Youth Growth in the AI Era: Voice Linking Association Launches the 2025–2026 Academic Year
Toronto, September 7, 2025
The Voice Linking Association (VLA) officially inaugurated its 2025–2026 academic year in Toronto, Canada. The ceremony brought together VLA’s youth participants and parent representatives, while also drawing international guests who joined online.
With the theme “Humanistic Values and Youth Development in the AI Era,” the event outlined VLA’s vision, annual plan, and signature programs—showcasing the vitality, creativity, and warmth of this cross-cultural youth community.
Opening Ceremony Highlights: Building a Platform for Growth and Connection
The ceremony was hosted by Borui Li, Chair of the VLA Board, who extended a warm welcome to all in-person and online participants and expressed special gratitude to Erindale Academy for venue support. He introduced the VLA’s initiatives:
“VLA’s growth depends on every member’s support. We aim to build a platform that transcends age, culture, and geography—where youth, parents, and experts can see one another and grow together.”
Core Philosophy in the AI Era: Humanity as the Constant
In a keynote address, Vice Chair Scarlet Jin presented VLA’s three guiding principles, illustrating the organization’s humanistic foundation.
1. Humanistic Values: The Anchor of the AI Era
Jin observed that as AI advances toward “an IQ of 15,000,” society’s anxiety often overshadows reflection on human essence—our spirit, emotion, faith, and art. Quoting Morgan Housel’s Same as Ever, she emphasized that “human nature remains the only constant amid change.”
VLA’s foremost goal, she explained, is to guide youth toward spiritual life beyond material existence, helping them preserve humanistic values amid technological transformation.
2. Cultural Integration: Drawing Strength from Difference
Comparing the aesthetic depth of Wang Wei’s “The solitary smoke rises straight in the desert” and Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be,” Jin proposed that “culture is not a barrier but nourishment.”
She noted that many Chinese-Canadian youths face identity confusion, and that VLA promotes bilingual reading and intercultural dialogue to help them find confidence rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions.
3. “Slow Is Fast”: Respecting the Natural Rhythm of Growth
Addressing the pressure and anxiety of modern education, Jin described “speed as the trap of slowness.” She cited professionals who rediscover meaning later in life, underscoring VLA’s rejection of utilitarian growth and its belief in nurturing resilience, introspection, and authenticity in youth.
Vioces from VLA’s youth committee
Celine shared her personal journey:
“We are cultural bridge builders. Growth is not about competing with others, but with who we were yesterday.”
She recounted her initial confusion after arriving in Canada—“sitting all afternoon not knowing what to do”—and how VLA helped her rediscover purpose through exploration and community.Messages from Parents & Attendants
1. Parents: VLA as ‘A Light in Our Lives’
Echo Wang, VLA Secretary-General and parent representative, described her son’s transformation—from a quiet child to one who now discusses quantum physics from A Brief History of Time, builds Tableau dashboards on “pet ownership decisions,” and participates in Haiti fundraising drives.
“VLA is not an institution but a community where children are seen, encouraged, and reawakened,” she said.
2. Attendants: ‘A Warm Family of Growth’
David called the Growth Forum “a warm family” where he learned collaboration, empathy, and perseverance.
Rita shared how she overcame self-doubt as a new immigrant, moving from silence to performing in dance and media interviews; now she serves as a youth photographer documenting events.
Marilyn reflected on the sense of responsibility and belonging she developed through 28 sessions.
Charles (speech read by Michael) spoke from Japan, recalling how VLA’s early forums helped him adapt to a new environment and discover leadership through organizing events.
Interactive Dialogue and Future Outlook
The event marked not only the start of VLA’s 2025 academic year but also a shared reflection on the future of education. As a participant concluded:
“AI can replace many tasks, but it can never replace the vitality and emotional connection of human beings.”
VLA will continue to cultivate “humanity as the root, interdisciplinarity as the bridge, and youth as the core,” guiding young people to grow into thoughtful, responsible individuals in an era of rapid change.
About Voice Linking Association (VLA)
Founded in Toronto, Voice Linking Association (VLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth for the future. It provides an innovative platform for exploration, interaction, and awakening—redefining the meaning of education in the AI era.
VLA helps the next generation develop clear judgment, creative thinking, and a global perspective amid technological transformation. Its mission is to transform education from mere knowledge transmission into a journey of self-discovery and purpose, helping every learner find their unique value and meaning.
“Treat the world as your classroom, and grow through action.”
Join VLA to unlock the true power of learning in the AI age.
（Videos of Opening Ceremony have been uploaded to YouTube, please click the YouTube button to view more）
Contact:
Echo Wang
✉️ voicelinkingassociation@gmail.com
📞 +1-647-567-6816
