Chula’s 5th President’s Distinguished Speakers Event Inspires Lifelong Learning for the AI Economy 

On October 6, 2025, Chulalongkorn University’s Learning Innovation Center, in collaboration with Coursera for Campus, organized the 5th President’s Distinguished Speakers event at Room 801, Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building (Chamchuri 10). The event was opened by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and featured a special lecture titled: “Purpose-Driven Learning: The Human Foundation for Flourishing in an AI-Powered Economy” 

The speaker was Dr. Victor Strecher, a pioneering professor at the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, and a well-known behavioral scientist, author, and educator on Coursera. He is the creator of the acclaimed online course “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life,” ranked the 4th best online course in the world in 2020 by Inc. Magazine. The session was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thiraput Pitichat, Assistant to the President for Organizational Development. 

Key Highlights from Dr. Victor Strecher’s Talk: 

Dr. Strecher shared insights on purpose-driven learning as a foundational element for building resilience, well-being, and high performance in the AI era. He emphasized how connecting “life purpose” to “skill development” can unlock personal and organizational innovation in a rapidly changing world. The lecture attracted a large audience, including faculty, staff, and students. 

He stressed that humans need more than just energy and skills —they need a clear life purpose, a guiding “compass” that directs their actions. He encouraged the audience to find inspiration in discovering their purpose. For example, he explained that fear creates mental barriers, but purpose is the only force that can break them down. 

“Don’t let fear control your life. The brain is for thinking, not for being ruled by fear,” he said. “True life’s purpose is driven by inner values—it organizes life toward what truly matters. People with a clear purpose are four times less likely to consider self-harm than those without one. Having a reason to wake up each morning is the best medicine for the mind.” 

AI as a Tool for Human Empowerment 

Dr. Strecher also touched on the dual nature of AI, noting that it can either displace jobs or elevate human potential exponentially, depending on whether it is used with purpose. 

“We often talk about AI as if it’s one thing. In fact, it represents many forms of intelligence, and we must learn how to coexist with it. If we understand ourselves, we’ll know which types of AI suit us best. AI can’t replace everything human, but it can amplify our truest selves.” 

Health and Public Well-being Through Purpose 

From a public health perspective, he argued that health care shouldn’t focus only on prevention or treatment but also on helping people live meaningful lives with a clear sense of direction. 

Research shows that reflecting on personal values and envisioning one’s future self can stimulate brain functions responsible for identity, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. 

Integrating Purpose with AI and Skills 

Dr. Strecher concluded that when identity and life purpose are well connected with AI tools, AI becomes a “multiplier” that supports and empowers personal identity models. Blending skills with life purpose creates learners and leaders who are more hopeful and confident in their direction and capabilities. 

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