We are at a critical moment in human history, where modern civilization’s socioeconomic, scientific, and technological paradigms are contributing to both societal alienation and polarization and an increasingly inhospitable planet for humanity and rapid planetary biodiversity loss. In this talk, Dr. Kong will explore ways of combining and integrating ancient and traditional values, philosophies, and practices, from indigenous land management and traditional Chinese medicine, with cutting edge future technologies like synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. Such ‘Ancient Future Technologies’ can connect culture and spiritual practice with advanced tools and technologies, but remain rooted in mutualistic and reciprocal relationships with the living world. He will also discuss the tensions and interfaces between science and spirituality, and how their integration and harmonization may provide guidance in the challenging years ahead.