To seize emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence and deepen reforms in applied talent cultivation, Sias University officially launched the AI+X Elite Program (Phase I) on the morning of March 14 at the lecture hall on the first floor of the library. Dr. Shawn Chen Founder and Chairman of the Board, attended the ceremony along with industry and investment mentor Dr. Gao Qunyao, Professor Hu Xiangen, Dr. Tong Jiarui, and Program Director Dr. Xiao Fujun. Leaders from academic schools and residential colleges, together with more than 900 enrolled students, were present. The event was hosted by Vice President Zhao Yuxin.
The AI+X Elite Program represents a major initiative by Sias University to adapt to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and to reshape its talent cultivation model. Built on the Neolaf intelligent learning framework, the program is led academically by experts including Dr. Tong Jiarui and Professor Hu Xiangen, while Dr. Gao Qunyao connects industry resources. Together, they have established a distinctive “three-in-one” model integrating industry practice, international standards, and academic frontiers.
The program adopts a small-cohort, high-investment training approach, breaking traditional boundaries of grade level, academic major, and prior achievement. With no programming background required, it offers truly open-access AI education. Instruction is delivered through no-code and low-code tools combined with project-based learning, focusing on real-world application scenarios and outcome validation. This approach aims to transform students from “knowledge consumers” into “AI system designers.” The program has received an enthusiastic response across the university, with more than 900 applicants—over 70% of whom are first- and second-year students—making it a flagship initiative in advancing AI-driven education reform.
In his remarks, Dr. Shawn Chen noted that artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping higher education. He emphasized that mastering AI programming capabilities will enable students to develop a “dual-intelligence” cognitive structure integrating human and machine thinking. He described the AI+X Elite Program as both a strategic response to the AI era and a concrete step in aligning with national goals of building a new intelligent economy, aiming to cultivate interdisciplinary talents capable of solving real-world problems.
Dr. Gao Qunyao highlighted that AI competence is rapidly becoming a core competitive advantage in the job market, with growing demand for professionals capable of designing AI systems. He encouraged students to use the program as a new starting point to explore human-AI collaboration and transition from traditional learners to value creators.
Professor Hu Xiangen introduced the foundational course “AI Literacy,” which covers four key modules: fundamental AI concepts, prompt engineering, output evaluation, and ethical considerations. The course is designed to build essential skills for effective human-AI collaboration and lay a solid foundation for advanced study.
Dr. Tong Jiarui provided a detailed overview of the core course “Vibe Coding (AI Programming).” Using natural language as the primary interface for programming, the course focuses on developing three core competencies: intent articulation, context constraint design, and result evaluation and optimization. Through a five-step learning model—concept understanding, instructor demonstration, AI-guided practice, human-AI co-creation, and iterative growth—students will develop personalized intelligent agents through real-world projects.
Dr. Xiao Fujun outlined the program’s management framework, which includes a “program director + teaching assistant” system alongside student self-governance. A core team of 20–30 students and 10–20 faculty members will be dynamically selected based on learning performance data, initiative, overall capability, and growth potential.
The official launch of the AI+X Elite Program (Phase I) connects national strategy, university practice, and student development into an integrated talent cultivation pathway. It marks a significant step in Sias University’s efforts to align with the intelligent economy and advance AI-enabled educational reform, opening new pathways for applied talent development and the digital transformation of higher education.
