9 December 2025 

HSUHK’s GILT Research Centre (Globalisation, Internationalisation, Localisation and Translation) hosted the International GILT Research Symposium 2025 on 8 and 9 December. Supported by the Research Grants Council, the two-day event served as a global platform for scholars and professionals to share their views on “Globalisation, Technology and Society” and attracted around 100 participants.

Throughout the symposium, discussions moved beyond translation mechanics to focus on the transformative impact of AI across sectors including law, medicine, education, music and Buddhist studies. Ms Barbora Kopecká from Charles University, Czech Republic, introduced the diverse types of medical translation, highlighted the challenges involved, and outlined strategies for integrating AI into translator training. Professor Ali Jalalian Daghigh from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, outlined scenarios for the automation of translation workflows and the ethical considerations involved. Professor Narongdej Phanthaphoommee from Mahidol University, Thailand, examined bureaucratic translation and the digital barriers faced by migrant workers, and Professor Daniel Gallego-Hernández of the University of Alicante, Spain, presented a bibliometric analysis mapping the global evolution of business translation research.

The symposium also featured Professor Skye Zhao from the University of Manchester, who compared the perspectives of staff and international students on AI tools in higher education. Professor Susan Xu from Singapore University of Social Sciences discussed the potential of using AI translation to promote social good and inclusivity. Dr Rakesh Kumar of The Chinese University of Hong Kong addressed the development of AI models that respect non-Western musical traditions. Mr Foster Yim from Liberty Chambers, Hong Kong, analysed how AI could address language barriers in high-stakes legal contexts, while Dr Siu Sai-yau, Director of Research Centre for Translation of Buddhist Texts at HSUHK explored the application of digital technology in promoting Buddhist texts.

The symposium included a roundtable discussion on the future of GILT, exploring how to balance technological efficiency with cultural continuity.