Picture source: UBC Forestry
To engage the AP-FECM Steering Committee in advancing innovation in forestry education in the AP-FECM region and keep our communication regular, the AP-FECM Executive Office (EO) has proposed and coordinated the AP-FECM Online Seminar with the confirmation from the AP-FECM Steering Committee.
This seminar will be organized by each AP-FECM Steering Committee on a rotational basis. The on-duty steering committee is responsible for contacting the speaker and promoting the event within their universities and regions. The invited steering committee can give the talk or recommend one expert to give the talk. EO can help promote the seminars to all AP-FECM members and post them on the AP-FECM website. The seminar will be recorded and posted online.
Seminar time: The first Thursday of each month, can be adjusted to another day if necessary.
Seminar frequency and duration: Once per month, 1 hour each time. 45 min presentation+15 min Q&A is recommended.
Seminar topics: In 2025, our webinar focuses on the theme of innovation and new trends in forestry and forestry education. As a result of rapid climate change, biodiversity loss and new technological advances, the continued importance of forests to humans, and the threats that forests face, the careers of forestry professionals are evolving rapidly, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Higher forestry education in the Asia Pacific region has been evolving rapidly over the past few years to keep up with the evolving trends in the forestry sector and to accommodate the needs of students and society.
Innovation and new trends in forestry or forestry education can be shared in the webinars, for example, new trends in technology in forestry, teaching pedagogy, conceptual developments, paradigm shifts and program and curriculum innovation are all suitable topics for webinars.
Our Next Webinar:
AP-FECM webinar
Title: The Application of Virtual Simulation and Large Model in Forestry Education in China
Speaker: Prof. Juan Shi
Beijing Forestry University
Forestry Protection with a Ph.D. in Forestry Sciences
Time: Thur. June 26, 2025, 6–7 PM PDT (Vancouver)
Zoom Link: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/62074157907?pwd=9eezCzhCRdRNJPohckUaDoUba8XEWM.1
Meeting ID: 620 7415 7907
Passcode: 398463
Abstract:
As educational informatization advances, forestry education is transitioning from “emphasizing knowledge over practice” to “integrating knowledge with action.” This report highlights the convergence path of virtual simulation + large language models (LLMs), exploring the practical application of new technologies in forestry education.
Virtual simulation employs 3D modeling and interactive animations to recreate fieldwork scenarios, addressing challenges in traditional training, such as high-risk operations and difficulty in replication. Meanwhile, LLMs enhance text-image comprehension and intelligent Q&A, enabling AI-powered forestry teaching assistants that provide full-process assessment and personalized feedback.
The report demonstrates case studies from multiple forestry universities in courses such as Forest Mensuration, Entomology, and Forest Fire Management. Students can conduct high-difficulty experiments in virtual environments, such as tree harvesting, insect morphology observation, and wildfire suppression, significantly improving accessibility and safety in practical training.
Additionally, intelligent systems like the Niu Xingxing virtual assistant and the Forest Dragon industry LLM have upgraded teaching from knowledge delivery to evaluation and feedback, fostering an immersive educational framework characterized by virtual-physical integration, teaching-assessment unity, and human-AI collaboration. This provides an innovative paradigm for cultivating forestry talent in the new era.
Profile:
My research focuses on utilizing advanced technologies, including risk analysis, eco-friendly pest control, and drone-based early warning systems, to prevent invasive or quarantine forest pests. Specifically, I analyze the genetic structure and functional genes of invasive forest pests, investigate their invasion mechanisms and proliferation patterns, and conduct risk assessments and traceability studies. These efforts aim to achieve earlier detection, smarter prevention, and more sustainable control of invasive pests, thereby safeguarding forest ecosystems.
At Beijing Forestry University, I teach Invasion Biology, General Entomology, and Animal and Plant Quarantine. I have also served as the Deputy Dean of the School of Forestry.
2025 Tentative Schedule
| Seminar time (Vancouver time) | On-duty Steering Committee (Host) | Invited Steering Committee | Speaker | Title |
| 6 PM, February 27, 2025, | AP-FECM Executive Office | Dr. John Innes, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Canada | Dr. Orlando Rojas, University of British Columbia | Bioinnovation Accelerates Through a Cross-Disciplinary Framework |
| 6PM, March 06, 2025 | Dr. John Innes | Dr. Antanas Spokevicius, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia | Dr. Christopher Weston, Associate Professor (Forest Eco, Fire & Soils), University of Melbourne | Forestry Education in Australia – Engaging the Forest Sector |
| 7PM, April 22, 2025 | Dr. Antanas Spokevicius | Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University, Bangladesh | Dr. Guangyu Wang, Associate Dean and Associate Professor, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia | Forest Therapy: Healing Power from Forests — Origin, Theories, Challenges, and Opportunities |
| 7PM, May 08, 2025 | Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin | Dr. Cristián Bonacić, Department of Ecosystems & The Environment, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile | Prof. Pablo I. Becerra, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile | Forestry Education and Professional Practice in Chile |
| 6PM, June 26, 2025 | Dr. Cristián Bonacić | Dr. Xiong Li, Beijing Forestry University, China | Dr. Juan Shi, Beijing Forestry University | The Application of Virtual Simulation and Large Model in Forestry Education in China |
| TBA in July, 2025 | Dr. Xiong Li | Dr. Hao Ren, College of International Education, Nanjing Forestry University, China | ||
| TBA in August, 2025 | Dr. Hao Ren | Dr. Weibin Wang, Southwest Forestry University, China | ||
| TBA in September, 2025 | Dr. Weibin Wang | Dr. Baatarbileg Nachin, National University of Mongolia | ||
| TBA in October, 2025 | Dr. Baatarbileg Nachin | Dr. Jorge Mario Chavez, Faculty of Forestry Sciences, La Molina National Agrarian University, Peru | ||
| TBA in November, 2025 | Dr. Jorge Mario Chavez | Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Philippines Los Baños, Philippines | ||
| TBA in December, 2025 | Dr. Juan M. Pulhin | Dr. DKNG Pushpakumara, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka | ||
| TBA in January, 2026 | Dr. DKNG Pushpakumara | Dr. Rachanee Pothitan, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Thailand | ||
| TBA in February, 2026 | Dr. Rachanee Pothitan | Dr. Hoang Van Sam, Director of International Cooperation Division, Vietnam National University of Forestry | ||