Prof. David Wei Loong Hung’s studies focus on the Future of Education, with a particular emphasis on the nexus between a) interdisciplinary investigations on learning and translation; and b) policy and practice. Prof. Hung’s own research interests are in learning and instructional technologies, constructivism and social constructivism, in particular, social cultural orientations to cognition and communities of practice. Prof. Hung has delved into scaling and translating issues in the Singapore education system where issues of school improvement and leverages for change and sustainability are investigated. Focus is on low progressing students. His foundations in learning and the learning sciences have prepared him for his most recent foray into the neuroscience, physiological, and other biological indicators of learning. 

Prof. David Hung is renowned for his research on situated cognition and communities of practice in learning. His work has been published in journals such as Educational Technology & Society and Computers & Education.

At ICOLSEI 2025, Prof. David Hung will present a keynote speech titled "Bridging Minds and Machines: Integrating AI, Neuroscience, and Education for Transformative Learning" 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) in education such as the use of GenAI can cause learning difficulties and cognitive decline. As such we are advocating for a science of learning (SoL) grounding on AI. In this presentation, he will present on a SoL-and-AI integrated literacy framework and make an argument for why this is important from a learning across the lifespan perspective. He will also argue for a human-and-machine intelligence augmentation. Hence, this keynote titled “Bridging Minds and Machines: Integrating AI, Neuroscience, and Education for Transformative Learning,” explores the convergence of these fields and their potential to reshape educational practices for uplifting and protecting human intelligence. He will argue for learning safety in the use of GenAI. 

By aligning GenAI systems with our understanding of cognitive functions, educators can design more effective learning experiences. This integration can lead to the development of tools that not only support cognitive development but also foster emotional and social growth, creating well-rounded learners. He will describe the efforts they are making on this front both in Singapore and also the region. While GenAI is making headwinds, he will argue for a return to the human enterprise – that which is uniquely human – such as collaboration, empathy, creativity, and process inquiry where the functions of the brain such bas executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility in humans are emphasized as important future of education goals, and now as augmented with AI.

Ultimately, this keynote will underscore the transformative potential of combining AI, neuroscience, and educational innovation. He will advocate for an approach that integrates SoL-and-AI to create holistic, learner-centered environments that support cognitive, metacognitive, strategic thinking, collaboration, creativity, cognitive flexibility, and socio-emotional development, empowering students to thrive in the uncertain future. He will also attempt to draw implications to education and how formal and informal learning interplays feature in this endeavour.