< Back

Harnessing the Power of AI for Student Wellbeing: Insights from the Indonesia Future of Learning Summit 2024

Last Saturday, I had the honour of speaking at the Indonesia Future of Learning Summit 2024, an event that gathered some of the brightest minds in education and AI. Organised by the remarkable Pepita Gunawan from REFO Indonesia, the summit provided a unique platform to delve into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. It wasn’t just about technology—it was about transformation, focusing on how AI can be utilised to improve the holistic development of students, particularly their mental and emotional wellbeing.

It was an absolute privilege to share my thoughts on the intersection of AI and student wellbeing, a topic that lies at the heart of what we do at Zoala. At the summit, the speakers not only shared their expertise but also opened up a meaningful dialogue on the ethical and practical considerations needed for AI integration in education. I came away from the event both inspired and energised by the collective vision shared among us.

AI in Education: Beyond the Classroom

One of the key insights from the summit was the sheer potential of AI to reshape the educational landscape. It’s not just about smarter teaching tools or personalised learning pathways—although these are undoubtedly important. The real promise of AI lies in its ability to support the entire student experience, including their mental health and wellbeing.

In today’s world, students face mounting pressures. Academic performance, social challenges, and the complexity of digital life all contribute to stress and anxiety. While traditional education has always focused on intellectual development, we are beginning to recognise that mental and emotional wellbeing are just as crucial to a student’s success and growth. AI, when implemented thoughtfully, offers us the ability to address these aspects in new and impactful ways.

At Zoala, we’ve always believed that technology can be a force for good in supporting mental health. Our platform uses AI-driven insights to provide students with personalised support, helping to identify potential wellbeing concerns early and offering access to resources that are both timely and relevant. By lowering the barriers to engagement, AI helps students who might otherwise struggle in silence. The beauty of this is that it enables schools and educators to intervene sooner, offering the right support before issues become more serious.

A Shared Vision with Fellow Speakers

I was in good company at the summit, with each speaker bringing their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Noudhy Valdryno’s presentation on AI governance and readiness in Indonesia was particularly insightful. His discussion highlighted the importance of preparing the right infrastructure and policies to support AI in education. As with any new technology, we must ensure that AI is deployed responsibly and effectively. This includes making sure schools have the resources and guidance they need to use AI to its full potential.

Dr. Ego Obi’s talk on AI ethics and responsible use was another standout. His message was a timely reminder that while we embrace AI’s capabilities, we must remain vigilant about fairness, transparency, and the ethical implications of AI in the classroom. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of innovation, but we must never lose sight of the fact that our students’ wellbeing comes first. Every AI solution we develop must be designed with fairness and inclusivity in mind.

One of the most exciting moments of the day was hearing Miklos Sunario speak about EduBeyond, an incredible AI tool for educators. His presentation demonstrated how AI can empower teachers by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on what really matters: fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. EduBeyond isn’t just a teaching aid—it’s a revolutionary approach to transforming the way we think about education. As a fellow advocate for the use of AI in schools, I was captivated by its potential to enhance the role of teachers, not replace them.

The Role of AI in Supporting Wellbeing

My own talk centred around AI’s application in student wellbeing. For too long, the conversation around AI has been focused on academic performance, but it’s time we broaden that discussion to include wellbeing. With AI, we have a real opportunity to enhance not just learning outcomes, but also the mental and emotional health of our students.

We all know that wellbeing is a complex and multifaceted issue. It’s not something that can be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s where AI comes in. Through machine learning and data-driven insights, AI has the capacity to understand the individual needs of students on a deeper level. Whether it’s through analysing engagement patterns, monitoring stress signals, or providing direct access to support services, AI can help schools adopt a more proactive approach to mental health.

However, while AI offers incredible possibilities, it is crucial that we approach its use with caution. We must ensure that any AI-driven solution is rooted in ethical practices, with privacy and data protection at the forefront. Student wellbeing cannot be compromised by a misuse of technology. At Zoala, we’ve made it a priority to ensure that our AI-driven wellbeing tools are not only effective but also safe, secure, and aligned with global standards for ethical AI use.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future

One of my key takeaways from the summit was the shared vision of how AI can transform education. But this transformation is only possible if we work together—educators, technologists, policymakers, and mental health professionals must collaborate to create systems that benefit everyone. AI alone isn’t the answer, but AI combined with human insight, ethical frameworks, and a deep understanding of student needs can bring about meaningful change.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Pepita Gunawan for organising such an inspiring event and for giving me the platform to share Zoala’s vision of student wellbeing in the AI age. I’m equally grateful to my fellow speakers, Noudhy Valdryno, Dr. Ego Obi, and Miklos Sunario, for their invaluable contributions. Each of their talks reinforced the importance of ethical AI, readiness, and support for educators, all of which are critical as we embark on this journey.

Finally, I want to acknowledge our team member Sieh Feng L., who spent the weekend in Jakarta with me, sharing our passion for mental wellness first. It’s this kind of dedication and teamwork that drives our mission at Zoala to put student wellbeing at the forefront of education.

As we move forward, I’m excited about the collaborations and partnerships that lie ahead. To all the educators, futurists, and leaders who are embracing AI as a tool for positive change: kudos to you. Together, we can shape a future where AI doesn’t just enhance learning but enriches the lives of students by supporting their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Thank you again for this opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Here’s to a future of learning that prioritises mental wellness first. Let’s keep the dialogue going.

About the author:

Jeff Lee is the Founder and CEO of Zoala, a platform focused on supporting student mental wellbeing through AI-driven tools and resources. He is passionate about integrating technology with mental health support, aiming to enhance both learning outcomes and emotional wellbeing in schools. Jeff often engages in public speaking and collaboration with global educators and innovators to drive positive change in education through ethical AI solutions.