SCIE welcomed Mr Andrew Jack, a senior journalist at the Financial Times, for an online Q&A session with SCIE students as part of the Humanities and Social Science faculty week. It was an inspiring opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from an experienced journalist with a deep understanding of global affairs.
Mr Jack has worked at the Financial Times since 1990 and is currently the Global Education Editor. A graduate of Cambridge University, he has also held fellowships at Harvard and in New York City government.
During the session, Mr Jack and SCIE students discussed a wide range of topics, including the role of AI in education, issues in politics, and how to make effective use of academic and journalistic resources.
The session began with a discussion on attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Mr Jack expressed an overall positive view, recognising AI’s enormous potential to transform society, while also warning about its limitations and possible risks. He stressed that AI must be used intelligently and transparently if it is to bring genuine benefits.
The conversation then shifted to politics, focusing on US President Donald Trump and global military issues. It was interesting to note that, despite the many controversies surrounding him, Trump continues to hold strong public support. This led to a wider discussion on whether he represents a new kind of political norm that encourages instability, or if he is simply an exception in modern American politics.
Finally, the discussion turned to reading habits and how students can make better use of journal platforms like the Financial Times. Mr Jack encouraged everyone to read widely and critically—not just from one source, but across different types of media—to develop a balanced perspective and build social understanding. He also recommended starting with the homepage for a broad overview before exploring topics of personal interest in more depth.
The event was both thought-provoking and inspiring. Many students came away with a deeper appreciation of how technology, especially AI, can be a double-edged sword—something that should be used to enhance our lives and make them more convenient, rather than as a shortcut to avoid real challenges.
The discussion reminded us of the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and using knowledge responsibly as we prepare to face the rapidly changing world ahead.
The Financial Times offers free online subscriptions for its content to pre-college students aged 16-19, their teachers and upper secondary/high schools around the world through the FT School Programme.
- Article / Lucienne Zhong & Anita Liu
