Forman Christian College University (FCCU) celebrated a groundbreaking milestone with its International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI): Bridging Language, Literature, and Learning in the Digital Age. Hosted by the Department of English, the event brought together renowned scholars, educators, and students to explore the transformative role of AI in reshaping language, literature, and education.
The symposium, themed “Navigating the Nexus of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Rethinking Language, Literature, and Education in a Digital Era,” was held in FCCU’s state-of-the-art facilities and featured a diverse lineup of national and international keynote speakers. Among them were Dr Reham Hosny from the University of Cambridge, UK, Dr Manvender Kaur Sarjit Singh from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and prominent Pakistani academics such as Prof Dr Ayaz Afsar, Dr Sonia Irum, Dr Zahid, Dr Khalid Mahmood, and FCCU’s own Dr Fatima Sayeda.
The discussions delved into AI’s profound impact on English literature and linguistics, highlighting innovations like algorithmic text generation, multimodal textuality, and digitized archival systems. These advancements, speakers noted, are not only revitalizing traditional academic practices but also paving the way for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-cultural engagement.
In tandem with the symposium, the Students’ Digital Exhibit showcased the creative and academic prowess of FCCU students. The exhibit featured innovative projects that seamlessly integrated AI-driven tools with language, literature, and digital oral history, offering a practical demonstration of how technology is transforming the humanities. This vibrant display underscored the Department of English’s commitment to fostering hands-on, experiential learning.
Prof Dr Fatima Syeda, Chairperson of the Department of English, expressed immense pride in the event’s success. “This dual initiative has set a new benchmark for academic excellence and positioned FCCU as a pioneer in integrating AI within literature and linguistics in Pakistan,” she said. Dr Syeda also extended her gratitude to the Dean’s Office for their generous financial support, which made the event possible.
Mr Adeel Khalid, the symposium’s convener, described the event as a transformative moment for FCCU. “Our goal was to bridge traditional humanities with cutting-edge AI technologies, and the overwhelming response from attendees, both locally and internationally, confirms that we are on the right path,” he said. Khalid also thanked FCCU’s leadership, including Rector Dr Jonathan S Addleton and Vice-Rector Dr Douglas Trimble, as well as guests from various institutions across Lahore, for their participation and support.
Dr Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities, emphasized the event’s broader significance. “This symposium is a timely exploration of how AI is reshaping traditional paradigms across fields. It is crucial to redefine pedagogical approaches and contribute to the sustainable development of the humanities,” he remarked.
The resounding success of the International Symposium and Students’ Digital Exhibit marks a landmark achievement for FCCU’s Department of English. By embracing innovation and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the event has reaffirmed FCCU’s commitment to academic excellence and its role as a leader in shaping the future of education in Pakistan and beyond.