Steven, a student from Beijing International Bilingual Academy, is a participant in the NextGen program. He learned about this initiative, which brings together philanthropy, AI technology and the arts, through his school and decided to sign up. Keen on exploring new technologies, he hoped to learn how artificial intelligence could boost his own learning, as well as how AI could generate positive change for the world.
Before joining the summer camp, Steven imagined the programme would consist mainly of classroom‑based lectures. Four days into the camp, however, rich on‑site experiences exceeded his expectations. Beyond classroom sessions, the programme offers abundant hands‑on opportunities in real‑world settings, including temple and museum visits for immersive cross‑cultural exposure.
His most memorable moment came on the very first day: a visit to the Sikh Temple in Hong Kong. While taking part in the temple’s community free‑meal service, he experienced vivid cultural and religious encounters. He reflected that diverse cultures and faiths practise philanthropy in vastly different ways. We are familiar with institutional charity delivered by formal organisations, whereas kindness here is rooted in faith and embodied through simple, daily meals. Distinct as these approaches are, they all strive toward the shared goal of doing good.
Combining classroom learning of AI and the arts with on‑the‑ground exposure to diverse philanthropic practices lies at the heart of NextGen. More than teaching young people technical know‑how, the programme guides them to step outside textbooks, build empathy and critical thinking in real‑life social contexts, recognise the many forms kindness can take, and grow into thoughtful, compassionate changemakers of tomorrow.
