The day’s events began with the KCL AI USA Initiative Launch and Youth Teacher Training Camp, hosted by the Asia Pacific Youth Growth Center (APYGC USA). The event was held at the Triple-I-Academy Irvine headquarters, where more than 100 youth, parents, and guests from the fields of education, media production, technology, public welfare, community service, and youth development gathered to witness the official launch of the program.
The event was co-hosted by Mary Yang, co-founder of the American Asia Pacific Youth Growth Center, and Allen Deng, a representative of outstanding young teacher.
VIP guests and speakers included Mr. Ramses Rashidi, founder of Center for Balanced Development; Ms. Natascha Dammann, founder of House of Us; Dr. Mark A. Rafter, the Modern-Day Marco Polo, board member of Faith & Wonder LLC and executive producer of a new AI series; Ms. April Braswell, international leadership development expert and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM); Dr. Peter Wei, co-founder of Yuyue Baichuan Information Technology and expert partner of Zlead Silicon Valley Council; Dr. Sherry Chen, environmental scientist and founder of StarWise International Education; Ms. Ruizhen Li, co-founder of Triple-I Academy Education, and Marketing Director Mr. Yinchuan; Mr. Tim Lee, principal of Excelsior School; Mr. Steven Chen, founder of Kindness Network; Ms. Sherry Huang, Founder and Executive Director of Hearld Christian Orange County Center; and Ms. Qianqian founder of Irvine Little Singer.
In her opening remarks, Mary Yang introduced the AI curriculum, which is built upon international AICA standards and designed for students ages 5 to 18. Through systematic, standardized, and project-based instruction, the curriculum cultivates artificial intelligence literacy, creativity, and innovative thinking.
Mary stated, “Currently, the project has developed a mature curriculum system, achieved large-scale campus deployment, established a broad partner network, and expanded internationally. It is gradually growing from a single course into an AI education initiative with international promotion potential and global influence.”
Ms. Qian Zeng, Founder of APYGC USA, presented the vision, curriculum framework, and future development plans for the KCL AI USA Program. She introduced the “Five-Step Youth Teacher Growth Path,” outlining a clear pathway for development from “1 to 100” a structured model designed to help young participants strengthen their leadership, communication, and teaching abilities while growing from learners into mentors. She also shared that the program would focus on two key areas: AI curriculum implementation and youth teacher development, with the goal of building a systems project-based AI education ecosystem that serves local communities across the United States. She emphasized that education in the AI era is not solely about technical skills but also about cultivating creativity, responsibility, leadership, and a global perspective.
Following her presentation, distinguished guest speakers from various sectors shared their thoughts and expressed high expectations for the future success of the program.
Ramses Rashidi stated that education in the age of artificial intelligence should focus not only on knowledge and technical skills but also on leadership, creativity, and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of ensuring AI remains aligned with ethical and moral values through responsible human oversight for the benefit of humanity.
Rashidi highly praised KCL AI USA’s philosophy of combining technology education with youth development and expressed his desire to help more young people achieve holistic growth in the future.
Ms. Natascha Dammann shared the importance of community collaboration and intercultural exchange. She believes the program will help young people acquire essential life and leadership skills while strengthening cooperation across cultures and communities.
Speaking as an international professor and from the perspective of educational and creative industry development, Dr. Mark A. Rafter agreed with Rashidi on the importance of maintaining ethical standards and values in AI. He further shared that AI is part of a new technological reformation and that the integration of technology and creativity will provide unprecedented opportunities for young people to explore innovative initiatives and career paths.
Marco stated, “Hollywood and some religious leaders are resisting AI. It is written, ‘Renew your mind and change your thinking.’ Therefore, I say AI is here to stay, and young people should embrace AI. It will provide an avenue for youth creative talents to bypass traditional gatekeepers and create new opportunities to share their creativity with the world.”
Dr. Peter Wei stated that the Innovation AI Curriculum develops artificial intelligence literacy, communication skills, and teamwork through project-based learning. He emphasized that the curriculum helps students better integrate into the global landscape through international perspectives and cross-cultural communication concepts. The audience responded enthusiastically when Dr. Wei quoted Confucius.
Ms. Ma Bei, executive teacher of the Irvine Unified School District ELOP Program, delivered a highly informative bilingual presentation focused on classroom skills training for young teachers. Her session covered student engagement, classroom management, and effective educational practices essential for both in-person and online instruction.
Johnny Zhuang, founder of Standvard Education, shared professional guidance regarding Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programs designed to prepare young instructors for future teaching opportunities and practical activities. His background in psychology, leadership, and organizational management provided valuable insights for participants.
Allen Deng, whom the Modern-Day Marco Polo describes as a “super talent,” served as an outstanding representative of the next generation of educators. Combining technical expertise with humor and exceptional communication skills, Allen delivered an engaging AI demonstration and interactive exchange session.
His bilingual presentation in English and Chinese created an energetic atmosphere that encouraged audience participation and generated overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, parents, and guests alike.
Local Chinese Media Outlets conducted interviews with several participants. Founder Ms. Qian Zeng stated in her interview, “Many students and young participants expressed excitement about upcoming training camps and youth practice projects, with numerous attendees inquiring about registration opportunities during the event.”
Mary Yang did a follow up interview. Mary is a well known as an active Chinese American in the community. She is always positive and her smile can change a room.
The official launch of KCL AI USA marks an important step forward in exploring the integration of AI education, youth teacher training, and leadership development.
Organizers announced that the KCL AI USA Innovation Program will officially launch throughout the United States during the summer of 2026, with training camps scheduled at multiple educational institutions. The initiative will continue inviting schools, educational organizations, and community groups to participate in collaborative efforts aimed at promoting inclusive AI education and creating future-focused opportunities for the next generation.
As the Modern-Day Marco Polo, I am fortunate to attend many educational, business, and cultural events throughout the year. While I appreciated the professional presentations and the vision shared by the speakers, what impressed me most was seeing young people actively engaged, asking questions, and embracing a technology that will undoubtedly shape their future.
Allen Deng’s interactive AI demonstration provided a glimpse into what is possible when education, creativity, and technology come together. It reminded me that artificial intelligence is no longer something waiting on the horizon—it is already here, changing the way we learn, communicate, create, and solve problems.
Throughout my travels across 40 countries and all 50 states, I have learned that every generation faces a defining moment of transformation. For today’s youth, artificial intelligence may be one of those moments. The challenge will not be whether AI exists, but whether young people are prepared to use it wisely, ethically, and creatively.
Programs such as KCL AI USA are helping provide that foundation. By combining technical knowledge with leadership development, communication skills, character building, and global awareness, they are preparing students not simply to use technology, but to help shape the future of it.
As the Modern-Day Marco Polo, I have always believed that bridges between people, cultures, and ideas create the greatest opportunities for humanity. Artificial intelligence is becoming one of those new bridges. The young people willing to cross it with curiosity, courage, and responsibility may very well become the innovators, educators, and leaders who help guide the next chapter of our world.
