On 5th March, Malvern College Chengdu has the privilege of hosting an extraordinary academic event, welcoming Professor Po-Shen Loh from the Department of Mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), USA. As the Head Coach of the USA International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team since 2015, Professor Loh has led his team to six IMO championship victories, mentoring nearly a hundred gold medalists in mathematical competitions. A globally recognised leader in mathematics education, he delivered an inspiring lecture to our pupils and teachers, exploring the intersections of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mathematics, and the future of education.
During his visit to MCC, Professor Loh delivered two thought-provoking lectures, one for teachers and another for pupils. In his inspiring talks, he not only explored the significance of mathematical competitions but also provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving standards for talent development in the AI era.
Mathematical Competitions ：Sharpening Thinking and Cultivating Independent Thought
Drawing from his own experiences as a lifelong mathematics learner, Professor Loh emphasized the role of mathematical competitions in fostering independent thinking and discussion skills. Using international competitions such as the AMC and Kangaroo Maths Contest as examples, he highlighted how these events serve not only as a test of academic abilities but also as valuable opportunities for developing critical thinking abilities.
Talent Assessment in the Age of AI ：Beyond Scores to Soft Skills
“Society is no longer inclined to favour individuals who can merely solve problems, as AI may soon surpass human capabilities in this area”. Professor Loh remarked. He highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in the AI era, including entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, communication, emotional intelligence (EQ), and likeability. Mastering STEM subjects is no longer just about acquiring knowledge; it also requires the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and even present them in engaging ways, much like an actor. One of Professor Loh’s key training methods involves encouraging pupils to verbalise their understanding with senior pupils, teaching their younger counterparts. If their communication skills need improvement, he even enlists professional actors to train them. When discussing AI technologies such as DeepSeek, Professor Loh urged pupils to stay up to date with AI developments and to harness these tools to enhance their learning and work efficiency.
In his lecture, Professor Loh expanded the discussion from AI development to deeper reflections on the fundamental values of humanity. His answer to this profound question was “Altruism”. He emphasized that truly valuable individuals possess empathy, strong communication skills, and a willingness to help others. In the future of education, we must not only equip children with academic knowledge but also guide them to think about how they can create meaningful contributions to society. This concept of being “Thought·Full” aligns seamlessly with Malvern’s educational philosophy.
Looking ahead, Malvern College Chengdu will continue to host more stimulating lectures, research initiatives, and intellectual exchanges throughout the term. Programmes such as Gifted & Talented, will provide further opportunities to nurture a generation of inquisitive and forward-thinking minds. Stay tuned for more inspiring academic events to come.
