NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
AI, Mathematics, and the Future of Learning
The 2026 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (HLMA) Teachers Forum brought together leading mathematicians and more than 50 teachers from over 40 secondary schools to discuss how AI can support mathematics education while preserving originality, critical thinking, and academic integrity.
Prof. Ngaiming Mok, Edmund and Peggy Tse Professor in Mathematics at the HKU and Chair of the HLMA Steering Committee, and Prof. Patrick Ng, Co-Director of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Applied AI program at the HKU, described AI as an “amplifier” of human capabilities rather than a replacement for mathematical reasoning and discovery. They stressed the importance of strong mathematical foundations, and the need to equip students with the judgment and critical thinking skills required to use AI responsibly. The timely discussion on AI's role in mathematics education attracted strong media interest, with several major media outlets attending the Forum and interviewing both professors.
The Forum also featured a sharing session by teachers from the 2025 HLMA winning teams, who reflected on their experiences mentoring young mathematical talent. Drawing from their journeys with students, they offered practical advice on identifying and nurturing students’ unique strengths, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and fostering original mathematical inquiry. Moderated by Prof. Tim Leung, Associate Dean of Science at the HKUST and Chair of the HLMA Executive Committee, and Prof. Frederick Fong, Associate Professor at the HKUST and Chair of the HLMA Screening Panel, the discussion underscored a key theme of the Forum: while AI may transform how students learn, the ability to think deeply, ask original questions, and pursue new discoveries remains fundamentally human. As AI developments continue to reshape education and research, HLMA is exploring updates to its AI policy to reflect this evolving landscape. Further details will be announced in due course.
Prof. Ngaiming Mok and Prof. Patrick Ng shared their perspectives on the role of AI in mathematical research and education with major media outlets.
Prof. Ngaiming Mok delivered a speech titled “Mathematical Research and AI: A Symbiosis”.
Prof. Patrick Ng made remarks titled “The Role of AI in Mathematics Research”.
Teachers gained fresh perspectives on how AI can support mathematical discovery while complementing, rather than replacing, human insight and creativity.
Prof. Ngaiming Mok and Prof. Patrick Ng engaged teachers in a lively discussion on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for mathematics education and research.
The networking session provided an invaluable opportunity for teachers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build new connections.
Prof. Tim Leung exchanged views with teachers on nurturing young mathematical talent.
Prof. Frederick Fong shared insights drawn from years of evaluating student research projects.
Teachers from the 2025 HLMA winning teams shared practical insights on mentoring students and fostering curiosity-driven mathematical inquiry.
Special thanks to the teachers from the 2025 HLMA winning teams (from left to right): Mr. Philip Chan (Queen's College), Dr. Wai Shan Cheung (St. Joseph's College), Mr. David Bian (Victoria Shanghai Academy), Ms. Alexandra Streeter (King George V School), Mr. Alan Fong (HKUGA College), and Mr. On Ping Chung (Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College), for generously sharing their experience and advice with fellow teachers.
More than a competition, HLMA serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, connecting educators, and fostering a growing community committed to advancing mathematics education in Hong Kong.
