General Education Lecture: Whole Person Education & University Transformation

Whole person education has re-emerged as a central concern in university reforms worldwide, yet its implementation remains uneven and often peripheral to the core academic enterprise. As life expectancy extends and the prospect of the “100-year life” becomes reality, universities face an urgent imperative to rethink their
fundamental purpose. 
This lecture argues that universities must move beyond their traditional emphasis on cognitive development and disciplinary specialisation to embrace whole-person education — developing students’ emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and humanity alongside their intellectual capabilities.

Drawing on historical perspectives and contemporary challenges facing higher education, Prof Kong examines four critical dimensions of transformation: 

(1)nurturing multiple intelligences beyond the cognitive;
(2) accentuating human qualities in an age of AI;
(3) creating space for interdisciplinary depth; and
(4)committing to lifelong partnership with learners. 

She offers practical insights for how universities can reimagine general education as central to preparing individuals for meaningful, impactful lives across an extended horizon.
※This lecture will be delivered in English.

※Lunchbox will be provided after the speech.

📍 Time : March 12, 2026 (Thurs.)

📍 Location: Wang,Wen-Chieh Lecture Hall, 4F, College of Law

📝 Register Now: https://reurl.cc/vKZZ3A