On the evening of January 11th, the 14th High Table Dinner of International Campus, Zhejiang University was held at the campus multifunction hall. Hosted by Laitong College, the event was attended and presided over by He Lianzhen, Vice Chair of the Zhejiang University Development Committee and Dean of Laitong College. Also present was Gu Zhen, Assistant President of Zhejiang University and Dean of the International Campus. The keynote speaker was Ding Peng, a Zhejiang University alumnus and founder and chairman of Beijing DeepCare Technology Co., Ltd.
In her opening remarks, Professor He Lianzhen extended a warm welcome to all attending faculty, students, and guests. She encouraged students to cherish this opportunity—to listen to the sharing by alumnus Ding Peng, engage actively with mentors and peers, exchange aspirations, and draw wisdom and experience from diverse perspectives, thereby reflecting on and pursuing their ideals and values with a broader vision. He Lianzhen also reviewed the college's efforts over the past year in enhancing its environment and services, and in developing formative education programs to improve students' overall competencies. She expressed hope that students would make the most of the broad platform provided by the college, achieve mutual growth in a warm and supportive community, and embrace the world with noble character and an open mind, fulfilling the spirit of "Laitong" (gathering in harmony).
During the keynote session, alumnus Ding Peng fondly recalled his academic journey at Zhejiang University and expressed gratitude to his teachers, especially Professor He Lianzhen, for their guidance during critical phases of his studies and life. Speaking on the theme "The Evolution of Medical AI," he traced the concept of artificial intelligence back to the 1956 Dartmouth Conference, connected it to today's widespread AI applications, and shared insights from his entrepreneurial experience in dental AI. He explained how to build professional-grade intelligent agents by integrating full-process data, supported by government policies and university research translation. Citing examples such as Open Evidence, he illustrated the commercialization path of AI products in specialized vertical scenarios, emphasizing the importance of balancing efficiency improvements with user habits. Ding encouraged students to maintain an open and inclusive mindset, persevere in innovation, and actively adapt to technological changes. Drawing from his own path—from studying Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Zhejiang University to Engineering Sciences at Dartmouth College, and eventually venturing into computer science and healthcare—he urged students to strengthen their professional foundations while paying attention to real-world problems, daring to explore interdisciplinary learning, and achieving growth through problem-solving. He noted that amid the uncertainties of the AI era, students should be adept at seizing "small opportunities," brave in taking "roads less traveled," and persist in exploration to accumulate strength and write their own stories of success.
The High Table Dinner also featured the appointment ceremony for mentors of Laitong College. Attendees included members of the International Campus leadership, heads of academic units and relevant departments, over 20 college mentors, and more than 220 Chinese and international undergraduate and postgraduate students from Weixue, Guantong, and Laitong Colleges.
"The High Table Dinner hosted by Laitong College was both profound and warm! The atmosphere was solemn yet lively. The sharing by Ding Peng, a leader in AI healthcare, was insightful and gave me a direct understanding of industry trends and life planning. The open discussions among Chinese and international students and teachers made me truly feel the inclusivity and vitality of the college and the university," shared Liu Yuxuan, a table leader. First-time participant Alden Lauw was deeply impressed by the keynote speech: "I felt honored to have the chance to hear a speech by the CEO of DeepCare, Mr. Ding Peng, which provided valuable insights into the intersection of healthcare and AI. The performance by the a cappella team was excellent as well, making the evening even more memorable."
Article: HU Yulan, CHE Qing
Translation: CHEN Nuo
Editing: Laitong College Office
Editing in Charge: LI Yinan
Reviewer: YANG Yi, WU Xing
Final Review: QU Haidong