Program

The APAIE 2026 official program is scheduled in Hong Kong Standard Time zone (GMT+8). To check the program times in your location, use a time zone converter.

As more information becomes available – this page will be updated so please make sure to check back regularly.

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Mon 23 February
09:00-10:15
First Timers Briefing and Networking
Level 4, S421
10:30-12:00
Hong Kong Higher Education Seminar
Level 4, S421
13:00-16:00
Tue 24 February
07:15-08:15
08:15-08:30
15min Transition
CONCURRENTS
EXHIBITION
08:30 – 17:30
08:30-09:15
CONCURRENT 1A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 1B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 1C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 1D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 1E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 1F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
The rising appeal of study destinations in East Asia: Agencies as the missing link for student growth and diversification
From overwhelm to action. Turning data into strategy in international education
Bridging Borders: The Transformative Power of Student Mobility in Fostering Global Understanding and Conflict Resolution
Running the Engine: Lessons from Administering 1,000+ Study Tours with Faculty, Providers and University Systems
Excellence in National Strategies and Student Experience
Voices of Inclusion: Partnerships for Global Advocacy

The rising appeal of study destinations in East Asia: Agencies as the missing link for student growth and diversification

Chair: Martijn VAN DE VEENChief Business Development Officer, ICEF | the Netherlands

Martijn VAN DE VEENChief Business Development Officer, ICEF | the Netherlands
Hiroshi OTADirector, Hitotsubashi University Global Education Program (HGP) Professor, Center for General Education, Hitotsubashi University | Japan
Woo-young SHINCEO / Secretary-General, University Network for International Education | South Korea
Joonas SALOManaging Director, Asia Exchange, part of Keystone Education Group | Finland

Abstract:
East Asian study destinations, particularly Japan and South Korea, are rapidly gaining prominence due to their quality education, cultural appeal, and relative affordability. With Japan targeting 400,000 international students by 2033, South Korea targeting 300,000 by 2027, and other East Asian governments showcasing similar ambitions, adopting proven recruitment channels is essential. However, many institutions in the region are not fully leveraging a critical channel for growth: strategic partnerships with student recruitment agencies. Presenting recent data on student interest and the unique appeal of Japan and South Korea, this session unpacks the immense potential of this ‘missing link’ to connect with a diverse global student population.

We will debunk common misconceptions and provide a clear framework for building successful partnerships. The discussion covers practical strategies for finding and vetting quality agencies, defining roles and responsibilities, and providing the necessary institutional support to ensure fruitful collaboration. Drawing on recruitment data and case studies from traditional destinations where agencies are integral to success, we will demonstrate how a robust agency network can significantly expand and diversify international student enrolment. This session provides a roadmap for emerging destinations in East Asia to achieve their full recruitment potential on the global stage.

Learning objectives:

  • Analyse recent data and trends driving the appeal of Japan and South Korea as study destinations.
  • Define the strategic value of agencies beyond simple placement, including various partnership models and fee structures.
  • Develop a process for identifying and vetting qualified and professionally screened agency partners.
  • Apply best practices for managing agency relationships effectively, informed by concrete case studies of success.
  • Adapt the agency partnership model to the unique institutional and national contexts of Japan and Korea (e.g., admission timelines, entrance exams, student caps).

Target audience:
Professionals in international student recruitment, admissions, marketing, and leadership at HEIs. Especially relevant for those from emerging destinations in East Asia (e.g., Japan, South Korea) seeking to explore new and sustainable
recruitment channels for growth and diversification.

From overwhelm to action. Turning data into strategy in international education

Chair: Alison JENKINS, Executive Vice President, APAC, Studyportals | Australia

Marnie WATSON, Vice President Global, Griffith University | Australia
Daniel CRAGG, Director, Nous Group | Australia

Abstract:

In today’s global education landscape, professionals are surrounded by data – from web analytics and market research to enrolment trends and impact evaluations. Yet many institutions struggle with analysis paralysis and don’t know where to start, how to interpret the data, or how to convert it into meaningful strategy and outcomes.

This session will explore how to cut through the noise and use data effectively to inform international education strategy. Whether you’re not using data at all, overwhelmed by too much of it, or stuck trying to translate insights into executive buy-in, this session is for you.

Through practical examples and case studies from the Asia-Pacific region, the session will showcase tools and techniques for:

  • Tracking global and regional trends
  • Identifying market opportunities through supply and demand analysis
  • Measuring the impact of your international education activities

In line with the conference theme of Asia-Pacific Partnerships for Global Good, this session will highlight that institutions don’t need to navigate the data journey alone. There are many valuable data sources—some freely available—as well as partners who can support universities in turning data into strategy.

Learning objectives:

  • Recognise common challenges in using data and how to overcome analysis paralysis
  • Identify key sources of demand and supply data to inform strategic planning
  • Understand how to use data to measure the success and impact of recruitment, TNE, and other international education activities
  • Gain practical tools and case studies to communicate insights and influence strategic investment – Discover opportunities for cross-sector collaboration using both free and paid data sources

Target audience:
International education professionals across recruitment, marketing, planning, operations, strategy, and new program development—anyone seeking to use data more effectively to inform decision-making and drive institutional strategy.

Bridging Borders: The Transformative Power of Student Mobility in Fostering Global Understanding and Conflict Resolution

Chair: Guy PERRING, Regional Director Asia, ETIO | Malaysia

Jonathan LEMBRIGHT, Regional Director, IIE | Malaysia
Sebastian GRIES, Indonesia, Regional Director, DAAD | Indonesia

Abstract:

In an era marked by international tensions and fractures, the role of student mobility has never been more vital. This dynamic presentation explores how student exchanges and international mobility initiatives can serve as powerful catalysts for peace, mutual understanding, and conflict resolution across the globe.

Combining compelling data-driven insights with personal stories from students and academics, we will demonstrate how mobility programs transcend individual benefits—acting as bridges that connect nations, break down misconceptions, and foster dialogues in even the most challenging circumstances.

Case studies drawing on work in Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong in partnership with US, Germany and Mainland China will highlight the increased importance of bilateral understanding between nations.

Join us to discover how empowering students as global ambassadors can lead to meaningful change, helping to mend global divides and promote a more peaceful, understanding world. If we truly believe in the transformative potential of

student exchanges, this session will challenge us to harness that power for the greater good—one student, one partnership, one understanding at a time.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the Role of Student Mobility in Peacebuilding: Explain how international student exchanges and mobility initiatives can serve as catalysts for peace, mutual understanding, and conflict resolution globally.
  • Evaluate Case Studies: Assess real-world examples from Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of bilateral understanding and collaborative efforts facilitated by partnerships with the US, Germany, and Mainland China.
  • Recognize the Transformative Potential of Students as Global Ambassadors: Discuss how empowering students to become cultural ambassadors can foster dialogue, break down misconceptions, and promote international cooperation.
  • Promote Active Engagement and Collaboration: Encourage participants to consider how they can support or expand mobility programs to contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.

Target audience:

All should be concerned with this topic due to its contemporary relevance, but of particular interest to those involved in setting up student mobility programmes and measuring their effectiveness both for the student and the wider community.

Running the Engine: Lessons from Administering 1,000+ Study Tours with Faculty, Providers and University Systems

Chair: Steven MCDONALD, Manager Learning Abroad (Short Programs), Western Sydney University | Australia

Steven MCDONALD, Manager Learning Abroad (Short Programs), Western Sydney University | Australia
Jerome LE CARROU, Founder and Executive Director, Next Step Connections | Thailand
Krishan PRASAD, Lecture and Expert Trip Leader, Western Sydney University | Australia

Abstract:

Delivering high-quality short-term learning abroad programs at scale requires strategic coordination across university systems, academic leadership and global partners. This session brings together three complementary perspectives to explore what it takes to build and sustain impactful mobility initiatives. Steve McDonald, a university administrator with more than two decades of experience, has overseen thousands of study tours and leads the Short Programs portfolio at Western Sydney University, bridging institutional policy with academic and operational needs. Krishan Prasad, a faculty member and seasoned trip leader, has led more than a dozen programs in four years, offering front-line insights into student engagement, curriculum design and risk management. Jérôme Le Carrou, founder of Next Step Connections and recognised among the ASEAN Network’s 30 influential leaders in Asia, brings a provider’s view of the evolving global mobility landscape, including the rise of virtual and hybrid experiences. Together, they’ll unpack the key drivers of program success—from academic alignment and compliance to logistics, innovation and long-term partnerships. This session will explore proven practices, common pitfalls and emerging models, offering practical takeaways for institutions looking to scale meaningful and sustainable learning abroad programs.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the essential elements for delivering learning abroad programs at scale, including academic, operational and policy considerations.
  • Explore the roles and collaboration required between administrators, academic staff and external providers to ensure program success.
  • Identify common challenges and missteps in planning and delivering faculty-led programs, and how to address them proactively.
  • Gain insight into the evolving landscape, including trends in virtual and hybrid experiences.
  • Learn how to align program design with institutional goals, student learning outcomes and compliance requirements.
  • Hear tested strategies for fostering meaningful student engagement before, during and after global experiences.
  • Discover examples of innovative practices and scalable models that can be adapted across different institutional contexts.
  • Take away actionable ideas and tools to enhance quality, sustainability and impact in short-term learning abroad initiatives.

Target audience:

This session is ideal for international education professionals involved in learning abroad, faculty-led programs, global mobility strategy, academic coordination, or partnership development—particularly those looking to scale high-quality short-term programs across diverse institutional settings.

Excellence in National Strategies and Student Experience (panel session)

Chair and presenters:
details will be provided in due course

Abstract:
will be provided in due course

Learning objectives:
will be provided in due course

Target audience:
will be provided in due course

Voices of Inclusion: Partnerships for Global Advocacy

Chair: Patricia MONTAÑO SALINAS, Innovation and International Networks Director, Tecnológico de Monterrey | Mexico

Wanda PREISER, Head, Office of International Engagement, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore
Mellissa WITHERS, Innovation and International Networks Director, Tecnológico de Monterrey | United States of America
Adriana Rojas, Senior Director, Programs, Association of Pacific Rim Universities | Hong Kong

Abstract:

Global partnerships serve as vital catalysts for tackling complex global challenges—ranging from Indigenous knowledges production and preservation to health equity and sustainable development. By uniting diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise, these collaborations offer powerful pathways for collective action.

Simultaneously, universities play a transformative role in preparing students with the interdisciplinary skills, global consciousness, and ethical grounding needed to translate learning into meaningful, real-world impact. This panel examines the evolving role of universities as champions of global advocacy and social good, emphasizing strategies for inclusive, accessible, and equitable partnerships that can empower students to become agents of change. Recognizing that not all partnerships are inherently equitable, institutions are increasingly scrutinizing their collaborations to ensure they are rooted in mutual respect, shared leadership, and reciprocal benefit.

Drawing on case studies from the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the session will showcase how initiatives such as: Global Sustainability: The Waste and the City course bridges academia and industry to transform the educational experience, Indigenous Knowledges Network amplifies First Nations perspectives in global research and curricula and the Global Health Program and other student programs enrich student learning by fostering international, interdisciplinary partnerships that connect learners with global experts, real-world challenges, and diverse perspectives.

Learning objectives:

  • Analyze inclusive partnership models that empower students and decentralize global knowledge production. – Discuss strategies to scale local solutions through equitable, cross-border collaborations and international networks.
  • Explore tools such as COIL and interdisciplinary networks for real-world impact and global advocacy.
  • Explore strategies for building sustainable, cross-border academic partnerships that support student mobility and collaborative learning.
  • Address challenges of aligning institutional policies with global equity goals.
  • Examine approaches to innovative design and collaboration across the Pacific Ocean which increase access and participation in mobility programs, especially for students from underrepresented or resource-constrained backgrounds.

This session is a roadmap for leaders committed to turning advocacy into measurable action.

Target audience:

Ideal for senior leaders, external relations officers, and diversity officers, this session blends case studies with actionable metrics to advance inclusion and sustainability campus-wide.

09:15-09:20
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
09:20-09:50
CONCURRENT 2A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 2B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 2C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 2D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 2E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 2F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Programs
Title
Regional update Japan / South Korea
New Destinations: How Emerging Hubs Are Reshaping Global Higher Education
Integrating Sustainable Development Goals within Asia Pacific Universities: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
Driving Climate Action Forward: Insights on Strategic Implementation and Good Practice
Beyond Exchange: Reimagining Global Learning Through Immersive Co-Teaching and Co-Project Models
The Hong Kong Heist: How Safety, Work Rights & $15K Degrees Are Stealing Global Talent

Information coming soon.

New Destinations: How Emerging Hubs Are Reshaping Global Higher Education

Chair: Rebecca BENDALL, Director, Partnership Development, Australia and New Zealand, Acumen | Australia

Rebecca BENDALL, Director, Partnership Development, Australia and New Zealand, Acumen | Australia
Filiz BLOCK, Partnership Director, Australia and New Zealand, Acumen | Australia

Abstract:

While traditional destinations like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada remain dominant, a new wave of education hubs such as Germany, Japan, France, and Malaysia, are rapidly transforming the global higher education landscape. These nations are not just attracting students; they are innovating transnational education (TNE), investing in research partnerships, and embedding their education models in South Asia and beyond.

As international student mobility diversifies, there are key lessons for all institutions navigating this shift. How are these new destinations successfully expanding their influence? What strategies can traditional markets adopt to remain competitive? And how can universities in India and Southeast Asia leverage these evolving dynamics to build stronger, more sustainable partnerships?

This session will unpack these trends, explore innovative engagement models, and discuss the future of global higher education in a rapidly changing world.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore how new education destinations are innovating to attract students from Asia, South Asia and other regions.
  • Analyse the strategies driving their expansion and market share growth.
  • Examine case studies of successful transnational education models and institutional collaborations.
  • Identify lessons for traditional destinations to stay competitive in a shifting landscape.
  • Discuss the broader implications of these trends on global student mobility and partnerships.

Target audience:

Those working in recruitment and admissions.

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals within Asia Pacific Universities: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

Chair: Chelsey LAIRD, Director, University Mobility of Asia Pacific | Canada

Abdul Latiff AHMAD, Senior Lecturer, Centre For Research In Media And Communication, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Malaysia
Joyce TEO, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Global Engagement), Universiti Brunei Darussalam | Brunei Darussalam
Chelsey LAIRD, Director, University Mobility of Asia Pacific | Canada

Abstract:

This data-driven presentation explores the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) within universities across the Asia Pacific region. Drawing from both quantitative and qualitative research, the study examines practices, structures, and challenges involved in developing a regional, consortium-based sustainability framework. A total of 442 international students and 171 institutional officers in internationalisation, strategy, and sustainability responded to structured surveys. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten national secretariats and thirteen academic representatives from across the region. Findings reveal that universities are increasingly embedding SDG components into teaching, research, and campus life. While administrators and academics highlight institutional commitment, students report a moderate understanding of SDGs, stressing the need for greater community engagement, virtual collaboration, and volunteering opportunities. This session will present diverse stakeholder perspectives, offering practical insights into advancing SDG implementation through inclusive, cross-border collaboration in higher education.

Learning objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify how universities across the Asia Pacific region are integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into teaching, research, and campus engagement activities.
  • Understand the perspectives of students, academics, and institutional officers on the opportunities and challenges of embedding SDGs in higher education systems.
  • Gain insights on the regional strategies and collaborative frameworks that support sustainable development in international education contexts.

Target audience:

Those with interest in SDG, International Educators and Practitioners.

Driving Climate Action Forward: Insights on Strategic Implementation and Good Practice

Chair: TBC

Ailsa LAMONT, Co-Founder and CEO, International Education Sustainability Group (IESG) | Australia

Abstract:

This session explores a data-driven approach to climate action within international education units at higher education institutions.
Through data collection and analysis from institutions worldwide, the Climate Action Barometer highlights both progress and gaps in climate action efforts, fostering a framework for continuous improvement. CAB partners from Australia and New Zealand will join us to share their firsthand experience with embedding more environmentally friendly practices across education abroad and transnational education (TNE) through their participation in the CAB.

Learning objectives:

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of: climate action opportunities within international education good practices from institutions globally who are innovating in this field – areas where progress can have the most impact in terms of both emissions reduction and sustainability education.

The session will provide an opportunity to explore results, discuss implementation strategies, and innovate strategies for accelerating climate action.

Target audience:

This session will be of interest to anyone working in the field of international education, but we will draw particularly on three main areas:

  • Global learning and study abroad
  • Transnational education (TNE)
  • The power of collaborative networks to advance change.

Beyond Exchange: Reimagining Global Learning Through Immersive Co-Teaching and Co-Project Models

Chair: Kevin KOH, Head, SMU-X, Singapore Management University | Singapore

Kevin KOH, Head, SMU-X, Singapore Management University | Singapore
Derek CHIANG, Senior Manager (Senior Development Partner), Singapore Management University | Singapore
Joyce TAY, Senior Manager (Development Partner), Singapore Management University | Singapore

Abstract:

As global challenges grow in complexity, universities must go beyond traditional models of internationalisation to equip students with the intercultural fluency, adaptability, and problem-solving skills needed to lead in a fractured world. This session explores how Singapore Management University (SMU) reimagines global learning through SMU-X and SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) – interdisciplinary, project-based learning programmes that embed immersive global experiences into the curriculum.

Participants will learn how SMU integrates co-teaching, open-ended real-world challenges, and cross-cultural mentorship into collaborative courses with international partners. Drawing from over 6,000 completed projects including joint modules with universities in Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and beyond, this session highlights how intentional design fosters student agency, intercultural competence, and resilience.

Presenters will also share models for global co-projects that balance academic rigour with flexibility, support equitable partnerships, and encourage reflection as a core learning process. This session invites institutions to rethink global education not as mobility, but as meaningful, transformative collaboration across borders.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore how interdisciplinary, project-based learning can enhance global education.
  • Understand the principles and practices of immersive co-teaching and co-project course design.
  • Learn how to scaffold intercultural competence and student agency through real-world challenges and reflection.
  • Gain insights from tested models of SMU-X/SMU-XO collaborations with international partners.
  • Identify key strategies to build equitable, scalable, and resilient global learning partnerships.

Target audience:

Academic leaders, international partnership directors, faculty, instructional designers, and global engagement professionals seeking innovative, sustainable, and student-centred approaches to cross-border collaboration and transformative global learning.

The Hong Kong Heist: How Safety, Work Rights & $15K Degrees Are Stealing Global Talent

Chair: TBC

Jerry HE, Partnerships Director, IDP Education | New Zealand
Jing WEN MUDirector of International and Strategy at HKBU | Hong Kong

Abstract:

As international student mobility evolves, Hong Kong is emerging as a compelling option – but what exactly drives this interest? Is it the destination’s cultural uniqueness, or the strategic value of its qualifications and transnational education (TNE) offerings?

This session will explore the factors positioning Hong Kong as a rising study choice, using comparative benchmarks against Australia, the UK, and the US in cost, safety, employability, and post-study outcomes. Drawing on IDP’s Emerging Futures research and qualitative interviews from our IDP network, we’ll unpack student perspectives highlighting key decision triggers, language barriers, and perceived advantages.

We’ll also examine Hong Kong’s growing role as a TNE hub, where over 70% of programs are UK-delivered, and how institutions can leverage this for global partnerships. With geopolitical shifts such as the redirected demand following Harvard’s international student ban, institutions must adapt quickly to remain competitive.

Our session will offer insights into student motivations, Hong Kong’s unique regional positioning, and policy considerations to help institutions capitalise on these trends. It will underscore Hong Kong’s growing significance as a future education hub and demonstrate how strategic collaboration, facilitated by insights from partners like IDP Education, can foster stronger “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good.”

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the factors influencing student choice of Hong Kong as a study destination.
  • Explore the strategic value of TNE in Hong Kong, particularly the prevalence of UK-delivered programs and how this model supports institutional growth and student accessibility, contributing to diversified global education opportunities. Gain insight into student decision-making drivers and pain points to inform more effective recruitment and partnership strategies.
  • Identify how policy updates and geopolitical shifts – like redirected demand from the US – impact student flows, and what this means for destination markets such as Hong Kong, framing these shifts as opportunities for new “Asia-Pacific Partnerships.”
  • Learn how institutions can adapt their recruitment and partnership strategies to respond to emerging opportunities in Hong Kong, with a focus on leveraging data and market expertise from organisations like IDP Education to build sustainable collaborations.

Target audience:

This session would appeal to a range of professionals across international education, policy, and strategy spaces. Senior University & RTO Leaders
International Student Offices & Partnerships Teams
Student Recruitment & Admissions Teams

09:50-10:00
10min Transition
10:00-11:00
OPENING CEREMONY AND KEYNOTE
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
11:00-11:30
DEDICATED EXPO TIME
11:30-12:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
POSTER DISCUSSIONS 1
Exhibition Hall
CONCURRENTS
12:30-13:15
CONCURRENT 3A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 3B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 3C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 3D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 3E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 3F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Navigating Student Demands and Institutional Realities in Outbound Student Mobility
From Big 4 to Big 10: Where Are Students Going – and Why?
New cooperation paradigms for internationalisation: Networks and Associations fostering South-South-North collaborations
Reimagining Mobility: Intra-Asia and South-South Partnerships Driving Global Impact
Innovative Interdisciplinary Design for Global Learning in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Research, Policy, Action: University Partnerships for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Navigating Student Demands and Institutional Realities in Outbound Student Mobility

Chair: Thommy GATLING, Head of International Agreements, University of Sydney | Australia

Thommy GATLING, Head of International Agreements, University of Sydney | Australia
Junvimol LERTANAN, International Relations Officer, Chiang Mai University | Thailand
Rob VAN LEEUWEN, Trainer and Educational Grant Advisor, Rob of Lions | Netherlands

Abstract:

Student engagement with mobility programs varies widely across universities, shaped by cultural, economic, national, and educational contexts. This session explores a growing trend in which students view themselves as educational consumers—advocating for high-profile destinations and prestigious partnerships, and expecting institutions to adapt offerings to their ambitions. Typical comments include:

  • “I only want to go to exciting location X or well-ranked university Y.”
  • “Why doesn’t my university have a partnership with university Z yet?”

Although not universal, this shift reflects increased awareness of global opportunities and presents new challenges for administrators, who must balance student aspirations with practical considerations: limited resources, legacy agreements, reciprocity, institutional priorities, and risk management.

This session examines how universities can manage outbound mobility programs strategically—balancing student agency, institutional constraints, and long-term partnership sustainability. Drawing on perspectives from Thailand, Australia, and the Netherlands, and aligned with APAIE 2026’s theme, Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good, the discussion will highlight regional trends, equity implications, disparities in faculty engagement, and evolving dynamics in North-South mobility partnerships.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Compare opportunity-driven and demand-driven models of student engagement in outbound mobility
  • Analyse the challenges and opportunities posed by demand-driven dynamics, with attention to implications forequitable North–South partnerships
  • Formulate strategies for developing sustainable partnerships that respond to evolving student needs – Evaluate the role of partner institutions in supporting responsive, student-centred mobility offerings

Target audience:

University staff working at the central or faculty level involved in student mobility programs and/or management of international student mobility partnerships. Staff with an interest in ensuring equitable, sustainable North-South partnerships.

From Big 4 to Big 10: Where Are Students Going – and Why?

Chair: Harri SUOMINEN, Co-founder, Edunation | Finland

Marko REMES, Dean, International Business Operations, Edith Cowan University | Australia
Adam-Lucas PETTIT, Director of Partnerships, AECC Global, United Kingdom
Tatjana BOOS, Deputy Director, Lead Global Experiences, Technical University of Munich | Germany

Abstract:

This session explores how international student mobility is expanding beyond the traditional “Big 4” destinations (US, UK, Canada, Australia). We’ll share insights from different countries, highlight student and institutional trends, and discuss how to build more balanced and sustainable global mobility pathways.

The overall volume of international students continues to grow — the cake is getting bigger. But will the Big 4 keep growing their numbers, or will emerging destinations begin to claim a larger share? What’s driving this shift, and what are the implications — both positive and challenging — for students, institutions, and global higher education?

The format is a dynamic 45-minute panel featuring three inspiring speakers and an engaging moderator. Panelists represent both universities and education service providers from different regions of the world.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand key push-pull factors driving students beyond the traditional Big 4
  • Explore how new destinations position themselves and attract students
  • Learn from real case studies of mobility diversification
  • Discuss how universities can collaborate to create new “Big 10” pathways
  • Gain ideas for enhancing student support and visibility in non-traditional destinations

Target audience:

International directors, mobility officers, marketing & recruitment staff, and education agents seeking insight on diversifying destinations, rethinking strategy, and staying competitive in a shifting global landscape.

New cooperation paradigms for internationalisation: Networks and Associations fostering South-South-North collaborations

Chair: Elizabeth COLUCCI, Director, Education Policy and Programs OBREAL Global | Spain

Olusola OYEWOLE, Secretary General, Association of African Universities (AAU) | Ghana
Vidya YERAVDEKAR, Pro Chancellor, Simbiosis International University | India
Mervin BAKKER, Executive Director, European Association for International Education (EAIE) | Netherlands

Abstract:

The session will examine how current networks and associations for internationalization in higher education are adapting to new geopolitical pressures and constructing new priorities and protagonisms in the Global Souths. One important element of this discussion is how these organizations are designing programs and platforms to engage the different Global Souths, and foster dynamic inter-regional partnerships for development between HEI, governments and private sector.

The session is deemed particularly pertinent at a time when important political commitments and funding sources for internationalization are at risk. It is premised in the work that different regional associations and networks are doing, as well as the shared values between these associations, and their advocacy.

Panelists will share concrete initiatives and programs, specifically those that favour inter-institutional, values-based partnerships between universities in different Global Souths, in conjunction with their partners in different Global Norths. Specifically, the important work of EAIE in promoting Study in Africa, the inter-regional Africa-Latin America and AfricaChina platforms driven by OBREAL and the Association of African Universities, and the current Indian internationalization approach to Southeast Asia, Africa and Brazil will all be featured. Concrete opportunities will be shared with participants, as well as principles for success in a changing global context.

Learning objectives:

  • To understand new paradigms for internationalization and cooperation in the higher education sector, especially as it relates to South-South-North partnerships, and the key role that associations and networks play in advocacy
  • To reflect on new cooperation models and emerging opportunities between Africa, Latin America, India and Southeast Asia, and how they are innovating in a volatile policy context
  • To examine new opportunities for internationalization for and with African higher education institutions, and their interconnectedness with other Global Souths

Target audience:

Leadership in internationalization (Vice-rectors, Directors); International associations and networks engaged in interregional partnerships for higher education and research; University staff interested in diversifying partnerships; international organizations and policy makers.

Reimagining Mobility: Intra-Asia and South-South Partnerships Driving Global Impact

Chair: Nur Ezzati MOHD NASIR, International Relations Officer, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Malaysia

Nur Ezzati MOHD NASIR, International Relations Officer, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Malaysia
Hiroyuki ISHIZAKI, Visiting Professor, Shibaura Institute of Technology | Japan
Muhammad Wahyu Islami PRATAMA, Manager for CommTECH & Mobility Programme, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember | Indonesia
Mohd Nur Azmi NORDIN, Director of the Centre for International Students and Mobility, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka | Malaysia

Abstract:

As global mobility landscapes continue to evolve, higher education institutions are increasingly challenged to move beyond traditional exchange models towards more sustainable, inclusive, and impact-oriented approaches. This panel brings together five collaborating institutions — Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA, Malaysia), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS, Indonesia), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM, Malaysia), Tokushima University (Japan), and Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT, Japan) — to share multi-faceted perspectives on reimagining mobility frameworks through cross-border partnerships.

Drawing on collective experiences from the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme, dual-degree pathways, industry-integrated internships, semester exchanges, virtual mobility, and summer schools, the panel will highlight how intentional programme design fosters academic development, intercultural competence, and global citizenship.

Moving beyond quantitative mobility metrics, the discussion will examine how South-South, North-South, and intra-Asia collaborations contribute to more equitable, sustainable, and resilient models. These partnerships illustrate how institutions can co-create mobility pathways that address regional development priorities, strengthen institutional capacity, and equip students to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

Learning objectives:

  • To share practical models of cross-border student and staff mobility integrating academic, industry, and intercultural components.
  • To explore how South-South, North-South, and intra-Asia collaborations contribute to more resilient and equitable mobility frameworks.
  • To highlight strategies for designing mobility programmes that create long-term institutional capacity building and sustainable partnerships.

Target audience:

  • International officers: partnerships, coordination, mobility management.
  • Academic leaders: curriculum, dual degrees, internationalisation.
  • Strategists & administrators: sustainable global engagement.
  • Policymakers: cross-border cooperation.
  • Researchers: mobility impact, South-South, resilience.

Innovative Interdisciplinary Design for Global Learning in the Asia-Pacific Region

Chair: TBC

Rebekah LIM, Deputy Dean, Singapore University of Social Sciences | Singapore
Cynthia CHANG, Assistant Dean, Singapore University of Social Sciences | Singapore
Valerie GOH, Head, Global Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences | Singapore

Abstract:

In an increasingly interconnected world, higher education must equip students with global competencies that transcend disciplinary silos. This session explores an innovative interdisciplinary approach to designing global learning experiences for tertiary students, grounded in Repko & Szostak’s (2021) definition of interdisciplinary studies as the integration of disciplines and their perspectives to address complex problems. We present a four-phase framework (1) phenomenon framing through an interdisciplinary approach; (2) co-creation of integrated curricula with regional and international partners; (3) pedagogical enactment via taught content, experiential fieldwork, and (4) reflective synthesis to cultivate cross-cultural agility and ethical global citizenship. Drawing on lesson examples, we illustrate how institutions can embed interdisciplinary global learning outcomes (e.g., systems thinking, cross-cultural communication) into credit-bearing programmes. This session contributes to the conference theme by highlighting the innovative pedagogical approach of interdisciplinary design and how interdisciplinary education fosters Asia-Pacific strategic alliances committed to the global good.

Learning objectives:

  • Explain the key tenets of interdisciplinary learning using Repko & Szostak’s framework.
  • Explain the four-phase framework for designing a curriculum that integrates diverse disciplinary perspectives.
  • Explain the affordances of an interdisciplinary education, facilitating inter-institutional collaboration for global learning.
  • Apply interdisciplinary and experiential pedagogy to real-world global challenges in curriculum design.

Target audience:

Academics and instructional designers in higher education, international office professionals, curriculum strategists, and anyone responsible for developing cross-disciplinary/global programs or partnerships across Asia-Pacific institutions.

Research, Policy, Action: University Partnerships for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Chair: Catherine LEMON, Global Engagement Manager, Universitas 21 |  United Kingdom

Derek COLLINS, Associate Vice President (Cultural and External Affairs), The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong,
Richard STENELO, Executive Director, Division of Global Engagement, Lund University | Sweden
Jocelyne BASSEAL, Director, Global Research Engagement, University of Sydney | Australia

Abstract:

As the world faces urgent and interconnected global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, universities must lead through collaboration, innovation and purpose. This session brings together three members from the Universitas 21 network to explore how strategic international partnerships can drive meaningful progress for the global good across research, policy leadership and practice.

Participants will learn about the University of Sydney’s leadership of the U21 Nature Positive Coalition, a cross-institutional initiative translating cutting-edge research into institutional change for biodiversity and climate resilience.

Lund University will highlight the U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership, which empowers postgrad students to connect academic expertise with policymaking, building global capacity for sustainability leadership.

The University of Hong Kong will share its work through the Wong How Man Centre for Exploration, which fosters experiential learning and field-based research to promote environmental awareness and student-led impact across the region.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how global university partnerships can advance the Sustainable Development

Goals through integrated approaches to research, leadership, and community engagement.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how international research collaborations can be leveraged to influence institutional and global sustainability agendas
  • Explore effective models for building leadership capacity in sustainability policy, including interdisciplinary training and policy engagement strategies
  • Gain practical insights into experiential and field-based learning approaches that connect students and researchers to real-world sustainability challenges

Target audience:

Those working in, or with an interest in, the SDGs, partnerships, research collaboration, international relations, student leadership and development programmes

13:15-13:20
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
13:20-14:05
CONCURRENT 4A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 4B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 4C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 4D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 4E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 4F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Asia-Europe Capacity Building through Staff Mobility for the AI Era
The Global Enrollment Benchmark Survey: Key Findings and Implications
Indigenous Solidarity: Creating Transformative Global Learning Experiences and Connections
Green, Digital, Blue: Building European–Asian Research Networks That Matter
Educating Gen Z to co-create ways in tackling future challenges
International Partnerships: Being Creative and Entrepreneurial in Global Learning Opportunities

Asia-Europe Capacity Building through Staff Mobility for the AI Era

Chair: Hiroyuki ISHIZAKI, Director, Malaysia Office, Shibaura Institute of Technology | Malaysia

Hiroyuki ISHIZAKI, Director, Malaysia Office, Shibaura Institute of Technology | Malaysia
Alexandre PHAN, International Relations Manager, CESi | France
Nastiti PRIMADYASTUTI, Senior Staff, Global Engagement Office, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember | Indonesia

Abstract:

In the era of rapid AI advancement, international mobility programs play a vital role in cultivating students’ global mindset and practical communication skills through meaningful human-to-human interactions. Diverse learning environments lead to broader learning outcomes and intercultural understanding. This session highlights the potential of academic staff exchanges—particularly between Asian and European universities—as a catalyst for international capacity building.

A key case study features a collaboration between CESI Graduate School of Engineering (France) and Shibaura Institute of Technology (Japan), in which a Japanese faculty member was invited as a guest lecturer during CESI’s International Week. This initiative aimed to expand French students’ awareness of Asian perspectives, serving as a practical first step before encouraging them to study abroad in Asia. By engaging directly with nearly 100 students, the visiting faculty demonstrated the value of global mobility and inspired students to consider international pathways beyond Europe.

In addition to student impact, staff mobility fosters institutional collaboration and multidisciplinary research dialogue. This successful partnership, which originated through the APAIE 2025 network, serves as a replicable model for broader AsiaEurope exchange initiatives. Participants of this session will explore opportunities to initiate similar collaborations in their own institutions and regions.

Learning objectives:

Reimagining cross-border mobility in the AI era:

  • AI is reshaping student communication styles and attitudes toward mobility. We will explore how to design more engaging programs that motivate students to step beyond their comfort zones.

Expanding staff exchange opportunities between Asia and other regions:

  • While intra-Asia collaboration is well established, now is the time to promote staff mobility with Europe and beyond, strengthening institutional capacity and fostering global academic partnerships.

Unlocking new avenues for international collaborative research and publications:

  • Staff exchanges can serve as catalysts for joint research and scholarly output. The session will highlight how multidisciplinary themes—especially in education and emerging technologies—can inspire meaningful collaboration.

Networking:

  • Last part of this session is a casual networking for the casual discussion about creating partnership for 2027.

Target audience:

This session will benefit international office staff, academic coordinators, and faculty members involved in mobility programs, global partnerships, staff exchanges, and internationalization strategies. Especially, the institutes facilitating international collaborative research and publications are highly suggested.

The Global Enrollment Benchmark Survey: Key Findings and Implications

Chair: Joann NG HARTMANN, Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators | United States

Joann NG HARTMANN, Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators | United States
Lucinda MALGAS, Global Engagement Manager, APAIE | Australia 
Edwin VAN REST, Co-founder / CEO, Studyportals | the Netherlands

Abstract:

In an era of rapid change in international student mobility, Asia-Pacific institutions face both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities. This session presents key findings from the Global Enrollment Benchmark Survey, with a focused lens on Asia-Pacific trends in enrollment patterns, shifts in demand, and future outlook.

Participants will explore benchmark data from institutions across the Asia-Pacific region compared to global counterparts. Highlights include shifts in top source and destination countries, obstacles to enrollment, and the influence of regional policy changes. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the implications for their institutions and identify actionable, data-driven strategies for strengthening international enrollment and retention.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand international enrollment trends specific to Asia-Pacific institutions and their global positioning.
  • Compare institutional performance against regional benchmarks to inform future planning.
  • Explore practical recruitment and retention strategies supported by benchmark data.

Target audience:

International educators working in recruitment and admissions, supporting student retention and developing strategies for recruitment and enrollment.

Indigenous Solidarity: Creating Transformative Global Learning Experiences and Connections

Chair: Tracey TARAIA, Manager, Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University | Australia

Tracey TARAIA, Manager, Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University | Australia
Ada LEE, Global Learning & Partnerships Manager, Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Canada
Wendy MARTINEC, Director, Member Relations – Asia & Oceania, ISEP Study Abroad | USA/Australia
Lillian FUATA, Manager, International Office, University of the South Pacific | Fiji

Abstract:

This presentation highlights two international programs, Western Indigenous Relationship Exchange (WIRE) and Global Indigenous Learning Experience (GILE), that advance Indigenous solidarity through culturally immersive education. WIRE, supported by ISEP Study Abroad in partnership with the University of Wyoming, University of Kansas and Montana State University, builds reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities at the University of the South Pacific (Fiji), University of Auckland, and University of Waikato (New Zealand). Funded by a U.S. Department of State IDEAS grant, WIRE facilitates exchanges among tribal members, faculty, and administrators, laying the groundwork for future student and elder mobility.

GILE, a collaboration between Edith Cowan University (Australia) and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Canada), offers Indigenous students a hybrid experience combining virtual learning with in-person cultural exchange. Led by Elders and Indigenous scholars, the program explores language, culture, history, and place, fostering identity and community connection.

Together, WIRE and GILE demonstrate the power of Indigenous-led global education. They create culturally safe spaces for learning and connection, equipping participants to contribute meaningfully to both local and international Indigenous communities. This presentation explores their impact and potential to shape inclusive, globally engaged Indigenous futures.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn about collaboration between staff from Indigenous Services/Centers and International Offices to build an international learning experience to enable Indigenous students to develop global connections while strengthening their connection to their own culture.
  • Explore how a staged approach to Indigenous international partnership development—starting with foundational engagement between faculty and Elders—can lead to the creation of culturally responsive and reciprocal student mobility programs.
  • Explore the meaningful impact that an international program built for Indigenous students based on shared experiences and reciprocal learning had on students, staff and their community.
  • Consider the challenges for Indigenous students in participating in international mobility experiences and how these were addressed in tailored program design and delivery.
  • Hear about the importance of strong international partnerships in creating unique international student mobility opportunities.

Target audience:

Educators interested in partnership development, student support & mobility, global Indigeneity & solidarity, Indigenous student engagement and decolonizing internationalization practices. Faculty members & administrators will learn about experiential learning rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing & global cultural exchange

Green, Digital, Blue: Building European–Asian Research Networks That Matter

Chair: Stefan HASE-BERGEN, Head of the Division „Development Cooperation and Transregional Programmes“, DAAD | Germany

Sebastian GRIES, Team Leader & Senior Adviser, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) | Indonesia
Frank FEULNER, Team Leader SCOPE-HE, Nuffic: The Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education | Indonesia
Chawin CHANTHARASENAWONG, Vice President for Internationalization, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi | Thailand,
Puji MUDIANA, Director of International Education, IPB University | Indonesia

Abstract:

This session introduces newly established University Networks between European and Asian institutions, supported by EU-funding to promote equitable, long-term academic collaboration. These networks empower universities to jointly tackle global challenges through collaborative research, mobility and innovation. By leveraging existing ties and forging new partnerships, they focus on shared priorities such as education in fragile contexts, green transition, digital transformation, and the blue economy. Participating institutions engage in student mobility and staff exchanges, joint research, and thematic symposia, enhancing institutional capacity and fostering innovation.

Real-world case studies will illustrate how these networks align with regional strategies and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session will explore how cross-regional collaboration strengthens research ecosystems, facilitates policy-relevant knowledge exchange, and supports sustainable regional integration.

Participants will gain practical insights into building inclusive, resilient, and impactful cross-regional university networks.

Aligned with the “Partnerships and Mobility” stream, this session is particularly relevant for internationalisation leaders, research managers, and higher education professionals seeking to expand global engagement through mission-driven collaboration between Europe and Asia.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the strategic design and objectives of emerging university networks connecting European and Asian institutions.
  • Identify effective strategies for building and sustaining long-term, equitable academic partnerships.
  • Explore how collaborative networks address shared global priorities including education in fragile contexts, the green transition, digital transformation, and the blue economy.
  • Analyse case-based examples of joint research and thematic collaboration aligned with regional strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Apply key insights to enhance cross-regional academic networks that drive institutional innovation, inform policy, and amplify global impact.

Target audience:

Academic partnership managers, research and innovation officers, and higher education professionals involved in building cross-regional collaborations, particularly those interested in transnational research and mobility networks, the SDGs, and strategic engagement between European and Asian institutions.

Educating Gen Z to co-create ways in tackling future challenges

Chair: Marrik BELLEN, Director of the Office of Leiden University in Indonesia, Leiden University | Indonesia

Imam ARDHIANTO, Chair of the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia | Indonesia
Zweta MANGGARANI, Deputy Director and Academic Coordinator of the Office of Leiden University in Indonesia, Leiden University | Indonesia
Awani Yamora MASTA, Head of International Office, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Indonesia | Indonesia

Abstract:

This year the third edition of the interdisciplinary Future Challenges Lab minor will take place in Indonesia, bringing together Dutch, international, and Indonesian bachelor students for a full semester joint academic program. The Future Challenges Lab focuses on urgent global themes namely energy, water-and-waste management, environment, AI and the digital transition, local-regional-global powers, and colonial heritage. The program introduces students to practical approaches such as co-creation and citizen science, using tools such as ethnographic observation, multimodal methods, and design thinking. The students learn to critically reflect on and analyze the ways in which Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia deal with major challenges of our time. In multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams, students of the Generation Z conduct independent research into how communities respond to major urban challenges, and what lessons these responses may offer to decision makers. The program concludes with a policy-focused report, presented before the societal partners at a one-day student conference. Through the program students gain critical global to learn that (geographical) identity is not isolated, but interdependent and part of something bigger. This will lead to the ability to challenge systemic inequalities and take actions as global citizens.

Learning objectives:

Key takeways and learning objectives for the audience:

  • Jointly designing and aligning curriculum across institutions
  • Calculating and balancing credit systems
  • Managing administrative and logistical processes across countries and universities
  • Bringing together students from multi-disciplinary backgrounds into one class and overcoming the challenge of different starting points of knowledge
  • Collaborating with urban communities, societal organizations, and other partners to
    • a) Identify real-world challenges
    • b) Engage in mutual learning and
    • c) Co-create practical and locally grounded solutions
  • Internationalization at home for the students in the Indonesian university
  • Moderating students with different backgrounds of personal and academic cultures
  • How this approach fosters reciprocal and dynamic knowledge exchange
  • How to experiment and adopt similar participatory methods in education with your university partner institutions

Target audience:

Faculty members interested in setting up a new educational approach for students to tackle global challenges in an international environment and from a multidisciplinary angle. Also relevant for student support units, international office staff members and decision makers.

International Partnerships: Being Creative and Entrepreneurial in Global Learning Opportunities

Chair: Katherine BEAUMONT, Senior Director, Global Learning, University of Toronto | Canada

Mariana MOTA PRADO, Associate Vice President and Vice Provost, International Student Experience University of Toronto | Canada,
Richard STENELO, Executive Director, Division of Global Engagement, Lunds University | Sweden
Pauline HO, Head, Global Education Partnership, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore

Abstract:

Global learning opportunities can be a critical part of a student’s degree and expose students to experiences that will enhance their future careers, their appreciation of diverse cultures and frameworks, and their global networks. There are many ways in which this can be supported, from studying abroad for a term or year to summer research opportunities, entrepreneurship terms, to participating in a global online or hybrid classroom or project. This session will showcase through a panel discussion with leaders from the University of Toronto, Lund University and Nanyang Technological University, ways that we continue to make progress in creating these types of experiences, sharing examples of the approach, end result and impact for learners and universities. We will showcase the collaboration amongst partners and within our own organizations highlighting the program goals for students, internal partners and international partners including looking at the details of program policy development, asymmetric reciprocity, and factors we have experiences as critical in enabling student engagement and faculty leadership of new academically relevant opportunities.

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will gain knowledge of innovative and creative approaches to global learning experiences from the threeuniversities
  • Participants will explore the key factors that made these programs successful and challenges that needed to beaddressed
  • Participants will reflect on their own experiences building innovative and creative global learning opportunities and be encouraged to identify two areas of further consideration for their own work.

Target audience:

Those working in innovative student mobility and partnership development for both specific areas of interests, e.g. SDG’s, Sustainability, Health or Governance, and for the overall development of global understanding, fluency and skills development.

14:05-14:10
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
14:10-14:30
CONCURRENT 5A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 5B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 5C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 5D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 5E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 5F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Student experience and well-being
Programs
Title
Mobilising partnerships, advancing global good: north–south & south–south collaboration in higher education
Bridging cultures through art: southeast Asian perspectives in global education
Creative international collaboration: challenges of excellence and sustainability
Strengthening Africa-Asia higher education collaborations for the global good: opportunities, challenges, and future pathways
Breaking disciplinary silos: a student-centered model for global study tours
Japan – The Antipodean Opportunity

Mobilising partnerships, advancing global good: north–south & south–south collaboration in higher education

Chair: TBC

Yatimah ALIAS, Vice-Chancellor, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG AL-SULTAN ABDULLAH | Malaysia

Abstract:

In a global higher education landscape marked by both opportunity and disparity, meaningful partnerships have become essential for advancing inclusive and sustainable development. Drawing from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)’s diverse international engagement, this presentation highlights practical models of North–South and South–South collaborations that prioritise mutual growth, long-term capacity building, and shared responsibility.

UMPSA’s North–South collaborations with European and East Asian institutions have resulted in dual degree programmes, collaborative research in advanced technologies, and institutional development initiatives. Simultaneously, South–South partnerships across ASEAN and Central Asia have fostered culturally relevant mobility programmes, applied research addressing local and regional development needs, and knowledge-sharing platforms tailored to common challenges.

This session will explore how such equitable partnerships move beyond traditional transactional exchanges, offering universities a pathway to empower communities, enhance global competency, and contribute meaningfully to global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through UMPSA’s experience, the presentation invites institutions to reimagine global engagement as a transformative force that benefits both the local and global good.

Learning objectives:

  • To explore innovative North–South and South–South higher education partnership models that prioritise mutual capacity building and sustainability.
  • To examine the role of universities in advancing inclusive global development agendas through equitable international collaboration.
  • To provide actionable insights for higher education leaders on designing transformative partnerships that balance global reach with local relevance.

Target audience:

  • University Presidents, Vice-Chancellors & senior leadership
  • International Office directors & senior partnership strategists
  • Policymakers & government representatives involved in higher education internationalisation
  • Regional & global education network leaders
  • Scholars & researchers in international higher education studies

Bridging cultures through art: southeast Asian perspectives in global education

Chair: TBC 

Hazel CHAN, Strategic Development & Global Engagement Director, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts | Singapore

Abstract:

In an increasingly interconnected but polarised world, the arts play a critical role to foster empathy and cultural understanding. Since its early days, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, has been a bridge between the east and the west, with an aim to be the beacon and gateway to Southeast Asian arts. The SEA Arts Dimension informs our pedagogy, research, practice and partnerships, and contributes to a more inclusive, culturally grounded, and socially responsible global arts education ecosystem, and is central to how NAFA engages globally.

The presentation will focus on two short-term, high impact initiatives that foster inclusivity and deepen cross-cultural understanding—a week-long cultural immersion programme in NAFA for students from University of the Arts London, selected through UK’s widening participation criteria; and a two-month residency at NAFA’s studios at Cité internationale des arts in Paris for Southeast Asian artists.

Learning objectives:

  • Short-term, place-based exchanges can deliver high-impact global learning.
  • Equity and reciprocity should guide international partnerships.
  • UAL-NAFA immersion programme supports underrepresented students through creative, cross-cultural engagement in Singapore.
  • NAFA’s Paris residency amplifies Southeast Asian voices in global art conversations.
  • “Doing global good” is less about scale, more about access, intent, and mutual benefit.
  • Institutions can reshape internationalisation by designing inclusive, context-sensitive opportunities for both students and creatives.

Target audience:

Arts educators, education administrators (esp. in TNE), internationalisation leaders, global mobility coordinators, those interested in inclusive exchange models and the SDGs (esp. SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities), and professionals in talent development in higher education.

Creative international collaboration: challenges of excellence and sustainability

Chair: TBC 

Gerald FRY, Distinguished International Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota | United States

Abstract:

A major issue in international and  intercultural education is concern regarding excellence and quality. Scholars such as Phan Le Ha  have been highly critical of growing mediocrity in many international education programs, especially those of short duration which have been described as “glorified cultural tourism” with little academic rigor.  Thus, the key research question addressed is: how can the excellence of international collaborations be enhanced and sustained? The methodology used is multiple case studies.  Five such diverse initiatives are analyzed:

  • 1) Volunteers in Asia (VIA);
  • 2) Term in Asia Program, St. Olaf College;
  • 3) International Cooperative Learning Program;
  • 4) CampusAsia program; and
  • 5)  Impactful Short-Term Study Abroad project. 

Four of these programs involve collaboration among U.S. universities and those in Asia. The CampusAsia program involves cooperation among Chinese, Korean, and Japanese universities. Three are of long and two of short duration. Only two of the five have been sustainable. All the programs emphasize contributing to the common good and building intercultural harmony.  The analysis of the five cases focuses on what contributes to excellence and sustainability.  The takeaways from this analysis have implications for improving the excellence of international collaborative programs to promote the common good in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learning objectives:

  • Gaining insights into how to make short-term collaborative programs rigorous and impactful
  • Learning about the importance of developing comparative thinking and learning from others
  • Developing an understanding of strategies to enhance intercultural competency and global/cultural literacy
  • Appreciating the importance of becoming multilingual (“multilingual matters”)
  • Learning about factors which contribute to program sustainability
  • Becoming aware of important concepts such as “software of the mind”, “the crisis of representation”, experienceeconomy, “linguistic imperialism”, “the fluent fool”…
  • Developing an understanding of the fundamental differences between “deep and shallow” internationalization
  • Learning how in-depth international/intercultural engagement can enhance social wealth and cultural capital – Understanding how in-depth intercultural experiences can be truly transformative

Target audience:

  • Providers of study abroad programs/projects
  • Practitioners and scholars interested in how to make transnational education programs and projects more rigorous and sustainable
  • Practitioners and scholars interested in how to make transnational education more impactful and transformative

Strengthening Africa-Asia higher education collaborations for the global good: opportunities, challenges, and future pathways

Chair: TBC 

Yan YANG, Manager for International Partnerships in Asia and Oceania, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg | South Africa

Abstract:

As global higher education becomes increasingly interconnected between north and south, partnerships between African and Asian institutions have emerged as a dynamic force for addressing shared challenges and opportunities across both regions. These partnerships aim to enhance institutional capacity, promote academic mobility, and foster innovation in curriculum and research. Key initiatives include faculty and student exchange, research collaboration, and joint degree programs mainly in science and technology, capacity-building in policy and governance, but less in the humanities.

This study explores the evolving landscape of collaborations between Africa-Asia higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on programmes of student mobility, joint research, capacity building, and digital innovation, and how these partnerships are advancing the global good. Drawing on case studies from initiatives of research collaboration (e.g., Africa Japan Collaborative Research, China-South Africa Joint Research Programme), this presentation will highlight the opportunities and challenges in creating sustainable partnerships. Additionally, it examines the strategic importance, benefits, and future directions of Africa-Asia higher education partnerships in promoting inclusive development and knowledge exchange, through investigating the role of regional networks and system to system collaboration and private sector engagement in shaping future directions and emerging trends that can enhance cross-continental academic cooperation and address local and global priorities.

Learning objectives:

Opportunities of sustainable Africa-Asia HEIs partnerships

  • providing a potentially equitable decolonised internationalisation, moving beyond dependency on the South-North models
  • knowledge sharing and leveraging successful experience in S&T development towards innovation and economic development
  • diversifying funding beyond government grant with exploring industry partnerships (such as Huawei ICT Academies)

Challenges of strengthening African-Asia HEIs partnerships

  • inadequate knowledge about each other between the two continents
  • lack of funding to support knowledge cocreate in social sciences (e.g. in student exchange)
  • barriers to mobility: language, visa policies and degree accreditation

Way forward

  • policy and leadership
  • mobilising students and staff
  • capacity building in trans continental Africa-Asia collaboration

Target audience:

Colleagues who work in the international partnerships office(s), student support, academic support and development units, university leaders, policy makers, practitioners and NGOs in higher education institutions in Asian universities and beyond.

Breaking disciplinary silos: a student-centered model for global study tours

Chair: TBC 

Glos HO, Director and Principal Lecturer, Hong Kong Baptist University – Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes | Hong Kong

Abstract:

University study tours are typically one-off, discipline-focused, and involve standardized assessments. However, real-world issues are complex and cannot be solved within the confines of a single discipline. To advocate for students’ roles as global citizens and demonstrate the necessity of transdisciplinary, transectoral, and transcultural collaboration in promoting global change, students should have opportunities to examine these problems firsthand beyond their hometowns and have platforms to teach others what they’ve learned. Since 2024, the Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes at Hong Kong Baptist University has launched a student-centered and problem-oriented pedagogical model for global study tours. In collaboration with overseas universities in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia, this initiative aims to break down disciplinary silos by bringing together students from various disciplines at two universities. A total of 104 undergraduate students examined environmental problems related to the SDGs. Without standardized worksheets, students formulated their own questions and interviewed stakeholders and local community members to gain a deeper understanding. Upon returning to Hong Kong, the students produced teaching videos and led tutorials for 140 freshmen in a related course, creating an intracohort legacy. This approach enhanced students’ transdisciplinary skills, fostered global citizenship and sustainability awareness, and prepared them for the global workplace.

Learning objectives:

  • Understanding that real-world challenges cannot be solved within a single discipline, highlighting the need for transdisciplinary approaches.
  • Emphasizing the importance of students engaging with global issues to foster a sense of responsibility as global citizens.
  • Introducing student-centered, problem-oriented learning as a means to enhance education and prepare students for real-world challenges.
  • Raising awareness about environmental issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through practical engagement.
  • Preparing students for the global workplace by fostering transdisciplinary skills and adaptability.       
  • Encouraging students to contribute to their academic community by teaching peers and creating lasting educational legacies.

Target audience:

The session will be most beneficial for those interested in innovative pedagogical approaches and enhancing curriculum design to incorporate transdisciplinary and experiential learning, especially those responsible for developing programmes that prepare students to address SDGs and/or global challenges.

Japan – The Antipodean Opportunity

Chair: Sagar BAGADUR, Executive Director, South and Southeast Asia, Acumen  | India

Sagar BAGADUR, Executive Director, South and Southeast Asia, Acumen  | India

Abstract:

In 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced an ambitious plan aiming to send 500,000 of the nation’s students abroad and to attract 500,000 international students to its shores by 2033. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to internationalise Japan’s higher education system and enhance global competitiveness.

With existing strong cultural links, recognised world-class study and lifestyle destinations, and the ability to deliver English language programs in Japan through transnational education (TNE) partnerships, Australian and New Zealand institutions are in an excellent position to be primary partners.

This session will explore the opportunities and challenges for universities, pathway providers, and education service organisations looking to engage with Japan. We will examine policy drivers, emerging student mobility trends, and strategic partnership models. Case studies will highlight successful collaborations and provide actionable insights into positioning for long-term success in the Japanese market.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand Japan’s international education strategy and its implications for Australian and New Zealand institutions.
  • Identify key drivers of Japanese student mobility and opportunities for transnational education partnerships.
  • Gain insights into effective engagement strategies through case studies of successful collaborations.
  • Recognise policy and regulatory considerations that impact education delivery and student mobility between Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Develop practical approaches to positioning their institution for long-term success in Japan.

Target audience:

  • International Directors and Managers
  • PVC International and Senior Execs
  • Deans
  • TNE and Pathway Professionals Government, Agents and Industry
14:30-14:35
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
14:35-14:55
CONCURRENT 6A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 6B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 6C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 6D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 6E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 6F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Programs
Title
Hong Kong’s role in mediating higher education cooperation between Europe and China: assumptions and realities
Back to value-based internationalization: the Pakistan-Austria University partnership
AI for International Education: Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Asia-Pacific Region
Amplifying excellence: strategic communications as a catalyst for global trust and collaboration
Connecting diversity and inclusion through global engagement at UTokyo
Bridging classrooms across borders: insights from coil-hackathon international teaching collaboration

Hong Kong’s role in mediating higher education cooperation between Europe and China: assumptions and realities

Chair: TBC

Yuzhuo CAI, Co-Director of GRIFE, The Education University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong

Abstract:

This paper examines Hong Kong’s role as a mediator between Mainland China and the European Union (EU) in international higher education. It investigates both conceptual assumptions and empirical evidence within the context of ongoing and potential geopolitical changes. Drawing on Hong Kong’s academic excellence, commitment to international research standards, and strategic position, the study outlines the key roles that Hong Kong’s higher education system can play in fostering EU-China collaboration. These roles include facilitating joint research initiatives, enabling academic exchanges, acting as a platform for dialogue to address mutual misconceptions, and offering European institutions alternative pathways to engage with Chinese academic networks.

Nonetheless, these bridging roles encounter challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, concerns over academic freedom, competition from regional hubs like Singapore and Taiwan, and economic pressures exacerbated by U.S. trade policies affecting China. The research further explores the perceptions of European stakeholders and practitioners, comparing their views to the conceptualised roles. By identifying both alignment and divergence, the study highlights the opportunities and obstacles Hong Kong faces as a mediator. It underscores Hong Kong’s ability to build trust with European institutions, adapt to political and economic uncertainties, and sustain its pivotal role in EU-China dialogue and cooperation within the sphere of higher education.

Learning objectives:

By engaging with this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse the strategic role of Hong Kong’s higher education system as a mediator in fostering EU–China collaboration in international higher education.
  • Evaluate the conceptual frameworks and empirical evidence underpinning Hong Kong’s capacity to support joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and intercultural dialogue.
  • Examine the geopolitical and institutional challenges—such as concerns over academic freedom, regional competition, and economic pressures—that influence Hong Kong’s intermediary role.
  • Compare and contrast the perspectives of European stakeholders with the conceptualised roles of Hong Kong, identifying key areas of convergence and divergence.
  • Assess Hong Kong’s potential to build trust and adaptability within EU–China higher education partnerships, particularly in the face of evolving political and economic circumstances.

Target audience:

  • International education professionals
  • Policy makers and government representatives
  • Academic researchers
  • University leaders
  • Representatives of international organisations
  • Higher education consultants and think tanks

Back to value-based internationalization: the Pakistan-Austria University partnership

Chair: TBC

Susanne LICHTMANNEGGER, Associate Dean International, MCI The Entrepreneurial School | Austria

Abstract:

This session explores the origins, development, and successful implementation of the collaboration between the PakAustria Fachhochschule – Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), MCI The Entrepreneurial School, and other Austrian higher education institutions. Launched in 2020, this partnership exemplifies a value-driven, responsible, and transformative model for Asia-Pacific/EU cooperation.

Rather than focusing on commercial gain or competitive advantage, the initiative is grounded in trust, long-term commitment, and mutual benefit. It emphasizes capacity building, equal partnership, and shared understanding over instrumental or transactional approaches to internationalization. Participants will gain insights into how this collaboration has created tangible impact — from enhancing graduate employability and global competence to fostering sustainable institutional ties.

The session will highlight key success factors, including the integration of technical education with practical skills, the establishment of joint research and innovation structures, and the creation of an inclusive educational ecosystem. It aims to inspire dialogue on how international higher education partnerships can contribute to sustainable development and social transformation.

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will learn how international collaborations can be designed around shared values such as trust, equality, and long-term commitment — moving beyond transactional models toward transformative engagement.
  • The session demonstrates how partnerships can foster reciprocal growth, focusing on enhancing institutional capacity, staff development, and student employability.
  • Insights into the structure and governance of the PAF-IAST/Austria collaboration will provide a concrete example of how to establish and manage successful Asia-Pacific/EU partnerships, including lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid.
  • Real-life success stories will illustrate how such partnerships can meaningfully enhance students’ global understanding, technical competence, and career prospects.
  • The session offers actionable ideas for initiating or strengthening value-driven international collaborations.

Target audience:

International education professionals, colleagues working on institutional collaboration models and mobility programs, international strategies, TNE

AI for International Education: Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Asia-Pacific Region

Chair: TBC

Meihua LI (APAIE Advisory Council) Director, Office of Global Engagement, Jilin University | China

Abstract:

This proposal promotes a collaborative discussion among professionals across the Asia-Pacific region on the transformative impact of AI facing international education. As AI rapidly develops, it presents both challenges and opportunities for student mobility, institutional partnerships, and information consultation in international education.

  1. AI’s Impact on Student Mobility

AI is reshaping patterns of international student mobility. For students mobility programs, virtual exchange programs and AI-powered tools enable students to get access to international education resources without going abroad. However, over-reliance on virtual interaction could weaken deep cultural engagement.

  1. AI and International Institutional Partnerships

Intelligent matching systems can recommend potential collaborators based on complementary research fields and other data points, facilitating joint research or joint education programs. In partnership management, AI automates agreement tracking, risk assessment, and outcome evaluation. A hybrid “AI-assisted, human-decided” model may be the way forward.

  1. AI in International Education Consultation

AI-powered search engines can quickly extract key details — such as funding opportunities, university rankings and so on. Based on students’ academic backgrounds, career aspirations, and destination countries, such data will help students get tailored study plans. However, the difficulty of distinguishing credible information from false or misleading content in an era of information overload can not be ignored either.

Learning objectives:

The integration of AI into international education is inevitable. This proposal highlights AI’s role as an enabler to empower higher education institutions to better develop international education but also discusses AI’s side effects. By fostering dialogues and discussions on student mobility, institutional networks, and information consultation, this proposal aims to contribute to maximizing AI’s benefits and avoiding its bad influence. Ultimately, to develop applicable suggestions that will empower educators, policymakers, and students to navigate the AI era with confidence and innovation.

Target audience:

As for this proposal promotes a collaborative discussion among professionals across the Asia-Pacific region on the transformative impact of AI facing international education. This discussion will benefit staff working in international education and international partnerships at universities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Amplifying excellence: strategic communications as a catalyst for global trust and collaboration

Chair: TBC

Farhana Diana DERIS, Director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Teknologi | Malaysia

Abstract:

In a globally competitive and values-driven higher education landscape, the ability of a university to articulate its excellence, distinctiveness, and strategic intent is fundamental. This session explores the critical role of corporate communications as a bridge between institutional vision and global engagement, drawing on Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) experience in aligning its communications with internationalisation, branding, and partnership strategies. Far from being a peripheral function, corporate communications serves as a strategic engine that curates identity, amplifies academic diplomacy, and builds trust with global stakeholders. This presentation will highlight how messaging, brand coherence, and purposeful storytelling shape how institutions are perceived by potential partners, funders, and international networks. Participants will examine how communications teams can collaborate with international offices, faculties, and leadership to project a unified voice that resonates across borders—one that is anchored in credibility, clarity, and values. Practical case studies will demonstrate how effective communication strategies have elevated institutional presence and catalysed meaningful partnerships. The session offers a roadmap for rethinking how communication can advance the university’s role in global collaboration and sustainable impact.

Learning objectives:

  • To understand the strategic role of corporate communications in supporting international partnerships.
  • To explore how institutional branding and storytelling can enhance global engagement.
  • To examine models for aligning communication efforts with university vision and international goals.
  • To identify best practices in communicating excellence and fostering global trust.

Target audience:

  • University Leaders and Senior Executives, Global Engagement & International Relations Offices, Corporate
  • Communications and Marketing Professionals, Partnership Development Managers, Higher Education Consultants and Policy Advisors

Connecting diversity and inclusion through global engagement at UTokyo

Chair: TBC

Junghyun Jasmine RYU, Head, International Exchange Division Center for Global Education, The University of Tokyo | Japan

Abstract:

This presentation showcases global programs at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) designed to embed diversity and inclusion at the core of the university’s international engagement strategy. Through short-term, experiential, and values driven initiatives, UTokyo is reimagining global education to broaden access and foster more equitable partnerships. Three key programs will be introduced. (1) The Global Leadership Program integrates exploration and research on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into students’ global learning experiences. (2) UTokyo’s collaboration with the Asian University for Women (AUW) facilitates meaningful exchange between UTokyo students and AUW’s displaced and underserved women, fostering mutual learning across borders. (3) The Ghana Program, co-developed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), immerses students in hands-on learning around international development and ethical global leadership. Collectively, these initiatives reflect UTokyo’s evolving approach to inclusive internationalization—expanding participation, centering underrepresented voices, and creating transformative pathways for global citizenship and social impact.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify practical strategies for integrating diversity and inclusion into global education programs
  • Understand how partnerships with institutions in the Global South can foster reciprocal and equitable engagement
  • Gain insight into how SDG-aligned leadership programs can promote student reflection and global responsibility
  • Explore short-term, experiential models that center underrepresented voices and broaden participation

Target audience:

International education practitioners involved in short-term mobility, student leadership development, SDG programming, Global South engagement, diversity and inclusion in global learning. Ideal for those designing or managing innovative outbound programs.

Bridging classrooms across borders: insights from coil-hackathon international teaching collaboration

Chair: TBC

Cheng Tung CHONG, Presenter, Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China

Abstract:

Hackathons have gained popularity in higher education as an educational tool that fosters problem-solving, innovation and collaboration. Hackathons are typically conducted on-site and in a single location, leading to relatively homogeneous demographics with minimal international perspective. This limits the collaborative aspects of what a hackathon can achieve. The implementation of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)-styled hackathon can potentially help to enhance the collaborative aspects of this educational tool. UCL Students’ Union and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) have collaboratively hosted a clean energy themed virtual hackathon across two days. The hackathon involved a mix of virtual and in person activities in which students will have to work within their university groups and collaborate with their cross-university counter parts. Students will have to engage their brains through interactive activities to tackle the problem of equity in the clean energy transition. UCL has brought in charity partner to represent community perspectives, while SJTU has brought in industrial partners to represent the renewable energy sector. Overall, the program has received overwhelming feedbacks from the participants. In this proposed presentation, we will present and share the experience of running the program, covering the program design framework, COIL structure, implementation, and relevant pedagogies involved. 

Learning objectives:

  • To present the design of the COIL-Hackathon program framework.
  • To highlight the implementation of the program and challenges encountered.
  • To provide the perspectives on the role of COIL-Hackathon program in promoting knowledge, transfer, research collaboration, cultural exchange, and partnership.

Target audience:

Researchers and international officers working or interested in transnational education, regional teaching cooperation etc.

14:55-15:55
TEA/COFFEE BREAK
POSTER DISCUSSIONS 2
Exhibition Hall
CONCURRENTS
15:55-16:40
CONCURRENT 7A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 7B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 7C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 7D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 7E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 7F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Regional update Malaysia, Singapore
Student Recruitment & APAC: Creating An ‘Enrolment State of Mind’
Frontline perspectives from IHE professionals – bringing the EAIE Barometer to Asia
Recipe for Successful Partnerships: U.S. Models, Lessons, Strategies, and Innovations
Enhancing student employability through co-created innovative programs bridging academia and industry
Changemakers of Tomorrow: Building Leadership Across Borders, Disciplines, and Identities

Information coming soon.

Student Recruitment & APAC: Creating An ‘Enrolment State of Mind’

Chair: Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | Australia

Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | Australia
Kym NGUYEN, Vice President, Student Recruitment, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | United Kingdom

Abstract:

With the international student recruitment landscape undergoing significant change, the need to understand global student mobility trends – and the drivers and perceptions of the students themselves – has never been greater.

While Asia has traditionally been the source of students for institutions in the Big 4 English-speaking destinations, one of the greatest shifts is the ambitious recruitment goals that held, in turn, by those very same countries in the region, and increased intra-regional movement. Informed by the recently released QS Global Student Flows reports and data on student decision-making and recruitment practices, with a focus on the Asia Pacific, this session will look at how institutions in both traditional and emergent destinations can respond to this shifting landscape in an agile and effective way.

The need to balance ambition with resilience and harness data for effective strategic decision-making and creating an “enrolment state of mind” will be a key focus of the session, alongside a deep dive into current and forecast student mobility trends in the Asia Pacific.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will leave with:

  • An understanding of the macro trends in global student flows of international students, with a focus on the changing landscape in the Asia Pacific region.
  • Insights of student trends into the Asia Pacific region and an understanding of the different motivations and perceptions of students from the APAC region.
  • Practical strategies and critical questions to guide institutional global student recruitment efforts, based on an enhanced understanding of the changing international education landscape across the APAC region.

Target audience:

Senior leaders responsible for and with an interest in the changing landscape of international student recruitment, marketing, admissions and communications staff.

Frontline perspectives from IHE professionals – bringing the EAIE Barometer to Asia

Chair: Laura RUMBLEY, Director for Knowledge Development and Research, European Association for International Education (EAIE) |  the Netherlands

Hiroshi OTA, Professor, Hitotsubashi University | Japan
Akinari HOSHINO, Associate Professor, Nagoya University | Japan

Abstract:

The EAIE Barometer, 3rd edition (2024) surfaced the perspectives of nearly 3,000 professionals working on the frontlines of internationalization across the European Higher Education Area. The report provides insight into current issues in the sector through respondents’ perceptions about their professional roles and experiences, their institution’s/organization’s structure and strategy for internationalization, satisfaction with available budgets, and more.

The Barometer has now made its way to Asia. In collaboration with colleagues in Japan, the survey was adapted, improved and disseminated amongst Japanese IHE professionals, with responses were collected between August and December 2025. This session provides an initial look at the preliminary findings from this unique research partnership effort.

Session structure:

Part 1: Overview of EAIE Barometer survey (Laura Rumbley)

  • Highlights from past Barometer surveys
  • Plans for the next survey
  • Applicability to other countries/regions

Part 2: Current status and challenges of internationalization in East Asia (Hiroshi Ota)

  • Trends in East Asian international education policies, especially within inbound student mobility – Geopolitical and domestic issues
  • Ongoing discussions on rethinking, revisiting, and reconceptualizing internationalization

Part 3: Why Japan is implementing the Barometer survey and key insights (Akinari Hoshino)

  • Importance of individual perceptions in internationalisation
  • Interim findings from the Japanese Barometer survey
  • Future plans, including expansion of the study to other East Asian countries/regions

Learning objectives:

  • Gain insight into the frontline perspectives of international higher education professionals in Japan at a moment of significant change in geopolitical dynamics and global student flows
  • Explore comparisons between European and Japanese international higher education professionals’ perspectives regarding internationalisation realities and priorities
  • Develop awareness of similarities and difference in policy developments in East Asia (specifically Japan, South Korea, Taiwan)
  • Be exposed to some of the key differences between European countries in terms of internationalisation priorities and interests

Target audience:

HEI leaders, international office staff, policymakers, researchers, and mobility professionals interested in internationalisation dynamics in Europe and Japan/East Asia.

Recipe for Successful Partnerships: U.S. Models, Lessons, Strategies, and Innovations

Chair: Jy Zhou, Associate Provost for International Initiatives, James Madison University | USA

Jy Zhou, Associate Provost for International Initiatives, James Madison University | USA
CK KWAI, Director of Center for International Services & Programs, Cleveland State University | USA
Dorothea ANTONIO, Deputy Executive Director, Knowledge Development, NAFSA: Association of International Educators | USA

Abstract:

In a rapidly evolving global context, sustainable and strategic partnerships are essential to higher education internationalization. This session offers insights from both global/national (NAFSA) and institutional (James Madison University and Cleveland State University) perspectives on how U.S. universities are developing, adapting, and sustaining global partnerships. Presenters will explore how institutions navigate internal and external challenges while leveraging collaboration to enhance academic mobility, research, and mutual capacity building. Case studies will highlight different partnership models, decision-making frameworks, and stakeholder engagement strategies used to reinforce the long-term value of higher education internationalization. Participants will gain practical tools and perspectives on building resilient partnerships aligned with shared goals.

Learning objectives:

Participants will:

  • Understand key criteria that guide U.S. institutions in selecting and sustaining global partnerships
  • Identify emerging opportunities and models for collaboration with U.S. institutions
  • Gain an overview of current trends and challenges in U.S. higher education internationalization Explore adaptable frameworks for strategic partnership planning and evaluation

Target audience:

International education professionals, academic leaders, and faculty engaged and interested in partnership development, global strategy, international education, or mobility programming

Enhancing student employability through co-created innovative programs bridging academia and industry

Chair: Barbara JONES, Executive Director, Global, Federation University | Australia

Carolyn CHONG, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Engagement and Quality), Federation University | Australia
Raja DASGUPTA, Chief Executive Officer, Employability.Life | India
Barbara JONES, Executive Director, Global, Federation University | Australia

Abstract:

Graduate unemployment is a pressing global issue that affects economies and societies worldwide. There is often a mismatch between the skills graduates possess and the skills employers need. Many graduates struggle to find employment due to a lack of practical experience. Employers often prefer candidates with work experience, creating a no-win situation for recent graduates.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from educational institutions, employers, and policymakers to create programs and initiatives that enhance the employability skills of graduates. This session provides two examples of innovative approaches undertaken by Federation University Australia and Employability.life that contribute to this goal by providing students with the necessary tools and experiences to thrive in the global job market, enhancing students’ readiness for the workforce and increases their confidence and adaptability in a dynamic job market.

The session will delve into the key components of both initiatives, showcasing how they link academia with industry and real world experiences, their impact on student outcomes and highlighting best practices for implementation. Participants will gain insights into how these models can be applied to different educational contexts, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled and employable global workforce.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this presentation, participants will:

  • Have a deeper understanding of how university and industry collaborations can be reshaped to solve employability challenges
  • Gain an understanding of university and industry partnership frameworks and models that better meet local and global skills challenges through co-design, co-development and co-delivery of courses
  • Gain an understanding of programs and the pedagogical approach that provides a positive impact on students’ learning experiences and workforce readiness
  • Gain the knowledge to develop strategies to replicate and adapt the models in their own institutions to enhance the employability skills of students.

Target audience:

Participants who work in international program design, learning and teaching, program delivery, partnership development, industry engagement, student engagement, student mobility, student support, career development and transnational education.

Changemakers of Tomorrow: Building Leadership Across Borders, Disciplines, and Identities

Chair: Sanhita GADRE, Program Designer, Authentica | India

Sanhita GADRE, Program Designer, Authentica | India
Ravi RAJ, Founder and CEO, Authentica | India
Poli ROGERS, Manager, ANU Global Programs, The Australian National University | Australia
Cara BONINGTON, Associate Director, Global Mobility, The University of Sydney | Australia

Abstract:

In an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world, traditional leadership models are being disrupted by complex global challenges from climate change and forced migration to geopolitical tensions and social inequity. This session explores how innovative study abroad programs across the Asia-Pacific region are reimagining global citizenship education to develop the next generation of interdisciplinary change-makers.

Framed through Heifetz’s (1994) theory of adaptive leadership—which emphasizes navigating uncertainty, mobilizing people across boundaries, and addressing systemic issues—this session draws on case studies such as Swinburne University’s Global Leadership programs in India and Indonesia, the University of Sydney’s Humanitarian Engineering initiative, and UAE-India leadership exchanges. These models demonstrate how cross-cultural partnerships can cultivate authentic, context-aware leadership mindsets.

Through grassroots, co-developed programming that moves beyond cultural tourism, these interdisciplinary experiences embed SDG-aligned themes, systems thinking, and empathy into the learning journey. Participants will explore how bringing together students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds builds collaborative, ethical, and adaptive leadership skills. This session offers practical insights into designing programs that not only prepare students to lead in complexity—but also reframe what it means to be “global” today and develop programming that produces graduates equipped to address 21st-century challenges.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how contemporary global challenges require new approaches to leadership development and global citizenship education
  • Analyze successful models of cross-cultural partnership programs that produce change-makers rather than traditional exchange participants
  • Evaluate strategies for designing interdisciplinary study abroad experiences that address real-world social issues and conflicts
  • Develop frameworks for measuring impact in programs focused on global leadership and social change
  • Create actionable plans for implementing partnership-based programs that foster authentic global citizenship and leadership mindset development

Target audience:

International education professionals working in program design, faculty leading global engagement initiatives, administrators developing partnerships for social impact, educators interested in leadership development through study abroad, and those focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to global citizenship education.

16:40-16:45
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
16:45-17:30
CONCURRENT 8A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 8B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 8C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 8D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 8E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 8F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Student recruitment
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Resilient Partnerships: Co-Creating Sustainable TNE Ecosystems with Local Institutions
From Reach to Relationships: What Sustainable Recruitment Looks Like Now
Think Local, Think Global: Diversifying the International Recruitment Strategies in the Changing Markets
Academic Research Papers
Programs with Purpose: Collaborative Pathways for the Global Good
Working in Partnership to address the SDGs: from research to student learning

Resilient Partnerships: Co-Creating Sustainable TNE Ecosystems with Local Institutions

Chair: TBC

Natalie KOURTIDIS, CEO Partnerships ANZ, Global University Systems | Australia
Peter CRISP, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Law, University of Law | United Kingdom

Abstract:

The future of transnational education (TNE) lies not in replication, but in collaboration. As global challenges, from climate change to geopolitical instability, reshape higher education, sustainable TNE depends increasingly on resilient, cocreated partnerships with local institutions. This session explores how equitable, long-term collaborations can form the foundation of sustainable TNE ecosystems that are adaptable, locally relevant, and mutually beneficial.

Drawing on case studies from Asia-Pacific and beyond, we examine partnership models that go beyond franchise and validation agreements, toward joint curriculum development, shared governance, and integrated research initiatives. We highlight the importance of aligning institutional values, investing in local capacity, and building relational, not just contractual, trust. The presentation also addresses the role of policy, funding, and accreditation frameworks in either enabling or constraining sustainable collaboration.

Participants will gain practical strategies for transitioning from transactional arrangements to transformative partnerships ones that embed resilience, cultural responsiveness, and shared ownership into the DNA of TNE. In a time of rising scrutiny and shifting student expectations, sustainable TNE must be grounded in the strength of the partnerships that sustain it.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify key principles of resilient and sustainable TNE partnerships, including mutual benefit, shared governance, and long-term strategic alignment.
  • Evaluate existing partnership models through the lens of sustainability, equity, and institutional capacity building, using real-world case studies.
  • Apply a framework for co-creating TNE initiatives that embed local relevance, climate-conscious planning, and joint ownership in both academic and operational aspects.
  • Recognise the enablers and barriers (e.g. regulatory, financial, cultural) to building transformative, rather than transactional, international partnerships.
  • Develop actionable strategies to shift from risk-based, one-sided agreements to trust-based, adaptive partnerships that can withstand political, economic, and environmental disruptions.

Target audience:

Those working in the International Education and interested in TNE, governance and finance leadership.

From Reach to Relationships: What Sustainable Recruitment Looks Like Now

Chair: Ganesh KOHLI, Founder, IC3 Movement | India

Ganesh KOHLI, Founder, IC3 Movement | India
Anuradha GUPTA, Regional Director – South Asia, University of Southern Queensland | India
Eric LO, Head (Impact), Office of Institutional Data and Research, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong | Hong Kong

Abstract:

With over 6.4 million globally mobile students in 2023 and projections exceeding 8 million by 2030 (UNESCO, 2024), institutions are rethinking international recruitment beyond short-term marketing tactics. Today’s students seek transparency, value, and alignment with institutional purpose (QS, 2023). This session explores how universities are responding by embedding recruitment within broader ecosystems of collaboration—both internally and externally.

Internally, successful strategies involve aligning admissions, academic, and student services teams to deliver a seamless, student-centered experience. Externally, institutions are investing in sustained partnerships with schools, counselors, and community networks that foster student readiness, trust, and long-term engagement. Panelists will share real-world, research-informed models—such as regional outreach frameworks, co-created pre-admission programming, and ecosystem-based recruitment approaches—that have led to more inclusive and mission-aligned enrollment outcomes.

Participants will gain insights into how cross-sector collaboration and internal integration not only enhance recruitment but also drive student success, retention, and institutional resilience in a shifting global landscape.

Learning objectives:

  • Examine emerging trends in global student mobility and their implications for sustainable international recruitment strategies.
  • Understand how internal alignment between admissions, academics, and student services enhances student engagement and institutional coherence.
  • Explore partnership models with schools, counselors, and community networks that promote equity, readiness, and longterm student success.
  • Identify data-informed practices that move recruitment efforts beyond marketing toward mission-aligned, studentcentered ecosystems.
  • Assess the impact of collaborative approaches on student persistence, satisfaction, and institutional reputation in diverse regional contexts.
  • Apply insights from real-world case studies to design or refine inclusive recruitment frameworks within participants’ own institutions.

Target audience:

  • International office leaders, recruitment managers
  • Enrollment/Admissions professionals
  • Academic & student affairs administrators involved in global strategy
  • Institutional partnership & outreach coordinators
  • Counselor engagement & regional liaison officers
  • Policy-makers/strategists interested in equitable access/student mobility

Think Local, Think Global: Diversifying the International Recruitment Strategies in the Changing Markets

Chair: Matthew LAMPKIN, Director, Asia Pacific, English Language Learning, Pearson | Australia

Matthew LAMPKIN, Director, Asia Pacific, English Language Learning, Pearson | Australia
Brad HALL, Head of TNE, UNSW College | Australia
Zoe YAO, Regional Head of International Recruitment and Partnerships – East Asia, University of Southampton | United Kingdom
Andri ANDRIYANA, Director of International Relations Centre (IRC), Universiti Malaya | Malaysia

Abstract:

In the VUCA era, the international education landscape is constantly evolving due to macro and micro factors such as geopolitics, government policy trends, technological advancements and AI, university strategies, and behavior changes among students and parents influenced by social media etc.

Our proposal is inspired by two key observations on international education status. Firstly, regarding student mobility, the distinction between “sending” and “receiving” markets is becoming blurred, with roles potentially interchangeable due to collaborative partnerships like onshore campuses. Secondly, amid fierce competition and the availability of more high quality programs, international student recruitment necessitates long-term investment, early education and engagement, and diverse partnerships, as well as the innovation of collaborative programs.

This panel will feature perspectives from one Asian university, one Australian university, and one UK university. They will discuss recent trends in intra-regional student mobility among Asian students and share insights and best practices on diversifying international recruitment strategies through multiple forms of engagement and partnerships. Pearson, as the moderator, will provide insights from past test-takers’ behavior data and market research reports to set the scene and facilitate the discussion on evolving student preferences, including comparisons between traditional study destinations and growing interest in regional options.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will learn about:

  • The best practices how universities in different regions have diversified their international recruitment strategies, to secure a short-term and long-term healthy recruitment pipeline
  • Better understanding between traditional study destinations and new regional options and Insights into Evolving Student Preferences towards different destinations
  • Understanding of Changing Student Mobility Patterns based on the universities’ insights and Pearson’s global data on test-takers

Target audience:

All, especially those working in recruitment and with an interest in TNE, partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration, global programs

Information coming soon.

Programs with Purpose: Collaborative Pathways for the Global Good

Chair: David QUIMBAYO GUZMAN, Program Manager, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) | Hong Kong

David HUERTA HARRIS, International Experiences and Models Director, Tecnológico de Monterrey | Mexico
Eleanor VANDEGRIFT, Director Global Studies Institute, University of Oregon | USA
Taninee SAHAKITRUNGRUANG, Professor of Pediatrics and Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University | Thailand 

Abstract:

This panel highlights innovative programs that equip students with transferable skills to address Asia Pacific challenges. Through experiential learning in mobility, virtual exchanges, and cross-border collaboration, these initiatives prepare students to thrive in global, tech-driven workplaces while fostering empathy, diplomacy, and a commitment to the global good. The session offers scalable program models that expands global learning experiences from the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).

  • 1. Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Asia Pacific Open Dialogues foster cross-cultural empathy and leadership by connecting students in candid, structured conversations on shared global challenges, creating safe spaces for diverse perspectives.
  • 2. University of Oregon’s / USC’s Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership employs role-playing simulations to unite multidisciplinary, multinational student teams in addressing climate change, mirroring real-world diplomacy.
  • 3. Chulalongkorn University’s UN Sustainable Development Goals for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC) program is a collaborative, intercultural initiative that empowers students to become global citizens by exploring Sustainable Development Goals through diverse case studies, and social innovation.

Together, these programs exemplify how collaborative design can advance purpose-driven global student programs.

Learning objectives:

  • Demonstrate how cross-border programs foster globally competent graduates by engaging students in real-world problem solving across Asia Pacific contexts, enhancing their adaptability, intercultural communication, and leadership skills.
  • Showcase strategic university alliances that support virtual exchanges and collaborative programs, enabling scalable models of borderless education.
  • Highlight student-centered innovations in program delivery, that expand access to global learning for diverse student populations.
  • Illustrate how university–community and multi-sectoral partnerships translate academic expertise into impactful solutions for global challenges.
  • Promote programs that cultivate global citizenship and social responsibility, emphasizing equity and long-term capacity building.

This session will equip leaders with practical tools to create programs that are not only globally connected but also inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse learners.

Target audience:

Senior International leaders and officers, student program designers, collaborative networks

Working in Partnership to address the SDGs: from research to student learning

Chair: Richard FOLLETT, Vice-President Global, University of Exeter | United Kingdom

Amos TAI, Deputy Chair (Education), Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Associate Director, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability Co-Director, CUHK-Exeter Joint Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (ENSURE), The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong
Brett LOVEGROVE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships), The University of Queensland | Australia
Richard FOLLETT, Vice-President Global, University of Exeter | United Kingdom

Abstract:

This session explores how international partnerships for research and student learning can drive the acquisition of knowledge and skills to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on case studies, we will showcase how collaborative research and student-led, challenge-based learning fosters global citizenship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. Our case studies will highlight the value both of partnerships where researchers and PhD students physically work in more than one country (the UQ-Exeter Institute and the ENSURE Joint Centre between CUHK and Exeter) and programs where students collaborate virtually, such as Future17 (a partnership between universities and QS Quacquarelli Symons in which students work in international teams to address real-world challenges aligned to the SDGs). The session will highlight how mobility, both physical and virtual, catalyzes impactful research advances and enhances student engagement with sustainability challenges, enabling students to build skills that are invaluable for their future work.

Learning objectives:

  • Attendees will gain insights into developing and scaling collaborative initiatives, with practical examples of how universities can co-create meaningful learning experiences and secure funding for impactful research with global partners. The session will also reflect on lessons learned, challenges faced, and the transformative potential of embedding sustainability into international research and education programmes.
  • Hear about strategies for building, growing and sustaining effective international partnerships
  • Understand how international experiences can enhance education and address the SDGs
  • Explore the Future17 model and its impact on student learning and skills
    Learn how to design student-led, challenge-based learning experiences
  • Gain insights into the value of joint PhD studentship schemes
  • Consider measures of success, for example how joint seed funding schemes can lead to securing external grant funding

Target audience:

Staff involved in international partnerships (for research or education), student mobility, sustainability, or curriculum design.

17:30-19:00
APAIE 2026 WELCOME RECEPTION
Wed 25 February
07:15-08:15
08:15-08:30
15min Transition
CONCURRENTS
EXHIBITION
08:30 – 17:30
08:30-09:15
CONCURRENT 9A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 9B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 9C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 9D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 9E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 9F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Student experience and well-being
Title
Asia-Pacific Partnerships in Mentoring Aspiring Women Leaders
New directions in student mobility: Untapped opportunities in MENA, Asia, and Latin America
From Siloed to Synergistic: Partnering for Holistic Student Safety in Global Mobility
Advancing Capacity through Transnational Education in Asia Pacific
University and Community: Creating Synergy
Can U.S. institutions still offer a positive student experience?

Asia-Pacific Partnerships in Mentoring Aspiring Women Leaders

Chair: Cindy FAN, Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, University of California, Los Angeles | United States

Cindy FAN, Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, University of California, Los Angeles | United States
Joanna REGULSKA, Vice Provost and Dean, Global Affairs, University of California, Davis | United States
Yvonne Ai Lian LIM, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia
Mai Har SHAM, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong

Abstract:

In most countries, women have surpassed men in attainment of higher education. Yet, the advancement and participation of women in leadership continue to be impeded by the glass ceiling and the “leaky pipeline.” Diverse social norms and persistent gender stereotypes across the Asia-Pacific region further exacerbate the challenges that women face.

This session highlights mentoring across the Asia-Pacific region as a tool aiming at creating opportunities for aspiring women leaders while considering the varied contexts in the region. Using a story-telling approach, presenters will share their journeys as mentors and/or mentees, outcomes and challenges of mentorship, as well as insights on driving change in gender equity and women’s advancement. They will draw on examples of Asia-Pacific partnerships that enable collaboration across borders and contribute to diversifying and expanding the talent pool for the work force. One such example is the Association of Pacific Rim Universities’ (APRU) Asia-Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) Program, which pairs mentors and mentees from 62 universities across 18 economies. A key goal of the session is to encourage participants, regardless of gender, to initiate and participate in mentorship in order to cultivate a robust, inclusive and diverse leadership pipeline in higher education and other sectors.

Learning objectives:

  • Barriers to women’s advancement and leadership opportunities constrain the leadership pipeline in higher education and other sectors.
  • Mentorship is an important tool to grow the leadership pipeline for women. Mentors of any gender can encourage aspiring women leaders to seek leadership opportunities and help them address challenges in equity and advancement.
  • Given the diverse social norms and persistent gender stereotypes across the Asia-Pacific region which exacerbate the challenges that women face, the varied contexts in the region must be considered in mentorship. Mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees. It provides opportunities for mentors to offer their experience, insights and ideas toward shaping the professional careers of their mentees and toward institution-building.
  • APRU’s APWiL program is a good example of how to facilitate mentorship matching senior faculty and leaders with aspiring women leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.

Target audience:

  • Aspiring women leaders in academia and related sectors.
  • Leaders, faculty and staff in higher education focusing on international education and partnerships.
  • University leaders interested in professional development of their faculty and staff. Any APAIE participants interested in addressing gender inequity.

New directions in student mobility: Untapped opportunities in MENA, Asia, and Latin America

Chair: Alison JENKINS, Executive Vice President (APAC), Studyportals | Australia

Megan AGNEW, Global Partnerships Manager, Higher Education, British Council | Viet Nam
Donny SIU, Founding Director, Centre for Pre-incubation & Outreach cum Asso Director, STEAM & Innovation Centre The Education University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong

Abstract:

As global student mobility patterns evolve, many students are considering destinations closer to home. While remaining crucial source markets for international recruitment, regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, and Latin America are also emerging as dynamic study destinations in their own right. Tightening migration policies elsewhere are also making these regional options increasingly attractive.

This session brings together regional experts and institutional leaders to examine the dual roles these regions now play in international education.

We’ll explore intra-regional mobility trends, new government-led internationalisation strategies, the growth of English taught programmes, and shifting student preferences. Through case studies and data insights, the panel will unpack key opportunities and challenges for institutions looking to diversify recruitment and partnerships. Whether you’re seeking to attract students from these regions or build a stronger institutional presence within them, this session offers essential intelligence for shaping future-ready strategies.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe key outbound and inbound student mobility trends in MENA, Asia, and Latin America, with attention to regional variation.
  • Assess the strategic opportunities and challenges of engaging with these regions as both source and destination markets.
  • Identify policy developments and institutional practices that are driving the growth of regional and international student recruitment.

Target audience:

Those working in strategic planning, international marketing and recruitment, and those with an interest in TNE.

From Siloed to Synergistic: Partnering for Holistic Student Safety in Global Mobility

Chair: Mahvish WESLEY, Director, Learning & Safety Abroad, University of Toronto | Canada

Natalie BELL, Safety Abroad Advisor & Manager, University of Toronto | Canada
Mahvish WESLEY, Director, Learning & Safety Abroad, University of Toronto | Canada
Harpreet SINGH, Regional Director, NUS Overseas Colleges; Deputy Director, NUS Enterprise Academy National University of Singapore | Singapore

Abstract:

Student safety in international mobility programs is a shared responsibility that demands holistic, culturally responsive, and collaborative approaches. Too often, safety is addressed in isolation, disconnected from the broader emotional, cultural, and systemic contexts students navigate. This session explores how institutions can embed safety into both inbound and outbound mobility programs through strategic, cross-sector, and international partnerships.

For inbound mobility, presenters will share inclusive safety frameworks developed through collaboration with campus services, mental health teams, and local community organizations. These partnerships amplify local impact while enhancing the global student experience.

For outbound mobility, the University of Toronto and the National University of Singapore will present a bilateral model for risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and mental health support—highlighting a growing trend in mental health related cases. Their collaboration exemplifies an East-West partnership that is both globally informed and locally grounded, prioritizing equity, mutual benefit, and long-term capacity building.

This session offers practical insights for institutions seeking to strengthen student safety through partnerships that bridge academia, community, and international networks—advancing inclusive and sustainable mobility practices that reflect the spirit of global citizenship and social responsibility.

Learning objectives:

  • Examine practical examples of how safety can be embedded into the student exchange experience by leveraging crossfunctional partnerships with on-campus services, local communities, and international institutions
  • Explore the concept of safety not only as a compliance task, but as a shared strategic responsibility in student mobility, and how collaborative efforts can enhance student well-being and institutional resilience
  • Gain practical insights from case studies, with pragmatic practices to co-develop safety protocols that are culturally responsive and scalable 

Target audience:

x

Advancing Capacity through Transnational Education in Asia Pacific

Chair: Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | Australia

Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | Australia
John MALONEY, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (International), Deakin University | Australia

Abstract:

As transnational education (TNE) continues to evolve across the Asia Pacific, its role in national capacity building is becoming increasingly significant. This session considers a strategic approach to offshore delivery—one that aligns more directly with the future labour force and skills needs of host countries, rather than being shaped and driven by home campus priorities and portfolios.

Redefining strategic, equitable international partnerships across Asia Pacific will be crucial to the success of higher education around the world – to strengthen internationalisation strategies, diversify student recruitment revenue streams and create a diverse and equitable higher education ecosystem.   

Drawing on QS labour market analytics and framed within the triple helix model of university–industry–government collaboration, this interactive, workshop-style presentation will examine how TNE can better serve national development goals, reduce the risk of brain drain, and respond to the growing trend of intra-regional student mobility in APAC. 

This session explores the opportunities in transnational education in the region, setting out a roadmap for foreign universities to identify and establish successful partnerships. The session is essential for leaders and decision-makers seeking to gain practical insights into the opportunities and complexities of TNE.  

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will engage with real-world case studies (Deakin University and Lancaster University on India and Indonesia partnerships) and labour market data to explore how education providers can design responsive, forward-looking offshore programs and partnerships.
  • The session will also demonstrate how evidence-based planning can underpin—supported by dynamic analytics—more sustainable and mutually beneficial education partnerships. 
  • Attendees will leave with actionable insights into mapping skills needs, engaging regional stakeholders, and embedding long-term value into their international education strategies.

Target audience:

Senior leadership, global engagement teams, institutional partnership managers.

University and Community: Creating Synergy

Chair: Victoria PANOVA, Vice Rector, International Affairs, HSE University | Russian Federation

Nopraenue Sajjarax DHIRATHITI (APAIE Advisory Council), Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Mahidol University | Thailand
Oleg KORNEEV, Associate Professor, Programme Academic Supervisor, HSE University | Russian Federation
Theeta ROJNKUREESATIEN, Head of Capacity Building for Sustainability Unit, Mahidol University | Thailand

Abstract:

In today’s interconnected world, universities are moving beyond their traditional roles of teaching and research to become active contributors to societal development. This expanded role, known as the Third Mission, positions them as drivers of social, technological, and economic innovation. Increasingly, higher education institutions are expected to tackle pressing societal and economic challenges while engaging with local and global communities.

Societal engagement takes many forms, including knowledge transfer, public outreach, policy work, and service learning. Many universities align their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, working with NGOs, governments, and international partners to implement long-term, high-impact initiatives. Institutional support and targeted funding help turn academic research into real-world solutions and public policy.

To lead these efforts, universities are creating centers to embed sustainability across education, research, and operations. These units promote hands-on learning, foster innovation, and ensure efficient use of resources.

As this mission evolves, global collaboration is key. Internationally coordinated Third Mission projects offer platforms for shared learning and joint action. By engaging students and staff in policy and community-based work under expert guidance, and by connecting with think tanks, businesses, and governments, universities ensure their work makes a real impact beyond academia.

Learning objectives:

  • to present best practices within the University’s Third Mission
  • to discuss ways in which higher education institutions may enhance their contribution to society
  • to exchange ideas on creating international Third Mission projects
  • to share experience in establishing links with local communities, governments, NGOs and businesses
  • to show cases how universities are able to bring about positive change for their local communities
  • to study the new forms of the university’s local and global social and economic outreach
  • to discuss methods of engaging students into Third Mission projects

Target audience:

University personnel, including research and administrative staff, stakeholders from municipal authorities and businesses.

Can U.S. institutions still offer a positive student experience?

Chair: TBC

Sherif BARSOUM, Senior Associate VP Global Services, New York University | United States
Shinn KO, Assistant Vice Provost, Emory University | United States
USA
Sun LU, Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director, Hong Kong Lemon Education Technology Corporation | Hong Kong

Abstract:

In today’s volatile geopolitical climate and amidst shifting leadership and governance philosophies, many are questioning whether U.S. higher education institutions can continue to provide a positive and supportive experience for students from the Asia Pacific region.

This panel will explore that central question while examining and/or sharing strategies to foster inclusive campus environments and drive innovation in student support services.

The discussion will extend beyond the U.S. context, inviting session participants from around the world to reflect on how their institutions are preparing students for global citizenship in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
Relevant Streams: 1. Student experience and well-being; 3. Programs; 4.Student Recruitment

Learning objectives:

  • Innovative and sustainable programs to support and retain students from the Asian Pacific region and for North American students in the Asia Pacific.
  • How to raise intercultural competency amongst our campus communities.
  • Gain knowledge of support structures for international students and those studying abroad.
  • Learn how to prepare students for their time abroad.

Target audience:

Senior international officers, Admissions, Study abroad, recruitment, and student support.

09:15-09:20
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
09:20-09:50
CONCURRENT 10A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 10B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 10C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 10D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 10E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 10F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Student experience and well-being
Programs
Title
What’s new in Hong Kong
Academic Mobility for Employability: Strengthening Korean and German Educational, Cultural, and Economic Exchange
CityStudio Ottawa: A uOttawa–City of Ottawa Partnership for Civic Innovation and Student Engagement
Global Insights, Local Roots: A Case Study of University–Community Collaboration in Nepal
Raising international students’ success and satisfaction: A five-year case study of immersive block learning
Forging Paths to Global Careers: Japan’s 2024–2030 Social Impact Initiative and the Role of Virtual Internationalization

Information coming soon.

Academic Mobility for Employability: Strengthening Korean and German Educational, Cultural, and Economic Exchange

Chair: Noelle PONASIK, Short-Term Programs and Overseas Partnerships, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Germany

Noelle PONASIK, Short-Term Programs and Overseas Partnerships, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Germany
Juliane REINHARDT-MAX, Director International Office, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Germany

Abstract:

The Rhine-Main Metropolitan Area, centered around Frankfurt, Germany, is a key hub for international business and home to over 600 Korean companies, including global leaders such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and SK Group. At the same time, Germany faces a growing shortage of skilled workers, creating a strong interest in international talent, particularly among Korean firms operating in the region. This project aims to prepare Korean university students for the German job market while maintaining their career prospects in Korea and worldwide. Through a two-phase model, we aim to foster intercultural competencies, workplace readiness, and language proficiency. We will offer a summer university in Frankfurt in 2026 with our partner universities in Korea and local Korean companies, which will combine university-level coursework with German language training, cultural immersion, and professional orientation to the German business environment, followed by semester exchanges with integrated internships at local firms. The program addresses dual needs: it empowers Korean students with international experience and employability skills, and simultaneously supports talent acquisition efforts of Korean-German companies. By aligning international education through student mobility and workforce development, this initiative creates sustainable pathways for Asian-European cooperations and strengthens long-term educational and economical partnerships between Korea and Germany.

Learning objectives:

  • Analyze how academic mobility programs can be strategically aligned with regional labor market needs, using the Korean-German exchange model as a case study.
  • Understand the role of international partnerships and industry collaboration in designing effective, employment-oriented student mobility programs.
  • Identify best practices for integrating academic, cultural, and professional learning components into a cohesive mobility program that serves both student development and workforce readiness, beyond traditional degree-seeking programs.
  • Evaluate the potential of bilateral initiatives to address global talent shortages while supporting students’ global employability.
  • Explore models for embedding internships within exchange semesters and facilitating collaboration between universities and multinational companies.
  • Consider practical steps for implementing similar programs in other regional contexts with an emphasis on scalability and sustainability.

Target audience:

Participants developing programs combining student mobility, intercultural learning, and employability; the session highlights innovative approaches using academic mobilities to prepare international students for local labor markets. Ideal for program developers, partnership managers, and career services professionals.

CityStudio Ottawa: A uOttawa–City of Ottawa Partnership for Civic Innovation and Student Engagement

Chair: Alain-Sebastien MALETTE, Senior Director Career Development and Experiential Learning, University of Ottawa | Canada

Alain-Sebastien MALETTE, Senior Director Career Development and Experiential Learning, University of Ottawa | Canada
Claire KENDALL, Associate Dean, Social Accountability at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa | Canada

Abstract:

At a time when universities are called to play a more intentional civic role, the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, is advancing community-based experiential learning through CityStudio Ottawa. CityStudio Ottawa is a structured, high-impact model that connects students, municipal staff, and community partners to co-create solutions to real-world civic challenges. Since its launch, the initiative has engaged over 1,500 students—more than 20% of whom are international—across eight faculties, including Medicine, Social Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Management. Guided by the city’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP), projects address thematic priorities such as housing affordability, climate resilience, newcomer integration, and mental health supports.

By embedding CityStudio into its offerings, uOttawa is contributing to the evolution of 4th generation universities—those that are socially accountable, community-responsive, and innovation-driven. The model expands interdisciplinary collaboration, enhances civic agency among students, and provides more equitable access to impactful experiential learning.

This session will highlight institutional strategies, enabling conditions, and lessons learned, offering practical guidance for jurisdictions interested in adapting the model within diverse policy and cultural environments.

Learning objectives:

  • Analyze how the CityStudio Ottawa model contributes to the role of universities as agents of the global good by addressing real-world societal challenges through civic partnerships.
  • Identify strategies for embedding interdisciplinary, community-engaged experiential learning into academic programming across faculties, with a focus on social accountability.
  • Explore how aligning student learning with municipal priorities can develop globally relevant competencies such as collaboration, systems thinking, and cultural responsiveness.

Target audience:

  • Those working in partnerships, whether at the local, national and interantional levels
  • Those interested in developing curricular offerings to tackle interdisciplinary societal challenges
  • Those working in experiential and work-integrated learning environments(EL/WIL), competency based education, etc

Global Insights, Local Roots: A Case Study of University–Community Collaboration in Nepal

Chair: TBC

Rajendra JOSHI, Researcher and Teacher, Far Western University | Nepal
Rajendra Prasad BHATT, Dean, Far Western University | Nepal

Abstract:

University–community partnerships are emerging as critical mechanisms for driving inclusive development, fostering reciprocal knowledge exchange, and addressing localized challenges through participatory engagement. This paper presents a case study of Nepal with special reference to Far Western University, examining how a young higher education institution engages with historically underserved communities in the Far Western region. Far Western University integrates community-based learning, participatory research, and localized curriculum development to align academic activities with regional needs. Initiatives range from agricultural training and public health outreach to the documentation of indigenous cultures, reflecting a commitment to both local empowerment and global scholarship. Despite challenges such as limited funding and institutional capacity, Far Western University’s approach illustrates how local engagement can yield globally relevant insights in areas such as climate resilience, migration, and cultural preservation. This case study contributes to broader discourses on the transformative role of higher education in sustainable development and offers replicable models for university–community collaborations in similar socio-economic contexts.    

Learning objectives:

  • Analyze how community-based learning, participatory research, and localized curriculum development alignacademic activities with regional needs.
  • Assess how local university engagement can generate globally relevant insights on issues like climate resilience, migration, and cultural preservation.
  • Discuss replicable models of university–community collaboration that contribute to sustainable development in socio-economically similar contexts.

Target audience:

  • Academics and researchers
  • Community leaders and practitioners
  • Policy makers and development professionals
  • University administrators and faculty

Raising international students’ success and satisfaction: A five-year case study of immersive block learning

Chair: Sharon LESLIE, Director, English Language Programs, Southern Cross University | Australia

Elizabeth GOODE, Senior Lecturer, Southern Cross University | Australia
Thomas ROCHE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ACademic Quality), Southern Cross University | Australia

Abstract:

Information coming soon.

Learning objectives:

Information coming soon.

Target audience:

Information coming soon.

Forging Paths to Global Careers: Japan’s 2024–2030 Social Impact Initiative and the Role of Virtual Internationalization

Chair: Keiko IKEDA, Vice-Director, Institute for Innovative Global Education Kansai University | Japan

Keiko IKEDA, Vice-Director, Institute for Innovative Global Education Kansai University | Japan
Tomoki FURUKAWA, Professor, Division of International Affairs, Kansai University | Japan

Abstract:

Japan’s 2024–2030 Social Impact Initiative represents a bold step toward reimagining global career readiness by integrating inclusive, digitally enhanced international education. At the center of this transformation is the use of virtual internationalization—such as COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), blended mobility, and micro credentials—as scalable tools to expand access to cross-border learning and career development. This presentation examines how Japan’s universities, in collaboration with industries and government stakeholders, are designing career linked, impact-driven learning ecosystems that empower students from diverse backgrounds to engage globally, without relying solely on physical mobility. It highlights case studies including the JV-Campus, the JIGE initiative, and the Osaka Social Impact Project, and explores how these programs promote equity, innovation, and employability in the post-post pandemic world. The session invites dialogue on how virtual pathways can support the next generation of globally minded professionals and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient model of international education.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the goals and structure of Japan’s 2024–2030 Social Impact Initiative and its relevance to global career education.
  • Analyze how virtual internationalization tools—such as COIL, blended mobility, and micro-credentials—can support inclusive global learning pathways.
  • Identify strategies for integrating virtual exchange with career readiness and social impact outcomes.
  • Examine successful case studies (e.g., JV-Campus, JIGE, Osaka Social Impact Project) as adaptable models for their own institutions.
  • Reflect on how to co-create equitable and scalable global learning ecosystems in the post-post-pandemic era.

Target audience:

This session is ideal for:

  • International education professionals and administrators
  • Faculty and curriculum developers involved in global learning or career education
  • Industry and NGO partners seeking cross-sector collaboration in education
  • Policymakers and government stakeholders working on higher education reform
09:50-10:00
10min Transition
10:00-11:00
PLENARY SESSION with STUDENT VOICE
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
11:00-11:30
DEDICATED EXPO TIME
11:30-12:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
POSTER DISCUSSIONS 3
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
CONCURRENTS
12:30-13:15
CONCURRENT 11A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 11B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 11C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 11D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 11E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 11F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Future-Proofing Students Through Global Internships in the Age of AI: Insights from Employers, Interns, Universities & Providers
Student Voice and Graduate Outcomes: Rethinking Return on Education in Asia
Cross-Border Collaboration: Partnering to Build Ethical Student Leaders
Academic Research Papers
From TNE to Transnational Innovation: Syntegrative Education and FEAR-less Learning in China and ASEAN
Navigating the geopolitical storm: anticipating student mobility and partnership shifts in Asia-Pacific and Europe

Future-Proofing Students Through Global Internships in the Age of AI: Insights from Employers, Interns, Universities & Providers

Chair: Johanna MOLINA ALVAREZ, Co-Founder and Head of Impact, The Intern Group Colombia | Colombia

Steven MCDONALD, Manager of Learning Abroad (Short Programs), Western Sydney | Australia
David CHAU, Alumni, International Intern | Hong Kong

Abstract:

As artificial intelligence reshapes global industries, the Asia-Pacific region is uniquely positioned to lead in cultivating partnerships that prioritize the human-centric skills essential for the workforce of the future. In this evolving landscape, global internships are proving vital in developing capabilities that machines cannot replicate—such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural collaboration.

This panel brings together a diverse range of perspectives: a university championing experiential learning, a host organization facilitating cross-border internships, an internship provider connecting students and universities with the job market, and an internship alumnus now based in Hong Kong, ready to reflect on the personal and professional impact of his international experience.

Together, they will explore how Asia-Pacific collaboration can reimagine global internships as powerful tools for strengthening human intelligence—preparing students to thrive and contribute meaningfully in an AI-augmented world.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how Asia-Pacific partnerships can innovate global internship models to prioritize human intelligence alongside AI advancements.
  • Identify strategies for integrating AI-awareness into experiential learning programs, fostering skills like critical thinking and cultural agility.
  • Explore employer perspectives on evolving hiring practices that value human-centric competencies in the AI-driven workplace.
  • Gain insights from alumni experiences on the transformative impact of global internships in developing lifelong, adaptable skills.

Target audience:

The target audience for this session are managers and officers of global education programmes. The session will also be of interest to officers responsible for strategic planning and student success.

Student Voice and Graduate Outcomes: Rethinking Return on Education in Asia

Chair: Marcel BANDUR, Senior Business Development Manager, Studyportals | Singapore

Sibrandes POPPEMA, President, Sunway University | Malaysia
Varsha Devi BALAKRISHNAN, Head of Student Insights and Strategy, Voyage | Australia

Abstract:

As international student mobility towards Asia accelerates, institutions face increasing pressure to align educational offerings with evolving student expectations. Traditional indicators of academic excellence are being reevaluated; students are prioritising graduate outcomes, career alignment, and long-term return on education. This panel presents a data-driven case study examining how emerging student priorities are reshaping the partnership between education and industry.

Using Studyportals’ global student demand data, we examine key trends in destination and discipline preferences, focusing on Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, to analyse how these correlate with shifts in regional education strategies, evolving immigration policies, and the alignment of academic programs with career pathways. These insights are contextualised by social sentiment analysis, drawing from student voices across digital platforms to uncover the motivations and concerns students express about career pathways, post-study work opportunities, and future mobility prospects.

Real-life lessons will be shared by Sunway University, recognised for its success in graduate employment. The university will discuss how career outcomes can be embedded into the academic mission through strategic industry partnerships, curricular innovation, and a commitment to skill development. This will illustrate how employability can become a core differentiator in a competitive education market.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand shifting international student priorities, with a focus on employability and return on education.
  • Analyse regional trends in student demand across Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.
  • Explore the correlation between policy shifts, academic program design, and student career expectations.
  • Gain insights from social sentiment analysis to better interpret student motivations and concerns.
  • Learn from institutional practices that successfully embed employability through industry partnerships and curricular innovation.

Target audience:

International education professionals in student recruitment, strategic enrolment management, academic program design, employability and career services, and government and policy engagement. Relevant to those working on TNE, regionalisation strategies, and aligning higher education with labour market outcomes.

Cross-Border Collaboration: Partnering to Build Ethical Student Leaders

Chair: Claire PIELA, Managing Director – Global Education, Common Purpose | United Kingdom

Kate ELWOOD, Dean of International Affairs / Professor, School of Commerce, Waseda University | Japan
Nancy ERBSTEIN, Associate Vice Provost, Global Education and Associate Professor of Education in Residence University of California, Davis | United States
Catherine LEMON, Global Engagement Manager, Universitas 21 | United Kingdom

Abstract:

In an increasingly complex world, universities are seeking innovative, scalable, and inclusive ways to foster global citizenship among students. This interactive roundtable explores how a unique collaboration—between Universitas 21, a global network of research-intensive universities, and Common Purpose, a non-profit leadership development organisation—has helped thousands of students become ethical, action-oriented global citizens. Their Global Citizens programme—delivered virtually to over 15,000 students worldwide, including across the Asia-Pacific—offers a compelling example of the potential of long-standing, cross-sector collaboration. Using this lens, the session will explore how partnerships can create student development experiences that genuinely serve the global good. Facilitated by Common Purpose, experts in convening diverse voices, our roundtable hosts include:

Universitas 21: Sharing a network-wide view of multilateralism in global citizenship
Waseda University: Offering insight into enabling students to balance acting globally with regional perspectives through their Campus Asia program with Peking University, Korea University, and Nanyang Technological University.

University of California, Davis: Sharing perspectives on connecting global citizenship to local impact through engaging multicultural communities in our region and across the university itself.

Following brief reflections, the discussion will open to participants, exploring how partnerships can build students’ capacity to lead with purpose, collaborate across boundaries and contribute to the UN SDGs.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will:

  • Identify critical success factors in cross-border, cross-sector partnerships aimed at developing global citizenship
  • Understand how students from diverse regional and institutional contexts engage with values-based leadership and global challenges
  • Reflect on how virtual and Internationalisation at home formats can expand access without compromising learning depth
  • Share and gather actionable ideas for designing or enhancing partnerships that align with the priorities of the Asia-Pacific region and the wider global good

Target audience:

For International office directors, mobility coordinators, global engagement leads and academic leads seeking scalable, inclusive models for global citizenship. Relevant to those embedding SDG learning, supporting non-travelling students, or advancing Asia-Pacific partnerships through co-curricular innovation.

Information coming soon.

From TNE to Transnational Innovation: Syntegrative Education and FEAR-less Learning in China and ASEAN

Chair: Stuart PERRIN, Chief Officer for Ecology, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) | China

Pietro BORSANO, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) | China
Andrew KING, Associate Dean, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) | China

Abstract:

This session explores how Transnational Education (TNE) models are shifting from conventional knowledge-transfer systems to dynamic ecosystems of innovation, entrepreneurship, and student agency. Drawing on comparative case studies from XJTLU in China and Australian university partnerships in Thailand (Newcastle and La Trobe in partnership with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Siam University), the session investigates how institutions can foster globally competent graduates through practice-based, transdisciplinary learning environments.

XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education model—delivered through its Entrepreneur College in Taicang—moves beyond traditional curriculum delivery by embedding co-created industry projects across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These projects serve as engines for startup ideation and entrepreneurial learning. Supported by extensive innovation infrastructure, students are empowered to prototype, test, and commercialize solutions to real-world problems.

The presenters will introduce the concept of “FEAR-less learning,” a framework rooted in Gee’s Affinity Spaces (2004) and Foucault’s Heterotopia (1967), which empowers students through spatial and social agency. In this model, learning is immersive, project-based, and anchored in cross-sector engagement. The discussion is especially relevant for institutions reimagining TNE beyond curriculum parity toward ecosystem-based learning that enables innovation and entrepreneurship at scale.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how TNE can move beyond curriculum alignment toward innovation-led ecosystems.
  • Explore the Syntegrative Education model at XJTLU as a case of best practice.
  • Evaluate the importance of “FEAR-less learning” spaces for fostering student agency.
  • Compare innovations in delivery between China and ASEAN-based TNE programs.
  • Identify how co-created industry and startup projects enhance work-integrated learning across UG and PG levels.

Target audience:

University administrators, educators engaged in TNE design, internationalization strategy, student development, and entrepreneurship education across the Asia-Pacific region.

Navigating the geopolitical storm: anticipating student mobility and partnership shifts in Asia-Pacific and Europe

Chair: Laura E. RUMBLEY, Director, Knowledge Development and Research, European Association for International Education | the Netherlands

Yeravdekar YERAVDEKAR, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University | India
Nopraenue Sajjarax DHIRATHITI (APAIE Advisory Council), Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Mahidol University | Thailand
Sara LÓPEZ SELGA, President, European Association for International Education | Spain

Abstract:

The global landscape of international education is shifting rapidly. Whilst countries like the US, UK and Canada have traditionally dominated the global landscape for international student mobility, we are now witnessing a decisive shift towards Asia-Pacific and European destinations. Geopolitical tensions, evolving visa policies in traditional host nations, and the emergence of Asia as an educational leader are reshaping student choices and institutional partnerships globally.

This timely session will touch upon:

  • Policy developments influencing mobility trends and partnership strategies in Asia, Australia and Europe
  • Asia’s growing prominence as both a destination and innovator in internationalisation of higher education, featuring several institutional case studies
  • Practical examples of Europe/Asia-Pacific collaboration that emphasise mutual benefit, sustainability and equitable knowledge exchange beyond traditional North-South models
  • Featuring institutional/organisational leaders from India, Thailand), Australia and Europe, this session will explore how stakeholders from Asia-Pacific and Europe are addressing shifting realities, with an eye on balancing competitiveness, inclusivity, and geopolitical sensitivities.

Learning objectives:

Participants will gain:

  • Insights into the evolving policy landscape affecting international student mobility and partnerships in Asia-Pacific and Europe
  • Awareness of Asia’s evolving profile as a destination/hub for international student mobility
  • Practical examples for developing equitable Asia-Pacific/European collaborations
  • Learning objectives:
  • Gain insight into policy frameworks in Asia-Pacific and Europe in a changing geopolitical landscape
  • Develop awareness of Asia’s rise as an international education hub
  • Explore good practices for equitable and fair Europe/Asia-Pacific collaboration

Target audience:

Institutional leaders, international office staff, policymakers, and mobility professionals interested in Europe/Asia-Pacific collaboration, student recruitment, and geopolitical impacts on education.

13:15-13:20
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
13:20-14:05
CONCURRENT 12A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 12B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 12C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 12D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 12E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 12F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
TBC
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Building an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Transformative Ecosystem for Asia-Pacific Higher Education
Spoilt for Choice: Destination Branding as the Key Ingredient to Education Marketing
Evaluating the Success of International Higher Education Partnerships: A Framework for Impact
Research, practice and partnerships: The Journal of Studies in International Education (JSIE)
From Partnerships to Purpose: Collaborative Models Tackling Global Challenges in Higher Education

Building an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Transformative Ecosystem for Asia-Pacific Higher Education

Chair: TBC

Farhana Diana DERIS, Director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Teknologi | Malaysia
Mohd Arrifin ABU HASSAN, Director, UTM International, Universiti Teknologi | Malaysia
Mohd Shafry MOHD RAHIM, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi | Malaysia

Abstract:

The Asia-Pacific region is uniquely positioned to reshape the future of international education through strategic partnerships rooted in sustainability and shared humanity. This session presents a visionary framework inspired by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) leadership in regional collaboration, offering a replicable model for cultivating an inclusive and regenerative higher education ecosystem. Drawing on international alliances such as Erasmus+, ATU-Net, and the ASEAN Learning Network, the framework addresses a range of transformative priorities: enhancing intra-Asia mobility and academic convergence, positioning the region as a global hub for talent and innovation, and reimagining transnational education through reciprocal, co-created models. It also emphasises the integration of culturally responsive learning, equitable access through AI and digital innovation, and the embedding of justice, community agency, and mutual respect into institutional partnerships. Further priorities include advancing regionally relevant research, leveraging education for peacebuilding and diplomacy, institutionalising climate resilience and indigenous wisdom, and broadening participation through inclusive scholarships and global access pathways. Through these initiatives, UTM demonstrates how purposeful collaboration can drive regional transformation and global impact. This session invites higher education leaders to co-create a new Asia-Pacific paradigm—one defined by trust, equity, and collective progress for the global good.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand a visionary framework for building an inclusive and regenerative higher education ecosystem in the AsiaPacific.
  • Learn how strategic alliances such as Erasmus+, ATU-Net, and the ASEAN Learning Network can drive global good.
  • Discover how UTM integrates sustainability, digital innovation, and cultural responsiveness into its global engagement model.
  • Identify ways to scale access and impact through scholarships, co-created programmes, and AI-driven solutions.
  • Be inspired to reimagine regional collaboration not as competition, but as collective advancement for humanity.
  • Leave with actionable ideas to implement ecosystem-based, values-driven partnerships in your own institution.

Target audience:

This session will benefit university leaders, internationalisation strategists, partnership managers, and educators involved in transnational education (TNE), the SDGs, digital innovation, and inclusive mobility—particularly those seeking to build sustainable, impact-driven collaborations in the Asia-Pacific.

Spoilt for Choice: Destination Branding as the Key Ingredient to Education Marketing

Chair: Vytas RIMKUS, Director of Strategy and Client Success, eduKUDU | Hong Kong

Vedika TAUNK, Associate Director, Digital Analytics and Strategy, Humber Polytechnic | Canada
Ryan GAMON, Strategic Account Director, Goin’ | United Kingdom

Abstract:

Crises bring about opportunities. Traditional overseas study markets face growing challenges from tighter immigration rules, changes to post-study work rights, and a subsequent loss of brand power. This opens a window for ambitious study-abroad destinations—especially in Asia—to boost their global appeal. However, destination brand building is complex, and many Asian locations remain relatively unknown to students beyond their immediate regions. Hong Kong, for example, is a vibrant, world-class city that still struggles to attract greater full degree student diversity despite offering outstanding education.

This session brings together three expert perspectives to explore how destination branding can empower student recruitment and marketing teams.

Vytas Rimkus will unpack what destination branding means, focusing on visual storytelling, message customisation, and ambassador-led campaigns that bring creativity and soft power to institutional marketing.

Ryan will highlight how student communities can drive destination branding through social proof and engagement, sharing examples of strategies that build belonging and authentic connection.

Vedika will present Humber Polytechnic’s approach amid shifting Canadian immigration policies, showing how institutions can pivot from lifestyle-led messaging to ROI-driven narratives that emphasize skills, career outcomes, and long-term value.

Even as new destinations rise, established markets are evolving—and the competition is far from over.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the fundamentals of destination branding and how it influences international student recruitment in emerging and established markets.
  • Explore the role of visual storytelling and ambassador-driven content in creating compelling, authentic narratives that differentiate destinations.
  • Learn how student communities and social proof strategies can strengthen a destination’s appeal and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Examine how institutions can pivot marketing strategies in response to external challenges, such as immigration policy changes or shifting student expectations.
  • Identify practical tactics and campaign examples that institutions and destinations can apply to enhance visibility, engagement, and recruitment outcomes.

Target audience:

This session will appeal to a broad audience—including professionals in recruitment, marketing, branding, and study abroad. Given that the topic goes beyond a single campaign, it is also highly relevant for institutional leaders involved in shaping strategic direction and long-term vision.

Evaluating the Success of International Higher Education Partnerships: A Framework for Impact

Chair: Vanessa CARNE-CAVAGNARO, Global Analytics Manager, Adelaide University | Australia

Susie RANESKOLD, Manager, Global Partnerships, Adelaide University | Australia
Kathrin JEHLE, Partnerships, University of Freiburg | Germany
Vanessa CARNE-CAVAGNARO, Global Analytics Manager, Adelaide University | Australia
David OUCHTERLONIE, Director of Global Partnerships, University of Nottingham | United Kingdom 

Abstract:

As international partnerships become increasingly strategic, institutions are seeking more effective ways to measure their impact. While traditional metrics — such as student numbers or MoUs signed — offer limited insight, there is growing demand for deeper evaluation that captures academic quality, cultural exchange, research outcomes and economic contribution.

This interactive presentation–workshop will introduce a practical framework for assessing the impact of international higher education partnerships. It will outline a mix of quantitative and qualitative indicators, discuss alignment with institutional priorities, and explore methods for collecting, analysing and applying impact data. Case studies from around the world will showcase varied approaches and key lessons.

Participants will take part in structured peer discussions to share current practices, identify gaps, and generate ideas for more purposeful and outcomes-focused partnership evaluation.

The session supports the broader goal of fostering partnerships for global good through more transparent, accountable and meaningful impact measurement.

Learning objectives:

Participants will:

  • Identify key metrics for measuring the impact of international partnerships
  • Understand different methods for assessing academic, cultural, and economic impact
  • Explore a flexible evaluation framework adaptable to their institutional context
  • Reflect on and benchmark current impact measurement practices
  • Share and gain insights from peer institutions across the globe.

Target audience:

Staff involved in managing, evaluating, or developing international partnerships, including global engagement leads, international office teams, institutional planners, and academic staff seeking to understand and improve partnership impact.

Research, practice and partnerships: The Journal of Studies in International Education (JSIE)

Chair: Kirrilee HUGHES, Research Manager, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) | Australia

Tracy ZOU XIAOPING, Department of Educational Administration and Policy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong
Yuzhuo CAI, Professor, Department of Education Policy and Leadership, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) | Hong Kong

Abstract:

Did you know that international education associations around the world, including APAIE, have partnered to establishment and manage an academic journal for nearly 30 years? The Journal of Studies in International Education (JSIE) is now the premiere academic journal for leaders, administrators, educators, researchers and policymakers interested in the internationalisation of higher education. Owned by a consortia partnership of international education associations, including APAIE, JSIE is also ‘our journal’; it features practitioner-led research and other contributions which are grounded in practice.

This session introduces JSIE to APAIE 2026 attendees and provides a background to its mission, scope and editors. Two Asia-Pacific based JSIE Editors will then present ‘Editors’ Picks’; that is, selected examples of recently published research which is grounded in practice and has resonated strongly with JSIE readers.

This session will also feature an interactive component in which attendees will have the opportunity to co-create ideas for themes and contributions for future ‘special editions’ of JSIE. Current JSIE Manager, Dr Kirrilee Hughes, will chair this session.

Learning objectives:

APAIE 2026 participants who attend this session will:

  • Learn more about JSIE including its mission, scope and shared ownership by international education associationsfrom around the world;
  • Take a ‘deep dive’ into selected recent JSIE articles, with a sharp focus on relevance for international educationpractitioners; and
  • Generate ideas and engage in peer-learning regarding future themes of and contributions to JSIE special editions.

Target audience:

  • Members of international education associations which own JSIE, including APAIE, AIEA, ANIE, CBIE, CIEE, EAIE,IEAA, NAFSA, NUFFIC and WES.
  • International education researchers, other academics and research-practitioners who are attending APAIE 2026. This includes participants of APAIE’s Emerging Researchers stream.

Information coming soon.

From Partnerships to Purpose: Collaborative Models Tackling Global Challenges in Higher Education

Chair: Jeff LAU, Assistant Director, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore

Pooi See LEE, Vice President (International Engagement), Nanyang Technological University | Singapore
Weidong LIU, Vice President for International Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China
Sally SMITH, Director of International Strategy & Relations, University of Warwick | United Kingdom

Abstract:

As global challenges such as climate change, public health threats, and digital inequality intensify, higher education institutions are increasingly called upon to respond—not in isolation, but through purposeful partnerships. This session explores how universities across the Asia-Pacific are advancing beyond traditional mobility frameworks to establish cross-border, cross-sector collaborations that generate real-world solutions to pressing global issues. Through case studies and institutional models, the session will showcase how partnerships grounded in shared values and mutual benefit can catalyse action in areas such as sustainable development, digital transformation, and public health resilience. It will also highlight how academic mobility—when designed with intentionality—can serve as a powerful enabler of innovation, capacity building, and community engagement. Participants will gain insights into the evolving role of international partnerships in shaping not just institutional reputation, but global responsibility. The discussion will reflect a diversity of approaches—from university, industry and government-linked projects to regional and global partnerships—demonstrating the transformative potential of working collaboratively toward the global good. This session aims to inspire institutions to reframe engagement and mobility as tools for purposeful impact, aligning partnership strategy with global responsibility and inclusive progress.

Learning objectives:

By attending, participants will:

  • Explore strategic models of cross-border and cross-sector partnerships that address global challenges such as sustainability, public health, and digital transformation.
  • Examine how academic mobility, when purposefully designed, can foster innovation, capacity building, and community engagement across diverse contexts.
  • Identify key success factors in establishing equitable, values-driven partnerships—including pan-regional collaborations—that contribute to global responsibility.
  • Inspire institutions to realign international engagement strategies to focus on purposeful impact, beyond traditional mobility, for inclusive and sustainable development.

Target audience:

This session is for senior leaders, international engagement professionals, seeking practical strategies and actionable metrics to learn and share partnership strategies and campus-wide initiatives.

14:05-14:10
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
14:10-14:55
CONCURRENT 13A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 13B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 13C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 13D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 13E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 13F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Beyond institutional impact: Developing Asia-Pacific partnerships for student mobility
Branching Out: The Evolving Role of Satellite & Branch Campuses in International Student Engagement
Bridging Cultures through Dual Degrees: French-Hong Kong Academic Partnerships
Academic Research Papers
Service-Learning Partnerships for Interdisciplinary Global Learning
Global effects of local changes: expert role of BRICS universities in the sustainable development of territories and communities

Beyond institutional impact: Developing Asia-Pacific partnerships for student mobility

Chair: Heidi PIPER, Director, Griffith University | Australia

Heidi PIPER, Director, Griffith University | Australia
Marnie SLAGHUIS, Manager, Learning Abroad, The University of Tasmania | Australia
Jonathan DAMPNEY, Director, ANU International Office, Australian National University | Australia

Abstract:

Following its inception in 2014, the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) has supported rapid growth in the mobility of Australian students in the Asia-Pacific for diverse learning experiences, ranging from exchange and faculty-led programs to internship placements. Driven by Australian foreign policy objectives and an increasing awareness of Australia’s place in the Asia-Pacific region, NCP has provided impetus, engaged the academic community, broadened student access, mobilised students in under-represented disciplines, and enabled scale. Its success has been dependent on developing and supporting diverse partnerships across the Asia-Pacific – with universities, government, industry, and communities. This session will consider three institutional case studies: Griffith University’s longstanding, short-term nursing program to Laos and its community impact; the University of Tasmania’s flagship UniGO mobility program, a large-scale mobility initiative that removes financial and structural barriers for underrepresented students to participate in learning experiences in Southeast Asia and has demonstrated exceptional success in improving equity and inclusion; and the Australian National University’s strategic partnership with The University of Tokyo which has leveraged student mobility activity to grow research collaboration. The session will also consider effective strategies for addressing the challenges of fostering enduring partnerships to achieve sustained engagement and student mobility across the region.

Learning objectives:

  • Examine the impact of the New Colombo Plan on Australian student mobility
  • Identify key elements of successful partnerships
  • Develop strategies for establishing and maintaining mutually-beneficial partnerships
  • Evaluate approaches for increasing access and equity in student mobility
  • Discover how inclusive programs boost student confidence, intercultural competence, and retention
  • Reflect on the role of universities in supporting government foreign policy objectives

Target audience:

Attendees interested in learning abroad, partnerships, and regional engagement

Branching Out: The Evolving Role of Satellite & Branch Campuses in International Student Engagement

Chair: Clay HENSLEY, Global Higher Education Recognition Specialist
Independent (International Baccalaureate/ NACAC/ Cialfo/ Others) | United States
 
Jose AVILES, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA USA/ Rome, Italy/ Tokyo, Japan
Temple University | Japan
Satyajit DATTAGUPTA, Enrollment Management Chief Enrollment Officer Special Advisor to the President Executive Vice Chancellor, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA/ Oakland, CA USA/ London, ENG UK
United Kingdom
 

Abstract:

The landscape for international branch campuses (IBCs) has shifted dramatically over the last few years. This interactive panel session will showcase models for how universities are leveraging IBCs — in both established & emerging locations – to create unique opportunities for international students. Collaborations that advance student outreach & engagement, authentic experiential learning, work-study & co-opt opportunities, and innovative faculty & student exchanges will be highlighted. We will also explore the changing environment for establishing & sustaining satellite and branch campuses, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Seasoned higher education enrollment leaders — representing a diverse set of public & private universities with IBCs — will highlight case studies and provide actionable insights.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore models for how universities are leveraging international branch campuses (IBCs) to create unique opportunities for international student outreach, recruitment, & engagement.
  • Discuss areas for opportunity to advance authentic experiential learning, work-study opportunities, and innovative faculty & student exchanges through IBCs, satellites, and other partnerships.
  • Examine the changing environment of establishing & sustaining satellite and branch campuses.

Target audience:

Global Higher ed Enrollment Management Leaders and SIOs

Bridging Cultures through Dual Degrees: French-Hong Kong Academic Partnerships

Chair: TBC 

Camélia AISSAT, Deputy Consul for Culture, Education and Science, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau | France
Carl TANG, Associate Director, Global Engagement Office, City University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong
Shally FAN, Director of Academic Links, The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong
Ryan MAN, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) at the School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong

Abstract:

This session will explore how bilateral partnerships between French and Hong Kong institutions have fostered innovative dual degree programs and mobility schemes, with the support of the French government and Campus France. Drawing on successful case studies in sciences, business, and political science, speakers will discuss how these programs enhance graduate employability, intercultural competencies, and research cooperation. The session will also showcase available scholarships and support mechanisms offered by France to attract Hong Kong students, and outline how these academic exchanges contribute to strengthening international ties and achieving global education goals. Audience members will leave with replicable models and ideas to implement or scale similar programs in their own institutions.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how French-Hong Kong dual degrees operate and are structured
  • Identify key funding and scholarship opportunities for mobility between Hong Kong and France
  • Learn from case studies of successful bilateral academic cooperation
  • Explore strategies for building institutional partnerships with French universities
  • Gain insight into how consulates and national agencies can facilitate transnational education initiatives

Target audience:

University international office staff, mobility program coordinators, scholarship officers, government representatives, students

Information coming soon.

Service-Learning Partnerships for Interdisciplinary Global Learning

Chair: Cynthia CHANG, Assistant Dean, Singapore University of Social Sciences |  Singapore

Cynthia CHANG, Assistant Dean, Singapore University of Social Sciences |  Singapore
Rebekah LIM, Deputy Dean, Singapore University of Social Sciences | Singapore
Kishore SELVA BABU, Head of the Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST University | India

Abstract:

Summarise your session content, clearly conveying the aim of your proposal. Please write in the present tense.

Historically, universities have maintained a dynamic relationship with their surrounding regions through contributions in education, cultural agenda, economic development, infrastructure, technology, and innovation. The intensification of global challenges related to sustainable development has further activated the expert role of universities in regional development and their engagement with local communities.

Sustainable development issues for countries in the Asia-Pacific region are fundamental to balancing social, economic, and environmental resilience. The session will focus on the role of universities as both actors and objects of sustainable development.

Given the ethnocultural, socio-economic, ecological, and climatic particularities of different countries, diverse approaches to adaptation and response are being pursued. This discussion aims to compare and identify collaborative frameworks that enhance the expert functions and social missions of universities in promoting sustainable development within territories and communities, with a focus on the Asia Pacific and BRICS countries.

The key topics for discussion include:

  • 1. University-driven innovations and technologies that support sustainable development, as well as climatic and environmental resilience of territories;
  • 2. Effective practices and models for fostering interaction between universities and local communities;
  • 3. Strategies for preparing future leaders to advance sustainable territorial development and community engagement;
  • 4. Governance, representation, and collaborative frameworks facilitating joint action among universities, governmental authorities, and community leaders.

By focusing on the strengths and potential of BRICS universities, this roundtable aims to foster a dialogue that drives meaningful action and positions universities as proactive agents in the international sustainable development discourse.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will explore and evaluate top practices and initiatives adopted by BRICS universities for advancing education, science, and innovation in response to environmental and climate challenges. This segment will focus on actionable insights that can be applied to enhance academic and research initiatives.
The session will outline avenues for initiating and enhancing international cooperation between universities in Russia, Brazil and India will be analyzed in terms of opportunities for international dialogue between Asia-Pacific region universities in the field of sustainable development of the territory and interaction with local communities. Focus will be placed on collaborative projects and partnerships that address sustainable development issues, aiming to strengthen global responses and the sharing of best practices.

Target audience:

  • Researchers and experts in the field of sustainable development.
  • Higher Education Authorities and Management.
  • Middle and senior international officers.

Global effects of local changes: expert role of BRICS universities in the sustainable development of territories and communities

Chair: Anna TYSHETSKAYA, Vice-Chancellor and Director, HSE University | Russian Federation

Alexander SOROKIN, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, HSE University | Russian Federation
Pardeep SINGH, Senior Assistant Professor, University of Delhi | India
Rafael DIAS, Director of the Executive Board of International Relations (DERI), The State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) | Brazil

Abstract:

Historically, universities have maintained a dynamic relationship with their surrounding regions through contributions in education, cultural agenda, economic development, infrastructure, technology, and innovation. The intensification of global challenges related to sustainable development has further activated the expert role of universities in regional development and their engagement with local communities.

Sustainable development issues for countries in the Asia-Pacific region are fundamental to balancing social, economic, and environmental resilience. The session will focus on the role of universities as both actors and objects of sustainable development.

Given the ethnocultural, socio-economic, ecological, and climatic particularities of different countries, diverse approaches to adaptation and response are being pursued. This discussion aims to compare and identify collaborative frameworks that enhance the expert functions and social missions of universities in promoting sustainable development within territories and communities, with a focus on the Asia Pacific and BRICS countries.

The key topics for discussion include:

  1. University-driven innovations and technologies that support sustainable development, as well as climatic and environmental resilience of territories;
  2. Effective practices and models for fostering interaction between universities and local communities;
  3. Strategies for preparing future leaders to advance sustainable territorial development and community engagement;
  4. Governance, representation, and collaborative frameworks facilitating joint action among universities, governmental authorities, and community leaders.

By focusing on the strengths and potential of BRICS universities, this roundtable aims to foster a dialogue that drives meaningful action and positions universities as proactive agents in the international sustainable development discourse.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will explore and evaluate top practices and initiatives adopted by BRICS universities for advancing education, science, and innovation in response to environmental and climate challenges. This segment will focus on actionable insights that can be applied to enhance academic and research initiatives.

The session will outline avenues for initiating and enhancing international cooperation between universities in Russia, Brazil and India will be analyzed in terms of opportunities for international dialogue between Asia-Pacific region universities in the field of sustainable development of the territory and interaction with local communities. Focus will be placed on collaborative projects and partnerships that address sustainable development issues, aiming to strengthen global responses and the sharing of best practices.

Target audience:

  • Researchers and experts in the field of sustainable development.
  • Higher Education Authorities and Management.
  • Middle and senior international officers.
14:55-15:55
TEA/COFFEE BREAK
POSTER DISCUSSIONS 4
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
CONCURRENTS
15:55-16:40
CONCURRENT 14A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 14B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 14C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 14D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 14E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 14F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Partnerships for the Global Good: Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars
Agent Regulation and Quality Assurance in the Agency Ecosystem
Shaping Agendas and Navigating Funding Landscapes in Internationalization and Research: Experiences and Future Pathways
Academic Research Papers
Redesigning education to meet student needs globally: local language degrees increase access and support lifelong learning
From Rim to Center: Partnerships in Asia-Pacific for Global Good

Partnerships for the Global Good: Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars

Chair: Sylvia JONS, Director, IIE Center for International Partnerships, IIE | United States

Jason CZYZ, President, IIE | United States
Aki TAKADA, Vice President (Director of Refugee Education), Japan ICU, Foundation, Refugee Education Japan | Japan

Abstract:

Creating opportunity to higher education for at-risk students and scholars requires intentional, trust-based partnerships that prioritize academic diplomacy, local understanding, and global solidarity. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, more than 16 million people are currently displaced or at risk due to conflict, persecution, or instability—many with interrupted academic trajectories.

This session will examine how higher education institutions, foundations, and international organizations can collaborate to support pipelines and opportunity for displaced learners and scholars.  The discussion emphasizes collaboration grounded in trust, shared responsibility, and practical support/coordination.

Jason Czyz, President of the Institute of International Education (IIE), will open with a framing of global trends and strategic partnership approaches, drawing on insights from IIE’s work supporting refugee student, scholar, artists and at risk populations. Aki Takada of the Japan ICU Foundation and Refugee Higher Education Japan will offer perspective on Japan’s institutional collaboration and evolving support landscape. Luksmon Smansin (TBC), Director of the International Affairs Division at Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, will provide insight into regional mobility policy and the government’s role in expanding opportunity by creating pipelines and partnerships for good.

Participants will gain both strategic and practical tools for initiating or enhancing institutional responses that reflect a deep commitment to creating partnerships for global good.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand regional and global trends affecting displaced students and scholars
  • Explore how multi-sector partnerships can expand access in fragile contexts
  • Learn ethical principles for engaging in at-risk mobility programming
  • Identify institutional roles in responding to crises and advancing the global good
  • Apply practical models to support academic continuity for at-risk populations

Target audience:

University leaders, global partnerships staff, scholarship administrators, and mobility practitioners focused on crisis response, Asia-Pacific collaborations, refugee education, and partnerships that advance social impact and the global good.

Agent Regulation and Quality Assurance in the Agency Ecosystem

Chair: Josephine PHINITH, Global Business Development Manager, ICEF | Laos

Anthony LEE, Chief Visionary Officer, ICEF | United Kingdom
Novie TAJUDDIN, CEO, Education Malaysia Global Service | Malaysia
Rezia USMAN, Regional Director-International Relations, Woosong University | South Korea

Abstract:

Recently, scrutiny of education agent integrity and quality assurance has increased in the Big four study destinations. In Asia however, governments have been reluctant to endorse agency partnerships in general, in some cases even leading to bans on agency partnerships.

However, the perception of agencies  is rapidly shifting: Amidst policy changes and uncertainty in traditional destinations, Asian institutions are seeing a rise in international student demand. In addition, Asian governments have set ambitious international student targets. For example, Malaysia aims to welcome over 250,000 students by 2025, India 500,000 by 2047, and South Korea 300,000 by 2027. Based on this ambition, the Korean ministry of education has now lifted its ban on partnerships education agencies.

As Asian institutions navigate the agency landscape, their main focus is on partnering those agents that uphold strong brand standards, built on  codes of conduct, agency accreditation, comprehensive counselor training, and information transparency.

This session will explore the benefits of working with reputable, high quality education agencies, how to identify the right ones, where to find them and how to build the right partnerships aimed at driving growth and diversification.

Learning objectives:

  • Provide a high level overview of global quality assurance practices: Learn about the current landscape of quality assurance in international agency ecosystems, including key global trends and practices.
  • Identify key components and players: Recognize the essential components of quality assurance, such as codes of conduct, agency accreditation, counsellor training, and information transparency, and identify key players and voices in the field.
  • Apply practical evaluation techniques: Gain practical tips and strategies for identifying and evaluating new agency partners to ensure ethical operations and maintain institutional brand standards.

Target audience:

This session is aimed towards international student recruitment professionals, leaders and teams, as well as institution leaderships looking to recruit more international students.

Shaping Agendas and Navigating Funding Landscapes in Internationalization and Research: Experiences and Future Pathways

Chair: TBC

Simon HANDLEY, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Macquarie University | Australia
Liam ROBERTS, Regional Head for China, University of Exeter | United Kingdom

Abstract:

In an increasingly interconnected world, universities’ internationalization strategies are significantly influenced by regional policy frameworks and funding initiatives. This workshop aims to explore how regional agendas and dedicated funding schemes from national and supra-national bodies impact the internationalization priorities and activities of universities. By examining diverse contexts—namely the UK, Germany, Australia, and India—participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the policy-driven environment shaping international engagement in higher education.

Initiatives in each of the countries and regions have enabled deep collaborations and joint initiatives across global institutions, supporting both research and education. Yet, they also raise key questions: How do such funding schemes and alliances shape our academic and strategic agendas? How much influence do participating institutions really have in steering these initiatives? How do the hosting universities estimate the future development and importance of Asia Europe partnerships?

The format will be a moderated panel discussion followed by interactive roundtable exchanges with participants on the topics of 1. “Shaping agendas: From partner to co-initiator”, 2. “Aligning national and above-level funding priorities”, 3. “Inclusive governance in transnational alliances”.

Learning objectives:

This workshop invites practitioners and decision-makers in internationalization and research strategy to reflect on:         

  • The evolution of funding instruments: the role of regional and national policy frameworks in directing university internationalization strategies.
  • Agenda-setting in networks and alliances: Who sets the themes, and how can universities actively influence them?
  • Geopolitical and policy shifts: What does the association of more non-EU countries to Horizon Europe mean for equitable participation and co-leadership?
  • Global collaboration practices: Lessons learned and future priorities in partnering across continents, including Australia, India, and the UK.

Target audience:

University leaders, internationalization strategists, research managers, policy advisors, and academic coordinators interested in the intersection of international cooperation, funding mechanisms, and institutional strategy.

Information coming soon

Redesigning education to meet student needs globally: local language degrees increase access and support lifelong learning

Chair: Siyan LI, Executive Director, CinLearn Education | China

Siyan LI, Executive Director, CinLearn Education | China
Kerstin SCHOFER, Director Global and Digital Education Innovation, University of Technology Sydney | Australia

Abstract:

Providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education and promoting lifelong learning are key priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Leading universities around the world are expanding access to their programs for working professionals — achieving greater social impact by making international degrees more accessible, while also supporting workforce development and economic growth.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has set a ground-breaking precedent as the first Australian university to deliver online postgraduate programs entirely in Chinese, responding to the growing demand among Chinese learners for flexible, high-quality international education. By removing relocation and language barriers, the university is opening doors for professionals to advance their careers with a globally respected qualification — without leaving their home country. Achieving this is only possible through partnership with experts in the Chinese market.

This presentation will explore how collaboration allows UTS and CinLearn to combine their strengths and achieve shared goals. It will showcase education innovation, leveraging emerging technologies to customize curriculum and maximize global impact with a student-centric approach. Both partners will share early insights, challenges, and successes, along with data points illustrating market feedback, student experience, and other key observations.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore the UTS education innovation journey as a case study in creating impact through inclusive, high-quality international education and promoting lifelong learning.
  • Discuss emerging models of transnational and borderless education, with a focus on how universities can support reskilling and upskilling for the future workforce.
  • Gain operational insights into the launch of UTS’s first Chinese-language online programs, including key challenges, lessons learned, and success factors.
  • Examine early perspectives on student experience, market feedback, and progression, alongside other noteworthy observations from the collaboration.

Target audience:

  • University leadership, administrators, Deans, Program Directors
  • University education, strategic development, global engagement, and internationalization functions Education technology providers and service partners interested in collaborating with universities

From Rim to Center: Partnerships in Asia-Pacific for Global Good

Chair: Vanita SHASTRI, Strategic Advisor – Internationalization, UPES University | India

Vanita SHASTRI, Strategic Advisor – Internationalization, UPES University | India
Reuben WONG, Associate Professor of Political Science, National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore
Harshita TRIPATHI, Associate Director, Office of Global Engagements, Plaksha University | India

Abstract:

Global higher education has long been shaped by Western dominance in setting mobility agendas, research priorities, and institutional hierarchies (Altbach & Knight, 2007). However, recent shifts in geopolitics, national education policies, and institutional capacities are positioning the Asia-Pacific region as a new epicenter of international collaboration and innovation. With over 5.3 million students globally studying outside their home countries in 2021, and a significant share originating from Asia (UNESCO, 2023), the region is uniquely placed to reshape global education dynamics.

Asia-Pacific is home to 60% of the world’s youth population and generates the largest outbound mobility flows, with China and India alone contributing over 1.2 million international students annually (ICEF Monitor, 2023). Increasingly, the region is not just sending students abroad but also hosting and designing regional initiatives that promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable collaborations in the Global South. This session will present models of blended mobility, codeveloped curricula, research opportunities, North-South and South-South partnerships that contribute to global learning, research innovation, and knowledge exchange for global good.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the changing landscape of global higher education, with a focus on how Asia-Pacific institutions arereshaping traditional Western-centric models of partnership and mobility.
  • Analyze current data and trends in international student mobility, highlighting Asia-Pacific’s dual role as both amajor sender and receiver of students.
  • Explore inclusive and sustainable collaboration models—such as virtual/blended mobility, curriculum co-design,and South-South partnerships—that promote equity and reciprocity.
  • Examine case studies showcasing Asia-Pacific universities’ innovative, context-sensitive approaches to globalengagement.
  • Apply practical tools and frameworks to design cross-border partnerships that address shared global challenges—including equity, digital access, and demographic change—while centering diversity, mutual benefit, and long-term impact.

Target audience:

International educators, senior university leaders, SIOs, study abroad and student exchange program managers, UNSDGs aligned policy and curriculum designers, and faculty invested in global partnerships.

16:40-16:45
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
16:45-17:15
CONCURRENT 15A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 15B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 15C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 15D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 15E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 15F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Partnerships and mobility
Student experience and well-being
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Title
Regional update Chinese mainland
University Enterprise Collaboration: Quo Vadis?
When global talent return home: Supporting student success post study abroad
Uitm’s strategic partnership model for inclusive, sustainable global mobility
Developing and managing transnational education in mainland China

Information coming soon.

University Enterprise Collaboration: Quo Vadis?

Chair: James Ronald MESINA, Vice president, Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna | Philippines

James Ronald MESINA, Vice president, Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna | Philippines
Lasith GUNAWARDENA, Head of Department of Information Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura | Sri Lanka

Abstract:

The session examines the evolving landscape of university-enterprise collaboration (UEC) in Asia and Europe, drawing from the Erasmus+ SECRA project. Led by the Mid Sweden University Risk and Crisis Research Center in Sweden, 13 partners from six countries, including the University of Central Lancashire and Philippine universities, collaborate for the project.

The session will present, and share led initiatives of 5 universities from at least 3 countries (i.e. Sweden, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Philippines) to implement the project guided by:

  1. Optimize the institutional landscape by implementing and testing the UEC Relational Framework.
  2. Develop an online platform for the UEC Community of Practice.
  3. Promote innovation and enterprise through a corporate start-up laboratory.
  4. Develop and adjust the UEC Compass Model and Tool through on-site training.
  5. Develop and implement a dissemination and exploitation strategy.

The session aims to present diverse perspectives on building resilient partnerships, navigating cultural and structural challenges, and integrating disaster risk reduction into UEC strategies. Through SECRA’s relational frameworks, policy dialogues, and experiential learning models, academic leaders, international office staff, industry liaisons, and policymakers will develop actionable strategies and transferable models for strengthening UEC.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the key outcomes and lessons learned from the SECRA project, with a focus on fostering resilient university–enterprise partnerships across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
  • Identify effective strategies for initiating and sustaining collaboration between universities and industry, including stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and policy alignment.
  • Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in cross-sector partnerships, particularly in the context of international development and innovation ecosystems.
  • Apply insights from SECRA to their own institutional contexts to enhance collaboration frameworks and improve graduate employability and research impact.
  • Reflect on the future direction of university–enterprise collaboration (Quo Vadis?), considering global trends, regional needs, and the role of international projects in shaping strategic partnerships.

Target audience:

Internal Stakeholders: Academic Leaders and Administrators, Faculty Members, and Career and Industry Linkages Office

External Stakeholders: Industry Partners and Employers, Government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and Policy Makers and Education Authorities

When global talent return home: Supporting student success post study abroad

Chair: Fern SAKAMOTO, Associate Professor, Nanzan University | Japan

Fern SAKAMOTO, Associate Professor, Nanzan University | Japan
Thomas FAST, Associate Professor, Notre Dame Seishin University | Japan

Abstract:

The Japanese Government aims to increase the annual number of outbound Japanese students to 500,000 by 2033 as part of its mandate to cultivate global talent. Universities are thus being urged to expand their international mobility programs and agreements. The government has also highlighted the need to support students’ post-study abroad transition into employment. Anecdotal evidence suggests a mismatch between industry demands for globally talented graduates and recruitment practices, but studies in this area remain scarce. The presenters will share findings from a study investigating the post-study abroad challenges faced by students returning to Japan, and mitigating factors that support their reintegration. We will report on findings from nine student focus groups (N=18) held at eight universities across Japan, and a follow-up Q-methodology study conducted during a post-study abroad event. Findings suggest that students face identity-related challenges and difficulties with reintegration into Japanese tertiary education, and struggle to navigate the transition into job-hunting. Results show that opportunities for reflection are key, and universities play an important role in supporting students’ readjustment to Japan. This presentation will be of interest to educators and administrators interested in supporting students’ post-study abroad, and helping them reach their full potential.

Learning objectives:

Participants will gain insight into:

  • the challenges students face when they return home from study abroad
  • how institutions can support student reintegration and continued development of global skills post study abroad specific reorientation practices for returning students
  • how institutions can facilitate the transition from study abroad to job-hunting
  • how employers can understand and maximise the potential of students with study abroad experience as global talent how institutions and employers can collaborate to support and recruit globally talented graduates

Target audience:

This session will be beneficial to those involved with student mobility, student career support, academic programs, graduate recruitment, and international education.

Uitm’s strategic partnership model for inclusive, sustainable global mobility

Chair: Juliana BRAHIM, Participant, Universiti Teknologi MARA | Malaysia

Norazida MOHAMED, Presenter, Universiti Teknologi MARA | Malaysia

Abstract:

In the era of globalisation, higher education institutions are expected to build meaningful international partnerships that promote inclusion, sustainability, and academic excellence. However, large public universities often face challenges in maintaining coherent, impactful mobility programmes across multiple campuses. This paper examines Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)’s strategic approach to overcoming these challenges through its global partnership and mobility model within the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of this study is to analyse how UiTM’s integrated strategies namely the Country-Specific Campus Missions and the One-Campus-for-All policy enable structured, inclusive, and sustainable academic collaboration. UiTM’s initiatives, including inbound and outbound mobility, summer programmes, edu-tourism, internships, and virtual exchanges, are aligned with campus strengths and designed to foster intercultural understanding and equitable access. The findings highlight that mobility activities are effectively sustained through a coordinated operational plan and monitored via an integrated partnership system. This system not only tracks progress and agreement implementation across all 35 campuses but also gathers partner feedback to support continuous improvement. The study concludes that UiTM’s partnership model contributes significantly to its improved QS World University Rankings and offers a scalable framework for other large institutions seeking to develop inclusive and impactful global academic partnerships.

Learning objectives:

  • Scalable framework for extra large institutions to develop inclusive and impactful global academic partnerships.
  • Sharing the best practice of integrated partnership system for monitoring.

Target audience:

This presentation suits international educators, global engagement leaders, and mobility coordinators attending APAIE 2026, offering scalable strategies for inclusive, structured partnerships and mobility across multi-campus universities, aligned with Asia-Pacific internationalisation priorities.

Information coming soon.

Title

Chair: TBC 

First LAST, Position, Organisation | Countryregion

Abstract:

In an era of increasing demand for high-quality international education and globalised learning experiences, Australian universities are pursuing innovative models for offshore engagement and transnational education delivery.

The session explores the strategic shift towards offshore expansion in South Asia – highlighting the drivers, regulatory landscapes and innovative delivery models shaping this transformation.

Featuring the 25 year Curtin-SLIT partnership in Srilanka as a landmark case study, the discussion will unpack how sustained collaboration, academic quality assurance and local relevance have evolved an initial franchise model into a full-fledged global campus. Participants will gain insights into what it takes to build long term, mutually beneficially TNE models that enhance institutional reputation, diversify student pathways and strengthen global education ecosystems.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the strategic drivers behind the branch campus trend, including student demand, regional capacity building, and along with challenges and risks for foreign university offshore expansions.
  • Learn from real world examples including the Curtin – SLIIT partnership about building sustainable TNE partnerships.
  • Identify success factors for navigating diverse regulatory and policy environments.

Target audience:

The session will be of particular relevance to senior leaders in international strategy, transnational education practitioners, and government officials involved in higher education policy and internationalisation.

Developing and managing transnational education in mainland China

Chair: TBC 

Ian JONES, Head of International Partnerships Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom

Abstract:

China and the United Kingdom are global leaders in transnational education (TNE), with China serving as a major host
country and the UK as one of the most experienced providers. This session explores the evolving landscape of TNE in
China from a UK institutional perspective, focusing on both the strategic development and operationalisation of
sustainable partnerships.
Using the Manchester Metropolitan University Joint Institute, Hubei University as a key case study, we will examine the
lifecycle of a TNE initiative—from initial development through to expansion and integration. The session will highlight
practical insights into navigating regulatory frameworks, aligning academic standards and ensuring institutional
collaboration.
Beyond the core academic partnership, we will explore how TNE can serve as a platform for broader, multi-faceted
engagement involving government bodies, academic leaders and students. The discussion will also consider the role of
external funding in supporting these initiatives.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in delivering high-quality, scalable TNE in
China, and leave with actionable strategies for building resilient, future-focused international partnerships.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the strategic and operational considerations involved in developing transnational education (TNE)
    partnerships in China from a UK perspective.
  • Analyse the Manchester Metropolitan University Joint Institute, Hubei University as a case study for sustainable
    TNE development.
  • Identify key stakeholders and explore strategies for building multi-faceted international collaborations.
  • Evaluate the role of external funding in supporting and expanding TNE initiatives.
  • Apply insights to design or enhance their own institutional approaches to international education partnerships,
    particularly within the Chinese higher education context.

Target audience:

Senior University leaders, directors and head of international partnerships, TNE managers.

Thu 26 February
06:30-07:30
CHARITY WALK/RUN/TAI CHI
CONCURRENTS
EXHIBITION
08:30 – 14:45
08:30-09:15
CONCURRENT 16A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 16B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 16C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 16D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 16E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 16F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Cultivating Partnerships for the Global Good: The Role of Universities in Fostering International Alliances that Improve Lives
Reimagining Global Engagement: AI Tools, Ethics, and Institutional Readiness
Inclusive telerehabilitation: co-creating community-based care in a North–South health education partnership.
Asia-Pacific Universities as Engines of Change: Collaborating for Sustainability and Impact
Beyond Study Abroad: Inclusive Strategies for Developing and Measuring Global Competence Across Contexts
Empowering Global Learners: Sustaining Impactful Student Mobility through an Indonesia-Singapore Collaboration

Cultivating Partnerships for the Global Good: The Role of Universities in Fostering International Alliances that Improve Lives

Chair: Aditya MALKANI, Regional Director, Membership APAC, The Association of Commonwealth Universities | India

Aditya MALKANI, Regional Director, Membership APAC, The Association of Commonwealth Universities | India
Richard FOLLETT, Vice President & Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), University of Exeter | United Kingdom

Abstract:

In a world fraught with environmental uncertainties, rising inequities & technological disruption – active collaboration between countries is more crucial than ever before. Commonwealth Universities have the capacity to provide solutions to some of the world’s most ‘wicked’ problems and are crucial to driving human progress in a range of domains & disciplines. In pursuit of the ‘greater good’, universities must be encouraged to cooperate with one another to develop equitable and sustainable partnerships.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is a global network of more than 400 universities in over 40 countries with a shared commitment to working together to build a more equitable and sustainable world. University of Exeter is one of the UK’s leading universities and a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research intensive universities.

In this panel discussion the panellists will share how the ACU works to Strengthen Commonwealth universities, Support sustainable development and Connect engaged leaders. Panellists will also discuss a practical example of the Indo-UK Sports Science Alliance being developed by University of Exeter (UK) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (India), where the two world-leading institutions will combine complementary expertise in Sport Science, Rehabilitation, and Elite

Performance, all for the greater good.

Learning objectives:

Audience will learn:

  • How an equitable approach to partnership building can be most effective in developing sustainable partnerships (across domains and disciplines).
  • Why international university networks can be such powerful catalysts (i.e. force multipliers) in forging internationalpartnerships?
  • What universities (despite their different locations and diverse cultures) can achieve for the ‘greater good’ when they come together with each other and other important stakeholders

Target audience:

Those working in developing university partnerships will gain most from this session – especially those working in developing international research partnerships.

Reimagining Global Engagement: AI Tools, Ethics, and Institutional Readiness

Chair: Blair Thomson, Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad, University of Mississippi | United States

Blair THOMSON, Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad, University of Mississippi | United States
Girish BALLOLLA, Founder and CEO, Gen Next Education | United States
Olivia GEORGE, International Student Advisor, University of Mississippi | United States

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming international education, offering innovative ways to support recruitment, streamline communication, improve cultural competence, and optimize institutional resources. This session provides internationalization professionals with a practical and critical look at how AI tools can be applied across key functions, including data analysis, translation, outreach, and risk management, while also addressing the challenges of ethical use and institutional readiness.

Through real-world case studies and lessons learned from the field, presenters will examine what has worked, what hasn’t, and why. They will explore issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the cultural implications of deploying AI across diverse international contexts. Attendees will be invited to reflect on their own institutional challenges and engage in discussion around measurable outcomes, adoption strategies, and responsible implementation.

Whether new to AI or already experimenting with its potential, attendees will leave with insights they can apply immediately, along with a deeper understanding of how to balance innovation with integrity in internationalization. This session is especially relevant for educators, administrators, and vendors working at the intersection of technology and global engagement who are seeking to use AI for efficiency and also for inclusive and ethical impact.

Learning objectives:

After the session, the audience will be able to:

  • Identify and apply AI tools that enhance international education efforts, including recruitment, communication, cultural competence, and resource optimization.
  • Evaluate ethical and institutional challenges related to AI adoption, such as data privacy, cultural sensitivity, and technological readiness.
  • Develop practical strategies to implement or scale AI-driven initiatives using real-world examples, best practices, and lessons learned from the field.

Target audience:

This session is designed for international education professionals, including institutional leaders, recruitment officers, program managers, and educational service providers, who are exploring how artificial intelligence can support and scale internationalization efforts.

Inclusive telerehabilitation: co-creating community-based care in a North–South health education partnership

Chair: Inge VERVOORT, Head International Office, Thomas More university of Applied Sciences | Belgium

Dorien VANDENBORRE, Research Coordinator, Thomas More university of Applied Sciences | Belgium

Abstract:

North–South academic partnerships hold transformative potential for curricular innovation and community impact, especially when grounded in mutual learning and context-sensitive practice.

Between 2023–2025, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences and KU Leuven (Belgium) partnered with the University of Santo Tomas (UST, Philippines) to design and pilot an interprofessional telerehabilitation model for adults with disabilities on Talim Island, a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) with no previous access to structured rehabilitation.

Guided by local disability profiling and the UTAUT2 technology acceptance model, the team co-created a culturally adapted telerehabilitation protocol, trained faculty, students, community-based rehabilitation workers (CBRWs), and barangay health workers (BHWs), and developed open-access online materials and printed manuals tailored to low resource settings.

While telerehabilitation was already part of UST’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences curriculum, this partnership enabled deeper contextualisation: new content and training now reflect the lived realities of the Talim Island community. CBRWs and BHWs are equipped to support future service delivery.

This session presents transferable tools and practical lessons on co-creation, cross-cultural collaboration, and institutional power-sharing. Participants will explore how classroom learning can connect to field realities, and how higher education can contribute to inclusive, research-informed health solutions in underserved contexts.

Learning objectives:

  • Map the steps for co-creating telerehabilitation protocols that respect local culture, technology readiness, and disability data.
  • Identify strategies to contextualise existing rehabilitation curricula through localised, community-linked telerehabilitation projects.
  • Recognise methods for balancing power dynamics and ensuring mutual benefit in North–South collaborations.
  • Design outreach strategies that translate academic initiatives into inclusive community services and informed policy dialogue.
  • Construct a scalable action plan for replicating and expanding co-created telerehabilitation models in similarly underserved or low-resource settings.

Target audience:

Academic leaders, policy makers, programme developers, and researchers in rehabilitation, digital health, international partnerships, and community-based education who seek practical models for linking curriculum innovation with inclusive service delivery in the Asia-Pacific context.

Asia-Pacific Universities as Engines of Change: Collaborating for Sustainability and Impact

Chair: TBC

Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia-Pacific, Times Higher Education | Singapore
Angie LEE, Deputy Director, Hanyang University | South Korea

Abstract:

Asia-Pacific universities are emerging as powerful engines of change—mobilising innovation, community engagement, and global collaboration to address the world’s most urgent challenges. This session explores how institutions in the region are leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to forge partnerships that are both locally grounded and globally recognised.

Drawing on data from Times Higher Education’s Sustainability framework, the session will explore regional trends and provide key insights into Asia-Pacific universities’ progress against the SDGs. The session will highlight examples of institutions using SDG data to engage with new partners from universities and governments to industry and civil society, and to drive change.

Hanyang University will showcase its leadership in innovation with impact by presenting key initiatives—such as the Ansan Smart City and Robotics Innovation Zone, the Homeless World Cup, and its designation as an ASHOKA U Changemaker Campus—as forward-looking examples of how regional universities integrate strategic partnerships, applied research, and local engagement with a strong international outlook.

Together, the speakers will offer a roadmap for how Asia-Pacific institutions can position themselves at the forefront of sustainable development—achieving both social impact and global influence through purposeful, data-informed partnerships.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore how Asia-Pacific universities are leveraging the SDGs to position themselves as regional innovation hubsand global changemakers.
  • Hear examples of regional best practice for sustainability-focused research collaborations across Asia andemerging trends in regional higher education sustainability practices
  • Gain insights from Hanyang University’s initiatives on how universities can integrate local innovation, mobility, and sustainability into their global engagement strategies.

Target audience:

  • Internationalisation and global strategy leaders at Asia-Pacific universities
  • Directors of sustainability, partnerships, and mobility programmes
  • Government agencies and NGOs focused on education and regional development
  • Researchers and faculty involved in SDG initiatives and innovation ecosystems

Beyond Study Abroad: Inclusive Strategies for Developing and Measuring Global Competence Across Contexts

Chair: Isadora HELFGOTT, Vice Provost (Global Engagement), University of Wyoming | United States

Nordin YAHAYA, Vice President, Ge4 Network | Malaysia
Isadora HELFGOTT, Vice Provost (Global Engagement), University of Wyoming | United States
Abdul Latiff AHMAD, Associate Professor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Malaysia

Abstract:

This session explores how universities are developing globally competent graduates through inclusive and borderless strategies—particularly for students who may never have the opportunity to study abroad. It focuses on institutional efforts to embed global learning into academic and co-curricular experiences for non-mobile students, especially in rural or underserved regions such as the Mountain West USA and Southeast Asia.

Key strategies highlighted include internationalisation-at-home initiatives such as virtual exchange, global community engagement, and curriculum integration. These interventions enable intercultural learning and global engagement without requiring physical mobility, supporting a more equitable approach to internationalisation.

The session also introduces the GlobaX initiative, a hybrid global competence assessment tool co-developed by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the University of Wyoming, with contributions from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a consortium of international partners. GlobaX integrates self-report surveys with situational judgment tests (SJTs) to assess both perceived and demonstrated global competence, offering a culturally adaptive and scalable framework suitable for diverse educational settings.

Together, these approaches demonstrate how institutions can leverage hybrid assessment, inclusive design, and cross-border collaboration to enhance global competence for all learners—on campus, online, and across borders. Practical models and lessons learned will be shared for institutional adaptation and implementation.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how cross-border collaboration enables the co-creation of scalable, culturally responsive global learningstrategies.
  • Explore inclusive approaches to developing global competence among non-mobile students, including digital learning,virtual mobility, and community-based programs.
  • Learn how hybrid assessment tools such as GlobaX can effectively measure both perceived and demonstrated global competence across diverse educational contexts.

Target audience:

Higher education leaders, internationalization strategists, curriculum developers, global engagement professionals, and researchers interested in inclusive mobility, transnational education, and the development and assessment of intercultural and global competence among diverse student populations.

Empowering Global Learners: Sustaining Impactful Student Mobility through an Indonesia-Singapore Collaboration

Chair: Leslie CHAN, Chair-Presenter, Temasek Polytechnic | Singapore

Rina DESITARAHMI, Presenter, Universitas Islam Indonesia | Indonesia
Joni Aldilla FAJRI, Presenter, Universitas Islam Indonesia | Indonesia

Abstract:

In alignment with the APAIE 2026 theme, “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good,” Universitas Islam Indoneia (UII) and Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Singapore have forged a dynamic collaboration aimed at enhancing student experiences through inclusive, experential learning.  This partnership exemplifies how regional initiatives can nurture global citizenship and intercultural competence.

Key initiatives include the virtual D.I.Y. (Diversity.Inclusion.You) programme in 2021 and 2022, which fostered connections between UII and TP students; the GLOBAL SEA (Global & Local Engagement Between Singapore and Indonesia) programme in Yogyakarta in 2023, featuring academic sessions, cultural immersion, industry visits, and interpersonal engagement; UII students explored innovation and entrepreneurship at TP’s Makerspace lab, while TP students visited UII in 2024 for company visits and academic exchanges. The exchange continued in 2025 with the Global Studies Overseas Students Trip at UII, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These exchanges have provided students and staff with transformative experiences beyond traditional classroom learning.  This presentation will explore how such programmes contribute to sustainable development, highlight practical strategies for inclusive mobility, and share reflective questions that deepen learning impact.  It will also examine how experiential learning can be scaled and sustained to advance the global-local engagement through education.

Learning objectives:

  • Discover how experential learning fosters global citizenship and intercultural competence.
  • Learn practical strategies for designing inclusive mobility programmes across ASEAN.
  • Explore the impact of academic travel, focusing on personal growth and social capital.
  • Reflect on how experiential learning can be scaled and sustained for long-term educational impact.
  • Appreciate the value of cultural immersion and global-local community engagement in shaping student perspectives.
  • Be inspired to initiate or enhance mobility programmes that advance global-local engagement through education.
  • Empower long-term collaboration through a strong partnership in mobility to foster SDGs.

Target audience:

This session will benefit international educators, programme designers, student mobility coordinators, and those working in sustainability, experiential learning, including global or ASEAN partnerships.  It is especially relevant for institutions advancing the SDGs and and inclusive global good engagements.

09:15-09:20
10min Transition
CONCURRENTS
09:20-10:05
CONCURRENT 17A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 17B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 17C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 17D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 17E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 17F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Partnerships and mobility
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Sustainable, Strategic Mobility: Building Global Partnerships for Good
Rethinking Student Recruitment for International Branch Campuses
Partnerships to pathways: University access for Asia’s most vulnerable
Academic Research Papers
DIU’s Best Practice: International Internship Program (IIP) for Global Workforce
Global Classrooms, Local Campuses: International Visiting Faculty as Front Doors to Cross-Border Collaboration in the Asia-Pacific

Sustainable, Strategic Mobility: Building Global Partnerships for Good

Chair: Sylvia JONS, Director, IIE Center for International Partnerships, IIE | United States

Vivian WANG, Senior International Officer, University of Tulsa | United States
Pauline HO, Head, Global Education Partnerships, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore
Ki-jeong LEE (TBC), President, Hanyang University | South Korea
Sylvia JONS, Director, IIE Center for International Partnerships, IIE | United States

Abstract:

As global engagement evolves, institutions seek student mobility programs that are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with long-term goals. This session brings together leaders from Asia and the U.S. to showcase innovative models that advance access, equity, and collaboration in international education.

Sylvia Jons, Chair and Director of the IIE Center for International Partnerships, will open with key trends in Asia-Pacific partnerships, using IIE’s Open Doors data to highlight emerging mobility patterns, policy shifts, and regional priorities.

A featured example is the IIE Global E3 Engineering Consortium, a 30-year-old tuition-swap network linking 70+ institutions worldwide. Global E3 demonstrates how mission-aligned, cost-effective models can support multilateral mobility and expand student access. All presenters are members of this international engineering consortium.

Panelists will also present case studies from their institutions, exploring how they:

  • Integrate global learning into programs (e.g., dual degrees at Tulsa)
  • Broaden participation across disciplines and demographics
  • Build long-term partnerships that advance global learning and the public good (e.g., NTU’s global good initiative)

Attendees will leave with data-informed insights and adaptable strategies to scale sustainable, inclusive student mobility initiatives.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand current trends and data related insights in higher education partnership landscape
  • Identify key components of sustainable and strategic global partnerships
  • Explore inclusive approaches to student mobility, including tuition-swap models
  • Understand how to expand participation among underrepresented student groups
  • Learn from real-world examples such as the IIE Global E3 Consortium
  • Apply insights to design or improve institutional mobility strategies aligned with global priorities

Target audience:

This session is ideal for international office leaders, mobility program coordinators, and partnership strategists working in global engagement, student exchange, STEM mobility, equity/access, or cross-regional collaboration between institutions that prioritize global good in partnerships.

Rethinking Student Recruitment for International Branch Campuses

Chair: TBC 

Neha GROVER, Senior Director – Trade & Investment, Austrade | Australia
Sameer ARORA, Principal, Shiv Nadar School | India
Ashwin FERNANDES, Regional Director, QS Quacquarelli Symonds | India
Marissa MASTROIANNI, Managing Director and Group CEO, University of Wollongong Global Enterprises | Australia

Abstract:

As international universities establish branch campuses in new geographies, student recruitment strategies must evolve beyond traditional models. This panel will explore how global institutions can effectively build and sustain student pipelines for their in-country campuses. Discussions will focus on the intersection of transnational education, brand positioning, policy frameworks, and student behavior. We’ll examine what attracts students to study at international branch campuses locally, how to engage with parents and agents differently, and how digital tools, local partnerships, and community integration are shaping new recruitment models.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the evolving expectations of students and parents when considering international education at home.
  • Explore new models of localized recruitment for international branch campuses.
  • Discover strategies to differentiate the branch campus experience from both domestic and overseas study options. Gain insights into policy frameworks and how to position the branch campus as a compelling choice.

Target audience:

Education Institutions, Recruitment teams, education agents, school leaders, edtech

Partnerships to pathways: University access for Asia’s most vulnerable

Chair: Jonathan LEMBRIGHT, Southeast Asia Director, IIE | Thailand

Rebecca GRANATO, Associate Vice President, Bard College | Bangladesh
Ian HOLIDAY, Vice-President, University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong
Brett BLACKER, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand Duolingo | Australia

Abstract:

Providing higher education opportunities for displaced students requires a network of partnerships to facilitate access and degree completion.

The Asia Pacific region has an estimated 20 million forcibly displaced people facing a mix of complex challenges that includes conflict, climate change, and economic unrest. This number has doubled since 2020 and is expected to continue to rise within a climate of decreased donor funding.

Yet among these numbers are thousands of resilient, ambitious individuals seeking higher education opportunities that draw on their talents and unique life experiences.

This session will begin by providing an overview of displaced students in Asia Pacific and the role of higher education. The essential role of partnerships will be explored within the context of pathways to access for students, as well as specific challenges and opportunities for those looking to deepen their engagement. The region has a unique opportunity to serve these students, through the thousands of high quality institutions and existing partnerships.

Unique examples of partnerships in support of access will be provided by the University of Hong Kong, Bard College (USA), Refugee Education Australia, and the Institute of International Education (IIE). We will also highlight existing global support organizations and consortia in place that universities can consult as they develop opportunities for these unique students.

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand the profile of displaced students, how to identify, and how to engage within the Asia Pacific region.
  2. Best practices for establishing effective partnerships and pathways to enrollment for displaced students.
  3. Increase awareness of opportunities for universities in the region to engage, partner, and collaborate on this topic.

Target audience:

University representatives, non-profit leaders, and policymakers working with partners and students in fragile and sensitive contexts.

Information coming soon.

DIU’s Best Practice: International Internship Program (IIP) for Global Workforce

Chair: TBC

Syed RAIHAN-UL-ISLAM, Deputy Director of International Affairs, Daffodil International University | Bangladesh
Mohamed Emran HOSSAIN, Member, Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University | Bangladesh

Abstract:

This analysis highlights the transformative impact of Daffodil International University’s (DIU) International Internship Program (IIP) on students’ professional and personal growth. Over two months, participating students of IIP gain invaluable work experience and cultural immersion in Bangladesh. The success of DIU’s IIP serves as a compelling model for other universities to adopt, showcasing best practices that blend work, culture, and education. By integrating diverse cultural insights and ethical perspectives, International Affairs offices can elevate their effectiveness. Emphasizing campus internationalization and expanding such programs fosters a global outlook and enhances intercultural initiatives, setting a new standard in higher education worldwide.

Learning objectives:

  • Attendees will learn how DIU’s International Internship Program (IIP) helps students grow professionally and personally by providing work experience and cultural exposure in Bangladesh.
  • Participants will discover effective ways International Affairs/Relations offices can support international students by incorporating different cultural and ethical insights into their programs.
  • The session will share ideas on how to expand international programs that help students and staff understand and engage with global cultures, making them better prepared for a connected world.

Target audience:

  • International Affairs Staff
  • Student Support Services Staff
  • Academic Coordinators and Faculty
  • Recruitment and Admissions Professionals
  • University Leaders and Administrators/Decision-makers
  • Career Services and Industry Partnership Coordinators
  • Researchers in International Education

Global Classrooms, Local Campuses: International Visiting Faculty as Front Doors to Cross-Border Collaboration in the Asia-Pacific

Chair: Astria Nur IRFANSYAH, Deputy Director of International Partnership, Directorare of Global Engagement, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya | Indonesia

Irma Noor FITRIASTARI, Staff for International Partnership and Inbound Lecturer Mobility, Directorare of Global Engagement, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya | Indonesia
Reini ARIANI, Staff for International Partnership and Visit Arrangement, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya | Indonesia

Abstract:

International faculty mobility is a key driver for institutional capacity-building and internationalization in higher education, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, which faces challenges like unequal academic resources, heavy teaching loads, and pressure for global engagement. These circumstances necessitate adaptive models of academic collaboration, with inbound faculty programs offering a practical solution to address these challenges. Inbound faculty programs align with Knight’s (2004) concept of internationalization at home, visiting lecturer programs bring global perspectives directly into classrooms, enabling knowledge exchange and enriching student learning without requiring outbound mobility. These programs also strengthen institutional visibility, foster joint research, and support long-term partnerships. This presentation highlights the host-funded visiting lecturer scheme at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). Implemented since 2020, this scheme is a strategic catalyst for internationalization that connects international experts and host institutions through guest lectures that plant long-term academic partnerships. This program has yielding concrete outcomes, including MoUs for future collaboration and MoAs for student mobility. Through future academic collaboration, it creates two-way value despite logistic hurdles. To further enhance its impact, strengthening pre-visit planning and establishing structured follow-up mechanisms will maximize its role as an effective platform for institutional development & global impact in the higher education sphere.

Learning objectives:

  • Highlight the strategic role of visiting faculty in advancing internationalization at the institutional level, tackling thelimitations of outbound mobility.
  • Share best practices from Asia-Pacific universities on faculty mobility for teaching and research.
  • Spotlight success stories of inbound teaching mobility based on outcomes such as co-teaching, collaborativeresearch, and formal partnerships through MoUs.
  • Recommends the improvement needed for further international visiting faculty program implementation: enhance pre-program coordination, strengthen logistics support, expand reciprocity measures.

Target audience:

  • International office staff
  • Faculty members
  • University leadership
  • Academic stakeholders who are keen to establish and implement an inbound faculty mobility as a long-term academic investment
10:05-10:10
10min Transition
CONCURRENTS
10:10-10:55
CONCURRENT 18A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 18B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 18C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 18D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 18E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 18F
Room S427
Stream
Partnerships and mobility
Student recruitment
Student recruitment
Academic Research Papers
Programs
Partnerships and mobility
Title
Asia-Pacific Dialogue: Partnerships, perspectives and policy
Meeting the Moment: Aligning Recruitment Strategies with Asia’s Regional Ambitions
Placing Sustainability at the Heart of Student Recruitment in Asia Pacific
Academic Research Papers
Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation, Partnerships, and Global Engagement
Different Roots, Shared Future: Inclusive Strategies for Global Higher Education Partnership

Asia-Pacific Dialogue: Partnerships, perspectives and policy

Chair: Phil HONEYWOOD, CEO, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) | Australia

Phil HONEYWOOD, CEO, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) | Australia
Ben BURROWES, Regional Director (Asia) Education | New Zealand
Mohd Ariffin ABU HASSAN (APAIE Advisory Council), CEO, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) | Malaysia
Karen DALKIE, Vice President, Development and Partnerships, Canadian Bureau for International Education | Canada

Abstract:

This session features a facilitated dialogue between senior expert speakers from four key international education ecosystems within the Asia-Pacific: Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Across the Asia-Pacific, international education is experiencing profound change. Over the last 12 months we have seen new policies both stymie and stimulate the movement of international students into, out of and within the Asia-Pacific region. This includes for full degree study and transnational education (TNE) as well as short-term learning abroad experiences. We are witnessing the rise – and fall – of study destinations within our region fuelled by real-time geopolitics and corresponding student demand.

Senior leaders from key international education bodies within Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand will discuss their perspectives on key policies and other events that have impacted their jurisdictions in 2025. This includes the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA); the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and Education New Zealand (ENZ). This panel will also focus on international education partnerships in the context of future geopolitical trends.

Learning objectives:

APAIE delegates who attend this session will:

  • Deepen their knowledge and broaden their perspectives of current trends and policies impacting international studentflows in four key international education ‘hubs’ within the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand.
  • Reflect on the impact of these trends in attendees’ own home countries/regions as well as at the institutional level.
  • Learn about key international education organisations/agencies in Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand and interact with their senior leaders during Q&A.

Target audience:

This session is relevant and beneficial to a broad audience at APAIE 2026: from international education ‘beginners’ or those in entry-level and mid-management roles to academics and senior leaders from education institutions and government agencies. It is also relevant to delegates from all Asia-Pacific countries/markets.

Meeting the Moment: Aligning Recruitment Strategies with Asia’s Regional Ambitions

Chair: Joonas SALO, Managing Director, Asia Exchange | Finland

Bokyung KIM, Senior Manager, International Affairs, Hanyang University ERICA | South Korea
Marcel VAN AMELSVOORT, Student Recruitment representative, Juntendo University | Japan
Novie Tajuddin TAJUDDIN, CEO, Education Malaysia Global Services | Malaysia

Abstract:

Amid demographic decline and rising global competition, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and other Asia-Pacific nations are doubling down on strategic student recruitment and ushering in a recruitment renaissance. Simultaneously, the Big 4 are experiencing a decline in interest due to political and regulatory changes. This panel unpacks data on student interest towards Asia by Keystone Education Group and explores how national policies like Japan’s J-MIRAI (400k by 2033) and Korea’s Study Korea 300K are translating to the institutional level to attract more students to the different countries in Asia. In addition the panel discusses recruitment strategies, career-readiness and post graduation retention.

Speakers from Asia Exchange (part of Keystone Education Group) and representatives of universities and governmental entities in Korea, Malaysia and Japan will explore:

  • Student data and insights from Keystone Education Group focused on mobility and student recruitment to Asia
  • National goals and how these align with institutional actions in Asia.
  • Recruitment strategies tapping into countries such as Korea, Malaysia and Japan – Career-readiness and post-graduation retention

Learning objectives:

The audience will gain the following takeaways:

  • Insights into data on student interest towards the Asian region during the decline of the Big 4
  • Insight into student recruitment strategies at different institutions in Asia and how these are affected by country-specific national policies around attracting more students
  • Insights into how these countries and institutions aim to bridge the age gap and retain students post-graduation
  • Insights into the role of agents in student recruitment to Asia

Target audience:

  • Student recruitment staff
  • International Office staff

Attendees with interest in:

  • Student data related to Asia
  • Student recruitment strategy
  • National policies and the effects on institutions

Placing Sustainability at the Heart of Student Recruitment in Asia Pacific

Chair: Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant , QS Quacquarelli Symonds | United Kingdom

Sarah TODD, Principal Consultant , QS Quacquarelli Symonds | United Kingdom
Deborah MCALLISTER, Global Vice-President, CANIE | United Kingdom,
Paul LOFTUS, CEO, EduKUDU | United Kingdom,
Alek VONINSKI, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Partnerships, University of Newcastle | Australia

Abstract:

Increasingly driven by environmental and social consciousness, students are aligning their sustainability values with their educational decision-making. A greater awareness of environmental and social sustainability issues is leading to growing expectations on universities looking to attract students in the Asia Pacific to take action as catalysts for change.

More than two-thirds of students in Asia Pacific would study at a sustainable university over a top 1,000 ranked institution. 64% would choose sustainability over a top 500 ranked institution and over a third would choose sustainability over a top 100 ranked institution. (QS Sustainability Student Survey 2024) Sustainability-related action is no longer a nice-to-have but a key factor in student decision-making. Through research, teaching, and operations, higher education has the power to lead the call for change – and it’s increasingly important in today’s highly competitive recruitment landscape that universities make their sustainability credentials and progress clear to prospective students.

With data and insights from the Asia Pacific region (QS International Student Survey and QS Sustainability Student Survey), and with speakers from Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) and eduKUDU, this insightful session will demonstrate how to leverage institutional sustainability efforts as part of a successful student recruitment strategy.

Learning objectives:

With live case studies from CANIE, the University of Newcastle, Australia and EduKUDU, attendees will learn to:

  • Better understand student perceptions, motivations and expectations to develop an aligned recruitment strategy that reflects the values and priorities of prospective international students.
  • Understand ways to integrate climate education into global learning and staff development.
  • Differentiate their institution from the global competition and attract quality, values-driven students who want to make a difference.
  • Understand how to use sustainability to differentiate your institution globally, leveraging rankings to measure success and showcase leadership.
  • Reflect on levels of collaboration with other stakeholders across the international education sector.

The session will equip attendees with tools and inspiration to translate global climate goals into student recruitment activities and localised, strategic action.

Target audience:

Senior leadership, marketing and international recruitment teams, global engagement teams, student mobility, with an interest in climate action and sustainability

 

Information coming soon.

Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation, Partnerships, and Global Engagement

Chair: Fabian FALTER, International Strategist, RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Fabian FALTER, International Strategist, RWTH Aachen University | Germany
Raghunathan RENGASWAMY, Dean Global Engagement, Indian Institute of Technology Madras | India
André LINDNER, Managing Director of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, TUD Dresden University of Technology | Germany

Abstract:

Postgraduate education plays a pivotal role in addressing the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, particularly within the dynamic and diverse Asia-Pacific region. Universities are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts for sustainable development by equipping future leaders with the interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and global perspectives necessary to effect meaningful change. As sustainability issues become increasingly complex and transboundary, the role of postgraduate education in strengthening the science-policy interface has never been more critical. This session by leading technical universities explores how universities and their networks can foster stronger connections between scientific research and public policy by embedding policy engagement, systems thinking, and real-world problem solving into postgraduate programs. Integrating academic knowledge with decision-making processes—through policy labs, practitioner exchanges, and collaborative research with governments and civil society—enhances the ability of graduates to navigate the political, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. These approaches support a more inclusive and responsive science-policy ecosystem, enabling evidence-informed policymaking that reflects diverse regional realities. By aligning education with the needs of both science and society, the Asia-Pacific region can lead the way in shaping resilient, sustainable, and equitable futures.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn about the role of universities as catalysts for sustainable development.
  • Learn about initiatives to bridge the gap between science and policy.
  • Learn about why the Asia-Pacific region is particularly important for these kind of activities.

Target audience:

  • Delegates who run or plan to establish postgraduate programs on sustainable development.
  • Delegates interested in the role universities play for the science-policy interface.

Different Roots, Shared Future: Inclusive Strategies for Global Higher Education Partnership

Chair: Pauline HO, Head, Global Education Partnership, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore

Hanh BUI, Director of Global Engagement, VinUniversity | Viet Nam
Pauline HO, Head, Global Education Partnership, Nanyang Technological University | Singapore
Angela JAMES, Director, Centre for International Management, Smith School of Business Queen’s University | Canada

Abstract:

In an era where global collaboration defines educational excellence, this session brings together three distinct institutions—a comprehensive research university, a business school with deep roots, and a dynamic, young university—to explore the evolving landscape of international partnerships. Through storytelling and interactive discussion, participants will gain insight into how universities of varying ages, backgrounds, and models are forging meaningful collaborations, fostering student mobility, and driving strategic innovation.

Nanyang Technological University – NTU Singapore shares lessons from transitioning from decentralized to centralized systems while adapting to technological advances. Queen’s University brings the perspective of a business school shaped by rigorous accreditations and long-standing partnerships as engines of growth. VinUniversity offers the voice of an ambitious newcomer, aiming high through strategic alignment and bold vision.

Together, they will trace the historical evolution of international partnerships, sharing data-informed insights, challenges, and practical strategies for growth and sustainability. The session emphasizes that while institutions differ in age and approach, they are united by common goals—quality, innovation, and impact. Through a podcast-style format and table discussions, the audience will engage in a shared learning experience that celebrates diversity, embraces collaboration, and underscores the boundless nature of education.

Learning objectives:

  • Examine current trends in higher education partnerships across Canada, Singapore, and Vietnam, and identifysustainable models for collaboration.
  • Explore stages of international partnerships, from development to implementation and its challenges.
  • Leverage data-driven strategies to enhance global engagement and align initiatives with institutional goals.
  • Discover inclusive mobility models and tactics to engage underrepresented student groups.
  • Develop actionable plans to design or refine mobility strategies that advance global education priorities.

Target audience:

Higher education professionals related to global engagement, student mobility, public or private partnerships.

10:55-11:00
5min Transition
11:00-11:30
DEDICATED EXPO TIME
11:30-12:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
CONCURRENTS
08:30-09:15
CONCURRENT 19A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 19B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 19C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 19D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 19E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 19F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Student experience and well-being
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Title
Regional update India, Nepal
Intentional Early Interaction for International Student Success in Joint Programs
Chinese student mobility and graduate employment: an Australian perspective
Redefining Global Partnerships: East–West Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Internationalisation

Information coming soon.

Intentional Early Interaction for International Student Success in Joint Programs

Chair: TBC

Jennifer CLEVENGER, Director of International Programs, Pamplin International Programs, Virginia Tech | United States
Alessandra ROSETTI, Advisor and Mentor Coordinator, Pamplin International Programs, Virginia Tech | United States

Abstract:

International students often struggle with initial adaptation to a university and its community. Students in these NorthSouth joint program partnerships usually spend three years at a home country university, then one year at a university abroad, meaning there is little time to adapt. Our solution has been to create an online mentoring system to connect with students during the first three years, as well as once they arrive on our campus for their final year. We have one joint program with an Indian university with less interaction and one with a Chinese university with monthly interactions. Regular interactions from the beginning cultivate a sense of belonging at both university communities. They have both peer-to-peer meetings, as well as stakeholders meetings. We are also able to provide services which the other university does not have available.  Sense of belonging and unity among the students and universities provides a way forward during turbulent times around the globe. We will discuss what we have learned over the last several years and how our programs have evolved to meet the needs of the students. Additionally, we will discuss how we have also been able to assist the professors teaching students in these programs.

Learning objectives:

  • Compare and contrast the programs with mentoring and scaffolding and those without. Adaptations that are being made.
  • Provide details on scaffolding built the first three years to ensure a successful fourth year, as well as success moving into graduate programs.
  • Provide information on the services that have been added over time as we learn more about the needs of each of these unique programs.
  • Provide information on the ways we have incorporated our findings into our programs for both students and faculty.
  • Provide information on how we have seen students shift to a sense of open curiosity about the US and the educational experience.
  • Provide information on how we have moved students from being reserve to open communication.

Target audience:

  • Those working with joint programs
  • Those working with international students.
  • Those working in student support.

Chinese student mobility and graduate employment: an Australian perspective

Chair: TBC

Stephanie SMITH, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, China, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Head of Education (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) | China

Abstract:

Increasingly, Chinese students are looking to their universities to provide them with the skills and capabilities to navigate a competitive labour market.

This presentation takes an Australian perspective and explores how Chinese students are supported to improve their mobility and employment outcomes – both through transnational education opportunities and study in Australia.

It will look at measures taken by Australian institutions to promote graduate employment and recent data insights, including:

  • The current landscape for Chinese employment
  • Specific strategies to better align higher education employment supports with Chinese workforce needs.

Learning objectives:

  • Demonstrate Australia’s position on taking education to the world
  • Provide examples of institutional excellence in supporting graduate mobility

Target audience:

International students and parents; those working in student support or with an interest in TNE; agents; other HE institutions

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

Redefining Global Partnerships: East–West Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Internationalisation

Chair: Nur Ezzati MOHD NASIR, International Relations Officer, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Malaysia

Nur Ezzati MOHD NASIR, International Relations Officer, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Malaysia
Herma Dina SETIABUDI, International Office Director, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Malaysia
Jill BLONDIN, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, Virginia Commonwealth University | USA
Eric LOU, Head of the International, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom

Abstract:

This session showcases innovative global engagement strategies through the experiences of Universiti Malaysia Pahang.

Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Manchester Metropolitan University (ManMet). Despite distinct contexts, these universities will share how international collaborations enhance student experience, employability, mobility, academic cooperation, and research.

UMPSA, a Malaysian public technical university located outside the capital, positions internationalisation as a key driver for sustainable development. Its initiatives — including dual-degree programmes, mobility, joint curriculum development, and applied research — cultivate globally competent graduates while fostering South–South and North–South partnerships.

VCU, an urban public research university in Richmond, Virginia, integrates global learning across disciplines. The Da Vinci Centre for Innovation exemplifies this approach, combining education, entrepreneurship, and product innovation to strengthen global partnerships. A Senior Internationalisation Strategist further supports VCU’s global enrolment and partnership growth.

ManMet, a dual-intensive UK university, advances education and research through centres such as the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, PrintCity, and the Institute of Sport, driving innovations in health, clean energy, manufacturing, AI, and digital technologies.

Together, these East–West perspectives provide adaptable models for resilient global higher education partnerships.

Learning objectives:

  • To explore how universities from different regional and institutional contexts (East and West) can co-develop inclusive and sustainable international partnerships.
  • To identify adaptable strategies for fostering people-centred global engagement in resource-conscious and diverse environments.
  • To apply innovative frameworks and collaborative models that support long-term capacity building and global citizenship development.

Target audience:

  • International officers driving partnerships, mobility, and global engagement
  • Academic leaders advancing inclusive collaboration
  • Policymakers promoting sustainability and global citizenship
  • Faculty leading curriculum internationalisation
13:00-13:05
5min Transition
CONCURRENTS
13:05-13:35
CONCURRENT 20A
Room S421
CONCURRENT 20B
Room S422
CONCURRENT 20C
Room S423-S424
CONCURRENT 20D
Room S425
CONCURRENT 20E
Room S426
CONCURRENT 20F
Room S427
Stream
Regional update
Partnerships and mobility
Partnerships and mobility
Programs
Title
Regional update Australia, New Zealand
Partnering for Global Health: Transformative Faculty Collaboration for Lasting Impact
University of California Resilience in International Ed During Turbulent Times: A Transpacific Dialogue with Kyushu University
Education Disrupted: Emergence of New Global Universities in Asia Pacific

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

Partnering for Global Health: Transformative Faculty Collaboration for Lasting Impact

Chair: Ying-Shing CHAN, U21 Health Sciences Group Host Secretariat, HKU Senior Advisor to the Dean, HKU Senior Advisor to the Director of Biomedical Sciences, HKU Director of Development and Infrastructure, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) | Hong Kong

Catherine LEMON, Global Engagement Manager, Universitas 21 | United Kingdom
Alicia LUI, U21 Health Sciences Group Operations Manager, U21 Health Sciences Group | Hong Kong

Abstract:

In a rapidly evolving global health landscape, cross-border faculty collaboration is vital for addressing complex challenges and strengthening health education and research capacity. International partnerships enable interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, innovative solutions, and the development of a globally responsive health workforce.

This panel will explore how faculty-led initiatives within an established global network are achieving sustained impact in global health through collaborative action. The U21 Health Sciences Group, part of Universitas21, comprises 20 member institutions across 6 continents, including key partners in the Asia-Pacific region. U21 HSG exemplifies how scalable, inclusive academic collaborations can create sustainable impact in global health. It connects educators and researchers across diverse disciplines such as Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Pharmacy, Public Health, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences.

Through activities such as workshops focused on the SDGs, on-the-ground community health projects, summer schools, co-creation of case studies, interdisciplinary research competitions, and international student challenges, the network fosters meaningful engagement for staff and students. Programmes build global citizenship, support evidence-based solutions to health issues, and promote innovation in global health education.

This session provides strategic insights for academic and global education leaders aiming to internationalise health programmes and build impactful, long-term partnerships in global health.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the strategic value of faculty-led global partnerships in addressing global health challenges.
  • Explore how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances innovation in global health education and research.
  • Gain insight into the structure and impact of the Universitas 21 Health Sciences Group as a model for sustainable academic partnerships.
  • Identify effective approaches for engaging both staff and students in meaningful global learning experiences. –  Learn how Asia-Pacific institutions are contributing to and benefiting from – academic networks that span multiple regions.
  • Recognise the role of international networks in building global citizenship and a culturally responsive health workforce.
  • Take away practical strategies for scaling up or initiating similar collaborative programmes within your own institution.
  • Reflect on how global partnerships can align with institutional priorities for impact, inclusion, and sustainability in health education.

Target audience:

Academic leaders, global education strategists, and those pursuing interdisciplinary collaboration in health sciences will benefit most. This session offers valuable insights and strategies for international partnerships, global health education, and sustainable capacity-building in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

University of California Resilience in International Ed During Turbulent Times: A Transpacific Dialogue with Kyushu University

Chair: Marko PRINCEVAC, Vice Provost of International Affairs at the University of California, Riverside and UC SIO Council Chair University of California | United States

Natalie KONOMI, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity and Professor, Kyushu University Kyushu University | Japan

Abstract:

International education has faced unprecedented disruptions over the last six months, from shifts in federal immigration policy and research funding cuts in the USA to changing geopolitical dynamics that have impacted student mobility and academic partnerships across the globe. In the face of these challenges, the University of California (UC) system—a network of 10 world-class public universities—has taken resilient, student-centered, and globally engaged approaches to sustaining international education and global partnerships.

This session brings together representatives from the UC Senior International Officer (SIO) Council and Kyushu University, a top research institution in Japan and strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region, to offer a comparative and collaborative perspective on resilience in international education between Asia-Pacific institutions.  This session directly aligns with the theme Asia-Pacific Partnerships for Global Good by highlighting how transpacific collaboration between the UC and universities like Kyushu University strengthens the global higher education ecosystem in the face of disruption.

Kyushu will play a central role in this session, providing a complementary lens into how Asia-Pacific institutions have responded to similar challenges, including Japan’s efforts to revive mobility and sustain research diplomacy amid political volatility. Through a transpacific dialogue format, the session aims to model the kind of international cooperations needed to strengthen global higher education ecosystems in turbulent times.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand key “current” threats and institutional responses to international education in the U.S. and Japan.
  • Explore how transpacific partnerships can support resilience and innovation in global education.
  • Learn from tangible practices that promote sustainability in international engagement despite systemic constraints.

Target audience:

Campus leaders, Senior International Officers, and other front-line international educators charged with advancing international education at their respective institutions.

Information coming soon.

Education Disrupted: Emergence of New Global Universities in Asia Pacific

Chair: Cheryl MATHERLY, Vice President/Vice Provost, International Affairs Lehigh University | United States

Vanita SHASTRI, Strategic Advisor – Internationalization, UPES University | India
Kara GODWIN, Senior Global Fellow, Pomona College | United States

Abstract:

This session explores the rise of global universities that are disrupting traditional higher education by creating new, flexible structures tailored to regional and global needs in Asia Pacific. Through a global orientation, interdisciplinary approaches, inclusivity, and a focus on sustainability, these universities offer innovative responses to local needs of education and doing Global good.

These innovative institutions are emerging as significant higher education disruptors, particularly in regions where traditional systems are out of step with national needs. Unlike their established counterparts, the new global universities are free from legacy constraints, allowing them to design entirely new structures that respond to regional and economic needs. These global universities are being set up where there is limited access to affordable, high-quality education. This panel will present the mechanism of changes in the traditional higher education landscape and the opportunities they present for collaboration with established universities. It will explore how both types of institutions can learn from each other, enhancing their ability to prepare students to tackle the most pressing 21st century challenges contributing to Global good.

Learning objectives:

  • global Orientation: Audiences will learn how these universities prioritize cross-cultural understanding, global challenges, and cross-border knowledge exchange—preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Participants will explore how these institutions promote collaboration across disciplines to address complex global problems, leading to more innovative and holistic solutions.
  • Innovation and Technology: The session will highlight how cutting-edge technology and pedagogy—including online education and digital tools—are leveraged to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and impact across global and local contexts.
  • Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Audiences will gain insights into how these universities embed sustainability and equity into their mission, tackling issues like climate change, inequality, and social justice to foster meaningful societal contributions.

Target audience:

International educators, senior university leaders, SIOs, study abroad and student exchange program managers, SDGaligned policy and curriculum designers, and faculty invested in global partnerships.

13:35-13:45
5min Transition
13:45-14:45
GLOBAL DIALOGUE
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
14:45-15:15
CLOSING CEREMONY
Level 5, Main Hall 5E
Fri 27 February
09:00-17:00
POST-CONFERENCE CAMPUS TOURS

Morning
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The University of Hong Kong


Afternoon
Lingnan University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

View detailed information

*Program is subject to change.