The QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2024 is back! Hosted by Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T), this year’s theme is: ‘Shifting landscapes, Collaborative Solutions: Pioneering innovation in Asia Pacific higher education’, which will look at the upcoming trends for universities in the Asia Pacific region, the sector’s needs and wants, and where the greatest opportunities lie.
“By organising this conference in Macau in alignment with the visionary goals of the Macao SAR government, QS aims to showcase the remarkable strength and potential of Macao higher education,” Chair Professor, Joseph Hun-wei Lee, President and Vice Chancellor at M.U.S.T said.
Professor Lee continued, “Through this event, we invite the world to witness the recent achievements of our institutions and engage in meaningful exchanges provided by the excellent networking opportunities.”
Book your in person or virtual ticket here
What can we expect at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2024?
Here is a summary of some of the most interesting moments at the Summit:
Tuesday
Grading the System: Assessing the state of higher education in APAC
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a golden age in higher education, with a growing number of world-class universities, increasing access for students and innovation in teaching and learning methodologies.
This panel discussion will assess the state of higher ed systems across the region, explore how effective institutions are in collaborative practices and pioneering innovation, as well as the challenges and opportunities the region faces.
Open Doors, Open Minds: Embracing collaboration with external partners and society
While universities traditionally focus on internal research and education, fostering deeper collaboration with external partners and society at large can lead to more impactful innovation, a stronger talent pipeline and a more equitable learning environment.
This panel will feature Charles Jeffery Sun, Founder and Managing Director, China Education International – discussing the potential of breaking down traditional silos between academia and the external world, delving into the challenges and opportunities that arise from collaborating with industry partners, non-profit organisations and the broader community.
Wednesday
Micro-Mastery: Equipping learners with bite-sized skills for a changing job market
Lengthy degree programmes offered by universities may not adequately prepare learners for the current dynamic job market. This panel explores the concept of "micro-mastery", focusing on equipping learners with targeted, in-demand skills that can be quickly acquired and applied.
Discussions will investigate strategies for integrating micro-courses into the higher education curriculum and how such courses can be designed to be relevant and valuable to employers.
The Virtual Exchange: Collaborative research without borders
Virtual exchange platforms can revolutionise collaborative research in higher education by encouraging international partnerships and overcoming geographical barriers, leading to richer research experiences and more impactful outcomes. This panel will explore the growing potential of borderless exchange platforms to transform how academics in Asia Pacific conduct research.
Thursday
Diversifying Minds in Higher Ed
Universities in Asia Pacific often struggle to translate its rich cultural diversity into truly inclusive sustainability practices, which is essential in nurturing innovation, tackling complex challenges and creating a future-ready workforce.
This panel discusses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the region's diverse populations, strategies for inclusive learning environments that empower students from all backgrounds, as well as best practices for incorporating diverse perspectives into curriculum development.
AI Architects: Designing the future of learning with AI
While AI holds immense potential to personalise and enhance learning, it should aim to also integrate into higher education effectively without sacrificing the human element or exacerbating existing educational inequalities. This panel explores the possibilities and challenges of using AI to transform higher education. Discussions will also touch on ensuring transparency in AI-driven experiences and the ethics of using such technology.
Join us in person for our pre-summit on 1 November in Al-Farabi, Kazakhstan, and the main event from 5-7 November in Macau SAR, China. Also, don’t miss the post-summit on 8 November at Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Virtual livestream access is available for all event days!
