Global Experts Unite to Save Endangered Asian Turtles

Asian turtles face a severe conservation crisis caused by illegal poaching and the wildlife trade. Supported by Ocean Park and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, Lingnan University is hosting the inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT) from today, 27 March, through 30 March 2026. The conference, attended by 180 leading scholars, scientists, zookeepers, veterinarians, policymakers, educators, and other experts from 19 countries and regions will examine the latest research findings and practical conservation, as well as strategies to combat the illegal poaching of Asian turtles, and enhance protection for endangered species.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Simon Chan Kin-fung, Assistant Director (Conservation) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Mr Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation; Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University; Mr Howard Chuk, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Conservation of Ocean Park Corporation cum Foundation Director of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, and Mr Wander Meijer, Executive Director of the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.

Mr Simon Chan Kin-fung gave a speech at the opening ceremony, saying “We are home to five native freshwater turtle species. Among them are the Big‑headed Turtle, the Golden Coin Turtle, and Beale’s‑eyed Turtle, species of exceptional ecological, scientific, and cultural value. Unfortunately, many now survive only in small, fragmented populations and face persistent threats, particularly from illegal hunting and trapping. To address this, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has adopted a multi‑pronged, integrated approach, combining enforcement, science, and partnerships. This approach has resulted in several suspects being arrested for illegal possession of endangered turtles, and convictions have led to prison sentences of 15 and 20 months, a strong deterrent to poaching. This conference represents an opportunity for turtle conservationists to not only share knowledge but also forge meaningful partnerships, develop innovative strategies, and agree on concrete actions.”

Mr Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation, said “Ocean Park is honoured to co-host the first International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles. Conservation is at the heart of Ocean Park’s mission, driving our expansion into research, rescue, rehabilitation, and regional partnerships. In light of the conservation crisis facing Asian turtles, this conference serves as a crucial platform for global experts to share knowledge and forge new strategies. We are confident that these collaborations will significantly advance our shared goal to protect these endangered species and ensure a sustainable future for Asian turtles.”

“Leveraging the Park’s professional team and world-class facilities, we are dedicated to fostering conservation through various initiatives. These include establishing the Dive Into Local Diversity exhibit that showcases the rich diversity of Hong Kong's freshwater ecosystems for public education; formulating breeding programme for the Beale's eyed turtle with the goal of wild release to rebuild local populations; providing rehabilitation and care for confiscated freshwater turtles; and driving education through student ambassador programmes and student-led surveys,” Wong added.

Prof S. Joe Qin noted that “Lingnan University has concentrated on turning research outcomes into practical contributions towards many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Co-hosting this important international conference with Ocean Park creates a vital platform for over a hundred interdisciplinary experts from around the world to discuss the latest research and strategies on Asian turtle conservation. As an important component in the ecosystem, wild populations of Asian turtles are declining rapidly. We hope that cross-sector collaboration will promote the sustainable development of global ecosystems.”

Over the four days of the conference, about 50 academic presentations and keynote speeches will cover forensic technologies for combating illegal trade, veterinary care, and efforts to boost wild populations of endangered Asian turtles through captive breeding and reintroduction to natural habitats. Officers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, who are at the forefront of combating turtle poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Hong Kong, also attended the conference.

Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of the Division of Science at Lingnan University and the conference’s Secretary, stressed “This conference will act as a catalyst that deepens international collaboration on Asian turtle conservation, such as the exchange of captive-bred animals, and accelerates local, on-the-ground work on native species, such as reintroduction and enhancement of anti-poaching strategies.”

A highlight of the conference will be an in-depth discussion panel chaired by Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University, and Prof Sung Yik-hei, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University and Lecturer at the University of Suffolk, on the conservation of turtles in the Hong Kong SAR and Greater Bay Area. They explain that wild populations of native freshwater turtles in Hong Kong SAR have plummeted over recent decades, and that three species inhabiting the wilds of Hong Kong SAR are critically endangered. They also describe Lingnan University's successful cases of captive breeding in recent years, and the University's expertise in providing conservation forensics to courts and investigations into illegal trading.

Internationally recognised expert in freshwater turtle conservation Prof Ricky Spencer, Professor of Ecology at Western Sydney University, will deliver a keynote speech “Fixing the Life Cycle: The Future of Turtle Conservation Is Community-Driven”, reviewing Australia's effective experiences in turtle conservation through community-led monitoring, habitat restoration, and other initiatives.

Other experts include freshwater turtle conservation expert Prof Chen Tien-hsi, who talked about the Taiwan region’s endeavours to reintroduce endangered freshwater turtles and conserve native species. Mr Shahriar Caesar Rahman, Regional Vice Chair – South Asia for the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and Co-founder and CEO of the Creative Conservation Alliance, Bangladesh, spoke on Bangladesh's pioneering rewilding programme for the critically endangered Asian giant tortoise (Manouria emys), community protection measures, and efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, giving valuable cross-regional conservation insights.

As well as the academic presentations, the conference includes field trips to Ocean Park and the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden to visit and learn from successful captive breeding facilities for endangered native turtles.

Another highlight of ICAT is a showcase of 20 posters designed by local students from 17 schools with their entries to the ICAT Secondary Student Academic Poster Competition. The competition encourages students to participate in conservation through environmental education. Each group of four students conducts a study related to the conservation of Asian turtles, and the finalists are required to present their ideas to the guests attending the first day of ICAT to compete for the awards.

Opening ceremony of the inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT).

The conference brings together more than a hundred experts from around the world.

Mr Simon Chan Kin-fung, Assistant Director (Conservation) of the Conservation Branch of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), delivers a speech.

Mr Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation, delivers a speech.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, delivers a speech.

Asian turtles are an important species in the ecosystem, but their wild populations are declining at an alarming rate.

Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University and Prof Sung Yik-hei, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University and Lecturer at the University of Suffolk, Co-chairs of the conference; Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of the Division of Science at Lingnan University and the conference’s Secretary. (From left: Prof Sung Yik-hei, Prof Jonathan Fong and Prof Anthony Lau)

The evolution of higher education in the digital era has attracted global attention, and Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, recently published a paper titled “AI for education: The digital transformation of a liberal arts institution – implementation at Lingnan University” in a leading international journal Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence. The paper’s in-depth analysis of the role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in education uses Lingnan as a case study to examine the success of its pilot initiatives.

Prof Qin notes that higher education is undergoing an “AI revolution”, not merely reinforcing teaching with technology, but driving the “digital-intelligent transformation” of both teachers and students. Future curricula will shift from a traditional emphasis on memorisation and content mastery towards the application and navigation of knowledge, and students will be trained in prompt engineering in order to validate outputs generated by generative AI, and understand the ethical implications of such automated systems.

At the pedagogical level, repetitive tasks such as administrative duties, classroom management, and marking assignments will increasingly be handled by AI, allowing educators to focus more on their primary role of instruction and mentorship. This shift enables teachers to expand stronger data analytics and technological integration capabilities, permitting them to make higher-level decisions based on data, and to advise students more effectively.

Using Lingnan University as an example, Prof Qin highlights the development and application of a “Generative AI Assessment System (GAAS)”, an AI-driven learning platform capable of examining student performance in real time and making individual recommendations. Final oversight remains with teachers, so that this moves away from a one-size-fits-all model, and lecturers can shape instruction to individual progress and needs. The system was awarded a Bronze Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in March this year.

The pilot study shows that the system reduces the time spent on mechanical marking significantly. Traditionally, students often wait weeks for a response, whereas the new system enables a rapid turnaround, improving student engagement. It also ensures consistent application of marking criteria, and minimises discrepancies caused by human fatigue or bias. By delegating mechanical tasks such as grammar and structural checks to AI, instructors can focus entirely on students’ arguments and intellectual abilities, leading to better guidance.

Prof Qin stresses that educators are not replaceable. “At its core, education is a social and emotional process, and AI is currently unable to perceive student frustration, demonstrate empathy, mediate peer conflicts, or give emotional support. These forms of ‘emotional value guidance’ are inherently human and beyond the capacity of algorithms. Students must shift from being passive consumers of AI-generated content to active editors and critical thinkers. For example, they should debate AI, identify flaws in logic, and generate multiple solutions using AI, and then evaluate and rank them independently. The key lies in asking the right questions and appraising the quality and accuracy of the responses.”

The paper also notes that, given AI’s strength in processing large volumes of information, tasks that require high accuracy and speed but involve limited complex judgement are more susceptible to automation. These include data entry, basic translation, routine programming, software operation, and format-driven content generation, all repetitive and rule-based cognitive tasks. Such changes are more likely to replace specific tasks than entire professions. For instance, legal assistants may spend less time gathering information, and more on strategic legal work.

Prof Qin explains that as anyone can now create grammatically correct text or digital images within seconds, technology itself is no longer in short supply. What becomes truly beneficial is human intent, philosophical thinking, and flair in evoking emotional resonance. In an age saturated with generated content, whole-person education focusing on critical thinking and authentic human expression will become the most important standard and benchmark.

He also points out that the widespread adoption of AI will increase the importance of interdisciplinary learning. “Cognitive flexibility, complex problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence - all fostered by whole-person education - provide students with a solid foundation so they can remain adaptable in rapidly evolving technological environments. By integrating knowledge across disciplines such as history, philosophy, and science - in essence, learning how to learn - students can continue to grow amid constant change.”

The paper expresses how disciplines such as literature, history, and philosophy offer an “ethical perspective”, and how the study of classical works, particularly those rooted in the Chinese cultural heritage, is essential for independent thinking. By understanding a historical context and moral framework, students can apply AI more judiciously, minimise algorithmic bias, and ultimately take a leading role in shaping technological progress.

Read the full study here: AI for education: The digital transformation of a liberal arts institution – implementation at Lingnan University

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, has published a paper titled AI for education in a leading international journal.