Abstract
As geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and changing migration policies continue to reshape global student mobility, universities are increasingly exploring resilient and sustainable models of internationalisation. Transnational Education (TNE) has emerged as a strategic mechanism, enabling institutions to diversify their global engagement and build international partnerships beyond traditional recruitment pathways. While China’s TNE landscape is mature and increasingly competitive, emerging markets are presenting new opportunities for institutions seeking to expand their international footprint. A critical question arises: can China’s successful TNE models be adapted to other emerging markets across the Asia-Pacific? This session explores how institutions can adapt proven TNE models across markets while responding to local regulatory, cultural, and technological environments. Drawing on case studies and practical examples, it focuses on the realities of cross-border program delivery, including how institutions have navigated China’s unique digital ecosystem, platform accessibility challenges, and evolving technology landscape through collaborative problem-solving and trusted partnerships. This session will identify which elements of successful TNE models are transferable and which require localisation. It also considers how Artificial Intelligence is creating opportunities to support partnership management and strategic decision-making, while highlighting the enduring importance of human-centered approaches to building sustainable and impactful international partnerships.Learning objectives
Participants will gain insights into:- Identify the key success factors underpinning China’s TNE growth and partnership models.
- Evaluate the opportunities and challenges of adapting these models to emerging markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
- Analyse the influence of local policy, culture, workforce needs, and institutional priorities on TNE sustainability.
- Explore how AI can support partnership management and increase TNE adaptability in the local digital ecosystem.
- Develop strategies for balancing model replication with local adaptation while expanding TNE delivery across Asia-Pacific markets.
Target audience
This session will be relevant for participants:- Institutions that are expanding TNE delivery across emerging Asia-Pacific markets
- Senior leaders and Directors responsible for internationalisation strategy
- Head of Global Partnerships
- Leaders in the Technical Team who enable TNE offshore delivery
- International professionals
