As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms science, art, business, and the global workforce, every industry is undergoing unprecedented change. The year 2025 has been dubbed the "Year of AI Agents," marking a significant shift in how we interact with technology. Coinciding with this milestone, BCIS celebrates its 20th anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for the future.

As part of its bi-annual Shaping Our Future forum series, BCIS welcomed Stephen Witt, a renowned Silicon Valley writer and author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, NVIDIA, and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip for an in-depth discussion on AI’s impact on education and career development. This event also marked Witt’s first visit to China, drawing an audience of over 300 BCIS community members, packing out the theater, eager to engage with his insights.

How did NVIDIA rise to become one of the world’s most valuable tech companies? How did AI transition from science fiction to reality? What fundamental changes will AI bring to jobs and essential skills? And perhaps most critically—will AI ultimately threaten humanity?

These thought-provoking questions fueled a dynamic discussion among Witt, BCIS students, faculty, parents, and guests.

Witt began by examining the leadership of NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, describing him as "extraordinary," "brilliant," and a "rule-breaker"—a combination of traits that has shaped the trajectory of the global tech industry. His story prompts an important reflection: What qualities truly matter in an era of rapid technological change?

NVIDIA’s journey has been anything but smooth. The company started as a gaming hardware manufacturer and came close to bankruptcy multiple times. Yet, Huang remained steadfast in his belief in CUDA, a technology that, at the time, investors and industry experts largely dismissed. That unwavering conviction allowed NVIDIA to seize an early advantage in AI computing, ultimately positioning itself as a dominant force in the industry.

Witt emphasized that Huang’s success isn’t solely a product of intelligence—it stems from a rare blend of deep technical expertise and a willingness to challenge industry norms. “He’s not just willing to put in the work to master complex subjects,” Witt noted with a smile, “he’s also unafraid to disrupt existing systems and reimagine what’s possible. That combination is incredibly rare and, ultimately, what sets him apart.”

At one point, a BCIS teacher asked, "What can educators learn from Jensen Huang and NVIDIA?"

Witt’s response was strikingly clear: “A teacher’s most valuable skill is foresight.”

He argued that in an AI-driven world, educators must view AI as a tool rather than a threat and proactively adapt their teaching approaches for the next 5-10 years. “AI isn’t the downfall of education,” he said. “It may, in fact, be the greatest opportunity we’ve ever had.”

While AI can provide instant access to information, Witt stressed that education’s true value lies in dialogue, critical thinking, and human connection. The best students won’t just use AI to find answers; they will ask the questions AI cannot answer.

Reflecting on his own writing process, Witt shared a personal insight: “I used AI while writing this book, and it was helpful. But it also made me wonder—what will books look like in the future?”

He explained that while his research involved over 200 hours of interviews, only about 1% made it into the final book. The remaining 99% remains stored on his hard drive. “Imagine a future where AI can take that data and dynamically generate content tailored to a reader’s interests,” he suggested. “The way we consume information could become far more interactive and personalized.”

Similarly, he proposed that AI-powered textbooks could evolve to meet the unique needs of individual learners, reshaping the way education is delivered.

Of course, AI’s rise isn’t without controversy. One audience member raised concerns about AI’s ethical implications. Witt acknowledged that this is a debate happening worldwide—with no clear answers yet.

He recalled a particularly intense conversation with Jensen Huang on this topic, noting that even the pioneers of AI are still grappling with its long-term consequences.

On the impact of AI on the job market, Witt recognized both challenges and opportunities. He pointed out that the immense computing power required for AI is driving global energy demands. For example, in the United States, AI-related energy consumption is projected to rise by 20% over the next decade. This, he suggested, could spark innovation in areas like nuclear energy. He also encouraged students to pay attention to global economic shifts, trade dynamics, and AI’s potential applications in sustainability, such as carbon reduction and climate modeling.