Be a Trailblazer in the AI and Communications Era" - Dean Xue Quan's First Ideopolitical Lecture

On March 10, 2025, Professor Xue Quan, Dean of theSchool of Electronics and Information at South China University of Technology,delivered a captivating ideological and political lecture themedCommunication and Artificial Intelligence for undergraduatestudents of the 2023 Information Engineering cohort at the Boxue Building onWushan Campus. Over 80 students gathered to listen as the dean providedin-depth analysis of industry development trends and engaged in discussionsabout professional growth paths.

             Dean Xue Quan's First Ideological and PoliticalLecture

The main content of Xue Quan's lecture comprisedfour parts: first, the communication architecture of the information society;second, the development of artificial intelligence and chips; third, howcommunication empowers artificial intelligence; and fourth, how to approachartificial intelligence.

In the first segment, Xue Quan began with thecurrent development landscape of the electronic information industry, usingeveryday scenarios to illustrate the three core components of the informationsociety and the crucial bridging role of communication, helping studentsrecognize the professional potential of electronic information. In the secondpart, he highlighted the transformations and opportunities brought bycutting-edge technologies such as 5G communication and artificial intelligence,allowing students to feel the rapid momentum of technological advancementtoward sophistication. The third segment combined the history of communicationdevelopment to explain communication's indispensable role in the iteration andoptimization of artificial intelligence technology—emphasizing thatcommunication is not a static discipline and underscoring thenecessity of learning new technologies. In the fourth part, Xue Quan used theemergence of steam engines and trains as examples to address the hot topic ofAI anxiety, reminding students to cultivate interdisciplinarylearning and transferable skills. He also shared his personal experiencestudying microelectronics to convey the philosophy of findingopportunities within challenges.

During the subsequent Q&A session, Xue Quan,speaking from the perspective of a microwave integrated circuits andcommunication expert, shared his research experiences and achievements.Additionally, he explained the differences between graduate and undergraduatestudies, emphasizing the importance of buffet-style self-directedlearning.

              Xue Quan Addressing Students' Questions After Class

After the lecture, some students sought his adviceon personal career planning. With accessible explanations and earnestencouragement, Xue Quan motivated students to maintain their passion forknowledge, shine in the field of electronic information, and becometrailblazers of the artificial intelligence era.

(Text/Photos: Shi Jieyi, Chen Peimin; PreliminaryReview: Shi Jieyi; Secondary Review: Zhan Yusheng; Final Review: Li Shibin)