The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) opens its Senior International Leaders’ Meeting (SILM) 2026 at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) from 23 to 24 June 2026, bringing together senior leaders responsible for international strategy, partnerships, and global engagement from across the APRU network.

SILM 2026 centres on the guiding question: What does it mean for global engagement to be resilient and inclusive? At a time of rapid change and systemic uncertainty, the meeting provides a space for international leaders to reflect on how universities can remain open, connected, and globally engaged while navigating geopolitical tensions, institutional constraints, and evolving mobility landscapes.

Grounded in the principle of inclusive excellence, discussions explore how intentional global engagement can welcome diverse cultures, talents, and perspectives into academic life. Resilience, in turn, are examined as the capacity for universities to sustain international collaboration even in moments of disruption, ensuring that global engagement remains a defining and enduring feature of the university mission.

The SILM convened at the CUHK Art Museum on Tuesday, Professor Josh Yiu, Director, CUHK Art Museum said, “The CUHK Art Museum is honoured to welcome the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting as a space for dialogue, reflection, and exchange. Museums and universities share a common purpose in bringing diverse perspectives into conversation, fostering openness, and deepening understanding across cultures. We are pleased to host APRU’s international leaders here, and to contribute to a gathering that places community, inclusivity, and shared learning at the heart of global engagement.”

The programme features a series of interactive workshops designed to move from reflection to action, including:

• Resilient and inclusive global engagement, examining frameworks, risk management approaches, and adaptive strategies for sustaining internationalisation
• Regional perspectives on internationalisation, comparing approaches across diverse cultural, political, and institutional contexts in the Asia‑Pacific
• Re‑imagining student mobility and global learning across APRU, drawing on findings from the APRU Student Mobility Survey and identifying future priorities for network‑wide collaboration.

A highlight of SILM 2026 will be a keynote address on the changing landscape of Southeast Asian higher education, delivered by Professor Lorraine Pe Symaco, Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of the Philippines. Drawing on regional perspectives with global implications, the keynote will examine how universities in Southeast Asia are navigating rapid expansion, shifting policy environments, and increasing international engagement, while contributing to broader conversations on resilience, inclusivity, and the future of higher education across the Asia‑Pacific.

Dr. Erik Lithander, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Strategic Engagement), The University of Auckland
Co‑Chair, APRU International Advisory Committee who chaired the meeting said, “The Senior International Leaders’ Meeting is central to building the strength of the APRU community. SILM 2026 brings together colleagues with diverse regional perspectives to learn from one another, share practical experience, and collectively explore what resilient and inclusive global engagement looks like in practice.”

The International Advisory Committee (IAC) came together during the SILM to advise the APRU Secretariat on international strategy and development. Through the leadership of its co‑chairs, the IAC plays a critical role in strengthening collaboration, aligning member priorities, and ensuring that APRU initiatives deliver meaningful value across the network.

Professor Pooi See Lee, Vice President (International Engagement), Nanyang Technological University, Co‑Chair, APRU International Advisory Committee said, “The Senior International Leaders’ Meeting provides an incredible platform for senior international leaders to connect as a community and engage in open, constructive dialogue. As Co‑Chair of the International Advisory Committee, I strongly value the importance of welcoming new members and first‑time participants alongside long‑standing institutions. This meeting reflects the inclusive spirit of APRU and strengthens our network.”

SILM 2026 is held at the CUHK Medical Centre, reinforcing CUHK’s role as an active host reflecting APRU’s emphasis on convening dialogues in settings that embody innovation, service, and societal impact.