On September 24, 2025, Tsinghua International School (THIS) welcomed two world-renowned female STEM scientists, Professors Rabab K. Ward and Professor Z. Jane Wang, for an inspiring "Master Talk Series" event. They delivered a captivating lecture on engineering, engaged students in a profound dialogue about science, and witnessed the launch of our THIS independently authored AI book. The event was a vibrant celebration of scientific spirit and the achievements of THIS in AI education.
Professor Rabab K. Ward: A Scientific Journey Breaking Boundaries

Professor Ward began her talk with a world map, tracing her extraordinary journey from Lebanon to Egypt, Zimbabwe, and finally Canada. She movingly shared her early struggles, including being denied entry to an engineering school because of her gender, and how a math teacher's encouragement steered her towards ultimately becoming the first female professor of Electrical Engineering in British Columbia, Canada.
"Engineering serves humanity; you must understand that and collaborate with people," Professor Ward stated, introducing her decades of work in signal processing. Through examples like cardiac monitoring, speech recognition, and brain-computer interfaces, she demonstrated how valuable information is extracted from complex data. Her pioneering work made students aware of how signal processing silently underpins modern life, from AI and healthcare to entertainment.
Notably, Professor Ward highlighted the profound influence of teachers. She recalled her high school math teacher urging her towards science, while her dance teacher advocated for the arts. This experience led her to value educators as "prophets who shape the future," emphasizing their crucial role as "sowers of dreams."
At 82, Professor Ward's energy was captivating. "You are the future of this world," she told THIS students, "you will make it better. Please don't disappoint me!" Her passion and expectations to the young generation deeply moved the audience.
THIS Students' Dialogue with the Scientists

In a subsequent forum, student representatives Isabella Yin (Grade 11) and Andrew Hu (Grade 12) posed thoughtful questions to the professors, covering topics from groundbreaking inventions to careers in the AI era, showcasing THIS students' critical thinking and global perspective.
Professor Ward hailed image/video compression (JPEG/MPEG) as one of the most impactful inventions. Both scientists agreed AI is a powerful tool, not a threat to jobs. "Don't let AI stop you," Professor Ward advised, stressing that engineering provides foundational problem-solving skills. Professor Wang added that lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social responsibility are key for the future.
Landmark Release: THIS Independently Authored AI Book

The event culminated in the launch of AI Unveiled: A Beginner's Guide for Young Minds, an English book authored by THIS faculty.
This book comprehensively introduces AI—its history, technical principles, and ethical application—for secondary students. Featuring illustrations largely created by THIS student artists, the book is designed to foster critical thinking and creativity through interactive learning companions.
THIS AI Coordinator Mr. Long Yuqing introduced the project, acknowledging support from Tsinghua University and Tsinghua University Press. THIS Principal Zhu Ying, editors, and student contributors celebrated the unveiling with enthusiastic applause.
From Master Talk to AI Education
This event was more than knowledge transfer; it was an inspiration. Professor Ward's journey demonstrated the power of passion, perseverance, and inclusive thinking. The book release signifies our THIS commitment to nurturing future innovators.
By bringing students face-to-face with giants in their fields, THIS sows the seeds of dreams, fostering the next generation of explorers and leaders. The pursuit of knowledge never ends, and at THIS, growth is always happening.