed to sharing knowledge with both regional and international communities. The university continues to build educational initiatives that leverage AI while promoting ethical and inclusive technological advancements, contributing to the envisioned future of the region and the planet. We look forward to further developments from Okayama University, a distinctive research institution dedicated to regional and global collaboration.

Professor Koda Delivering Presentation