2010 Nobel Prize Winner in Economic Sciences Explores Global Shifts and the Future of Work in the AI Era

At the 2025 Nobel Laureate Forum, AU alliance high school student Cheng-Hsi Lai (far right) poses a question to Nobel Laureate Prof. Pissarides (second from left), gaining insights directly from the distinguished guest

On June 20, Professor Christopher A. Pissarides, recipient of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, returned to Asia University (AU) to engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with faculty and students. This marks the second time in 14 years that Professor Pissarides has met students from AU, making him one of 18 Nobel Laureates who have participated in AU’s “Nobel Laureate Forum” since it was established in 2010. The forum focused on global economic disruptions and the future of labor in the AI age. Participating students described the experience as deeply inspiring and unforgettable, providing a rare opportunity to interact directly with a Nobel Laureate.

AU President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai opened the forum by referencing A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." He noted that global challenges like climate change, and regional conflicts contribute to uncertainty—making it a "worst of times." Yet with the emergence of AI, we also live in the "best of times." He urged everyone to leverage AI to address global crises, echoing Professor Pissarides’s message that technology can help solve issues such as supply chain disruptions.

President Tsai emphasized that the purpose of the Nobel Laureate Forum is to inspire students by learning from Nobel Laureates’ relentless pursuit of knowledge and global perspectives. He hopes students will cultivate determination, global awareness, and cross-cultural communication and critical thinking skills, regardless of their backgrounds.

AU President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai (far left) and Nobel Laureate Prof. Pissarides (second from left) engage in dialogue with AU students and faculty during the forum

This year’s forum was attended by over 30 AU faculty and students from departments such as Business Administration, Finance, and Accounting, along with international students from Indonesia, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Mongolia. Four high school students from Changhua Senior High School and Changhua Girls’ Senior High School also participated, bringing thoughtful questions on economic issues, tariffs, and Trump-era policies.

Ankita, a doctoral student in Business Administration from India, asked how humans can remain active participants in an AI-driven decision-making world. Professor Pissarides stressed the importance of employer-employee communication and the responsible integration of AI, recommending the development of internal AI governance structures that foster trust and cooperation between humans and machines.

AU student Yu-Er Chien inquired whether the U.S. dollar might lose its role as the global reserve currency if foreign nations stop lending to the U.S. Pissarides responded, “Not likely,” affirming that the U.S. dollar is still dominant in the short term. He noted that the current global economic crisis stems from structural imbalances, which must be addressed through restructured global spending and investment.

Cheng-Hsi Lai, a student from Changhua Girls’ Senior High School and an AU strategic alliance member, asked if former President Trump’s policies ultimately benefited the U.S. economy. Pissarides candidly replied that the situation is deteriorating. While tariffs may be reasonable for industries below critical mass, U.S. companies are already global giants, and tariffs only harm the U.S. economy.

You-Liang Lin from Changhua Senior High School asked how governments can help students prepare for rapid changes in the job market, given the growing availability of real-time employment data. Professor Pissarides emphasized the need for educational systems to provide core competencies while also adapting to evolving industry demands through flexible skill-based training.

President Tsai concluded by commending students for their global awareness and proactive learning, noting that this forum was not just academic but a powerful cross-cultural, cross-generational, and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. Events like this help AU students become innovative thinkers prepared for future global challenges.

President Tsai (seated, far left) and Prof. Pissarides (seated, second from left) pose for a group photo with AU students and international students after the session

Fourteen years later, AU students and faculty meet again with Nobel Laureate Prof. Pissarides

At the 2025 Nobel Laureate Forum, AU President Tsai (far left), Prof. Pissarides (fifth from left), Premier Cho Jung-tai, and other guests gather for a group photo