"The more pervasive machines become, the more we need to cultivate the 'most human' qualities in the young generation," said Wu Rongjin, principal of Shanghai Huangpu Luwan No 1 Central Primary School.

Education experts believe preparing young people for the future involves developing and strengthening "uniquely human" qualities that cannot be replaced by machines, and fostering lifelong learning habits and the ability to keep acquiring new skills. School education should shift from merely acquiring knowledge to developing skills that cultivate human traits like empathy, creativity, ethics and collaboration, they said.

"In the legal field, AI can read thousands of pages in seconds but doesn't understand justice; and AI in medicine can diagnose health conditions but cannot hold a patient's trembling hand," Wu explained." The magic of human-machine collaboration lies here: Machines are responsible for efficient execution, while value judgments and the development of a humane character are beyond their reach."

In some primary schools in Shanghai's Huangpu and Jiading districts, weekly "emotional education classes" have become a compulsory part of the curriculum. The ultimate goal is to help children grow into well-rounded individuals with positive emotions, a stable mood, and "noble" character traits, that is, the ability to show concern for others.

"These qualities distinguish humans from machines, and are essential for navigating future challenges and adapting to societal changes, especially in the AI era," said Wu.

"Emotional intelligence, along with independent critical thinking, logical reasoning, and perseverance, benefits an individual's lifelong development," she said.