The APRU Global Health Program successfully launched its inaugural Mini Certificate in Global Aging, a free virtual training delivered over three sessions from late February to mid-March 2026. Open for students across APRU member universities, the program attracted 683 registrants, with some 159 participants earning certificates upon successful completion. Participants are from 21 economies and across at least 65 academic disciplines. Co-developed by the Global Health Program Director Professor Mellissa Withers (Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California) and Professor Jonathan Guillemot (School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito), the course builds on the successful model of the APRU Mini Certificate in Health Research Ethics, also established by Professor Withers since 2021. Designed for undergraduate and graduate students with limited prior exposure to the subject, the new Mini Certificate introduces foundational knowledge and global perspectives on demographic aging. The world is undergoing a profound demographic transformation as populations age at an unprecedented rate. Advances in healthcare, nutrition, and living standards have extended life expectancy, while declining birth rates are reshaping the age structure of societies. Against this backdrop, the Mini Certificate in Global Aging offers three two-hour online sessions combining expert lectures with interactive breakout discussions. Participants also complete online homework via a shared course website and, upon successful completion of all components, receive a certificate of participation. The program features six speakers: Angelique Chan (National University of Singapore), Laurence Lloyd Parial (University of the Philippines Manila), Hiroki Nakatani (Keio University), Andrew Sixsmith (Simon Fraser University), Zhaoli Joy Dai-Keller (The University of Sydney), and Po-Ju Chang (National Taiwan University). Together, they introduce key topics including global and regional demographic trends; the impacts of aging on health systems, labor markets and social policy; the foundations and consequences of ageism; and pathways to healthy and active aging, including age-friendly urban design and innovation. Dr. Hiroki Nakatani from Keio University is presenting the lecture “Implication of demographic aging: a world-changing transition”   Emphasizing both Global North and Global South perspectives, the course enables students to connect global frameworks with local contexts. Through case studies and small-group discussions facilitated by 40 experts from across the APRU network, participants learn to analyze local examples of demographic aging, describe the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing’s key action areas, and identify principles for building more age-inclusive communities. “This course has changed my view of global aging, helping me see it not only as a challenge for health systems and economies, but also as an opportunity to rethink how societies support active, meaningful aging,” said Charlotte Gai, a student from The University of Auckland. “My key takeaway is that aging should be approached from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining health, social policy, and community support.”

Photos Credit: Universiti Malaya   From October 28 to 31 in Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Malaya hosted the 18th APRU Global Health Conference, welcoming more than 400 participants from 20 economies under the theme “Towards Planetary Health Equity: A Global Call for Shared Solutions.” The conference also featured the launch of the APRU Orchestra, a new initiative to promote cross-culture understanding. With 219 participants from Malaysia and 238 from other countries and regions, the conference served as a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together academics, policymakers, students, and practitioners to address the urgent health challenges facing the planet.   Planetary Health To advance the theme, the conference began with the “Plant a Tree” campaign led by Universiti Malaya to help offset the carbon footprint associated with the travel. A total of 120 native trees selected by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will be planted. “Plant a Tree” Campaign   “As the world navigates complex intersections of climate change, health inequities, and social transformation, we are reminded that our collective well-being depends on a deeper understanding of the unity between human, environmental, and planetary health,” said Professor Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osaman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya. The opening ceremony was also attended by the Malaysia’s Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Nuri; Head of Department of Social & Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Victor Hoe; and APRU Programs Senior Director, Adriana Rojas M., who said, “as the leading network of Asia-Pacific research universities, APRU recognizes the unique opportunity this conference presents to foster meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration and that at APRU, more intersectional and interdisciplinary collaborations are in the pipeline.” Sitting in the front row, from left to right：APRU Programs Senior Director Adriana Rojas M., Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya Professor Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osaman, Malaysia’s Minister of Health YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Nuri, Head of Department of Social & Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine Victor Hoe   APRU Orchestra Beyond academic discourse, the conference celebrated cultural exchange through the inaugural performance of the APRU Orchestra on the evening of October 29. This newly formed ensemble symbolizes the harmony and collaboration that define the APRU network. The pilot performance by Universiti Malay was titled “A Symphony of Cultures – East Meets West.”   Academic Highlights The academic program featured 174 accepted abstracts—including 108 oral presentations and 66 posters—covering topics such as climate change and health, migration, mental health, artificial intelligence, and health systems resilience. Two full-day workshops preceded the official opening: “Preparing Health Systems for the Future of AI for Health: Ethical Challenges and Lessons Learned,” organized in partnership with data.org, and “Implementation Science for All: Advancing Equity and Access in Health.” During the 3-day conference, distinguished speakers enriched the dialogue with diverse perspectives. Professor Christian Gonzalez-Billault of Universidad de Chile delivered a keynote on neurobiology and aging, emphasizing regional collaboration in advancing brain health research. Aymen Abdullah, a humanitarian leader from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors without Borders), shared insights from over 15 years of field experience in conflict zones, highlighting the complexities of health access during crises. Professor Ajay Mahal from the University of Melbourne offered a plenary on economic policy and health system resilience, critically examining strategies to enhance equity and performance in low- and middle-income countries. In addition to these highlights, the APRU Global Health Program’s signature activities including the Working Groups, convened during the conference, and students competitions were held alongside the main program (please see another article here). “Beyond the formal sessions, you have numerous opportunities to interact in our working group sessions, explore student contributions in the form of case competition videos and student posters from around the region, and engage with current and future leading thinkers working towards transformative solutions,” said Professor Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program. The conference was recognized as part of the UM International Week 2025, organized in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, and coincided with the 47th ASEAN Summit . The APRU Global Health Conference 2025 was organized by a team from the Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.   2026 Host The conference concluded with the announcement by Professor Martin Wong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong that it will host the next Global Health Conference in early December 2026, marking a symbolic handover and reinforcing the network’s commitment to advancing global health through collaboration.

  Photos Credit: Universiti Malaya The 10th Annual APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition and 11th Student Poster Contest concluded at the APRU Global Health Conference 2025, held October 28–31 at Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Case Competition APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition marks its 10th cohort in 2025. Beginning on January 31, the program drew 110 teams from 26 universities across 13 economies—Australia, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States—with each team comprising 3–6 students. Teams tackled the challenge, “Advancing Inclusive Growth in Southeast Asia by Leveraging Data and AI for Food Security,” developing solutions that balance innovation with real-world feasibility. The competition was supported by data.org and organized in partnership with Universiti Malaya, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Each team submitted a 10-minute video proposal, which was judged by an international panel from the APRU Global Health Program and invited global experts, who selected 10 finalists. From these, three videos advanced to the final round at the APRU Global Health Conference 2025 on October 29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the winner received a US$1,000 prize determined by conference participants’ votes. Team Sustainabite from Universitas Indonesia won first place with “SEHATI,” an AI-enabled mobile application designed to reduce childhood stunting by helping low-income households track daily nutrition and build healthier eating habits through a rewards-based system.  Team members were Afirsta Violla, Fatima Nadine, Jessie Afaratu, and Najiba Nurisma. Here are the top 10 teams: Winner University of Indonesia, Sustainabite Runners-up (in no particular order) The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SEED Universitas Indonesia, Healink Other Top 10 teams (in no particular order) The University of Sydney, Byte to Bite Universitas Indonesia, Nutri-Z UC Irvine, PeterCare Tech Universiti Malaya, Plantelligence Nanyang Technological University/National University of Singapore/University of Indonesia, CULTIV8 National University of Singapore, FEASTN Nanyang Technological University, SustAInable Bites Poster Contest The 11th APRU Global Health Student Poster Contest, held alongside the APRU Global Health Conference 2025, invited full-time undergraduate and graduate students to submit academic posters and abstracts, with all eligible posters displayed virtually during the conference and category winners receiving US$500. This year’s submissions came from 24 universities in 10 economies: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, the US, and Vietnam. The graduate category winner is Eleanor J. Ong (National University of Singapore) for “Substance use behaviours among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) with a history of adverse childhood experiences: a systematic review and meta-synthesis.” The undergraduate category winner is Chan Ning Long (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) for “Association between sociodemographic factors and HIV knowledge among Hong Kong citizens: a cross-sectional study.”   Here is the complete list of the winners and runners-up: Graduate Category: [Winner]  Eleanor J. Ong from the National University of Singapore for the poster titled “Substance use behaviours among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) with a history of adverse childhood experiences: a systematic review and meta-synthesis” view poster [Runners-up] Ryan Chow from The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the poster titled “Comparative Effectiveness of Anti-Obesity Medications on Body Weight and Glycemic Control in Overweight/Obese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials” view poster Ashis Talukder from Australia National University for the poster titled “Urbanization and Double Burden of Malnutrition at the Household Level in South and Southeast Asia: Insights from Night-Time Lights Data” view poster Undergraduate Category: [Winner]  Chan Ning Long from The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the poster titled “Association between sociodemographic factors and HIV knowledge among Hong Kong citizens: a cross-sectional study” view poster [Runners-up] Maritza Andreanne Rafa Ayusha from the Universitas Indonesia for the poster titled “Value or Luxury? Cost-Effectiveness of Lipid-Lowering Therapies in Indonesia: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis” view poster Joseph Mary L. Manalili from Angeles University Foundation for the poster titled “Lugud Matwa (Filial Love): Exploring Resilience in Caregiver Roles among Kapampangan Families” view poster

When we think of international education, we often picture airport departures and new campuses in foreign countries. While physical student exchange is a powerful experience, it is not the only way—nor the most accessible—to build a global mindset. The APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program is championing a vital and inclusive model for the 21st century: Internationalization at Home. This concept is simple but profound: students can participate in high-impact international courses and gain intercultural experience without the need to travel abroad. Launched in 2020, the APRU VSE program, led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, has become a cornerstone of this approach. In five years, it has provided international opportunities to over 4,500 students, proving that global education can be universally accessible. Making Global Competence an Opportunity for All The primary strength of virtual exchange is its inclusivity and accessibility. It serves as an affordable alternative for students who may not be able to study abroad due to financial, physical, or personal commitments. As Dr. Hajin Lee of Korea University notes, “Virtual environments can foster inclusivity for students with health concerns, mobility issues, or those balancing work and study.” This model empowers universities to broaden their global reach. Ada Chau, Senior Manager at HKUST, states, “Participating in APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program offers our students opportunities to engage with diverse cultures, perspectives, and academic approaches without the constraints of physical travel, making global competence accessible to all students. These experiences foster global awareness, enhance communication skills, and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.” Osvaldo Guzmán Núñez, Deputy Director of International Relations at the University of Chile, reinforces this vision: “We believe that maintaining this type of global learning experience is essential to expanding inclusion and international collaboration in higher education.” More Than a Course, It’s a New Perspective The VSE program allows students to seamlessly integrate an international perspective into their education. Students like Yang Mingtian from The University of Hong Kong have enrolled in over a dozen VSE courses, gaining access to subjects like in-depth logic from Tsinghua University that his home university didn’t offer. “…Many universities offer courses related to their local languages, arts, and cultures, and the students come from all over the world. Participating in VSE has enhanced my cross-cultural communication and broadened my global perspective.” This is a key advantage: students can experiment with different learning styles and engage with professors from prestigious institutions, all at a very low cost. Mak Chui Ying, a student from HKUST who took courses from Korea University and Chulalongkorn University, valued the “opportunity to learn from professors with different academic backgrounds and teaching styles without leaving home”. Enkhtur Ariunaa, Associate Professor at the Institute for International Initiatives, in Osaka University highlights the impact of one such course related to the SDGs: “The course offers an opportunity to learn from experts at the University of Osaka and Japan-based institutions, engaging students in active discussions on global and local sustainability challenges. Participants have highly valued the diversity of perspectives, interactive learning environment, and the chance to connect with peers across disciplines and countries, an experience that embodies the spirit of the VSE program.” Building the Skills for a Connected World This exposure does more than just broaden academic knowledge; it actively develops critical skills for the modern workforce. The VSE program is designed to promote global engagement by building stronger relationships and fostering collaboration between people from different backgrounds. Students consistently praise this aspect. Liang Jialin, a student from HKUST was inspired by the chance to “collaborate with classmates from all over the world,” noting that discussions “reflected a rich diversity of cultural perspectives”. This collaborative environment develops essential skills like communication, critical thinking, and intercultural competence, improving employability by exposing students to international contexts. This is reinforced by the program’s co-curricular offerings, over 112 activities offered between 2020 and 2024, that facilitate virtual encounters with new ideas, cultures, and experts. These activities cover themes like culture, career preparation and leadership. This interconnected approach to global engagement has a profound effect: 87% of VSE participants report that the virtual experience has inspired them to pursue physical exchanges overseas. The VSE Program is not just a temporary fix, it is a dynamic, innovative, and essential component of international education, laying the foundation for a future where virtual programs are an integral and inclusive part of international student exchange. It has proven that a vibrant, multicultural, and transformative education is not limited by geography; it’s available right at student’s fingertips. To find out more, visit: https://vse.apru.org/  

With five hubs across Latin America, India, Africa, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the United States, the Capacity Accelerator Network (CAN) is a global community that continues to grow, developing data and AI skills with interdisciplinary expertise while expanding a library of case studies and success stories that can be shared with social impact leaders around the world.  The accelerators live at the intersection of research and practice, academia and industry, community and government. In each hub academics, government partners, social impact organizations (SIOs), and industry come together with a shared goal of growing the workforce of purpose-driven data and AI practitioners to tackle locally-relevant sectoral challenges.  In Asia Pacific, these cross-sector partners are tackling financial inclusion. As part of APAC CAN, with support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, data.org and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) are building a next-generation workforce in the classroom and beyond, pushing students and practitioners to expand their respective areas of expertise and create AI solutions tailored to the APAC context. The same is true for the academics, government and industry partners we engage. We want each stakeholder group—again, at the intersection of research and practice—to broaden their perspectives and collaborate in service of the greater good. By developing rigorous curricula through real-world case studies and pairing it with experiential education, we are not only deepening students’ skills, awareness, and interest through critical thinking and collaboration, but also building a pathway of purpose-driven professionals for tomorrow while helping SIOs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) meet the needs of their communities today.  So, how does this hands-on learning and practical work experience come to life for learners? Here are three programs data.org and APRU are leading to improve workforce outcomes and accelerate our impact in Asia Pacific: Social Impact Data Science Accelerator (SIDSA) MSMEs in the APAC region generate valuable operational data every day through their work, yet many lack the technical expertise to synthesize, analyze, and translate it into better decisions and outcomes. SIDSA bridges this gap by pairing social impact driven MSMEs with multidisciplinary academic teams, with support from innovation partner Tandemic, to co-design and implement solutions for their specific data challenge to advance the MSME on its digital transformation journey. Examples of projects these teams tackle include: Philippines-based Ark Solves improves the livelihoods of 19,000+ rural families by helping them grow vegetables in their backyard and run a community exchange marketplace to ensure food security and local economic resilience. With limited internet connectivity, they struggle to capture accurate data from these micro-entrepreneurs remotely. A team from University of the Philippines is helping them build a mobile data collection solution to capture food production data in low-tech environments, as well as an interactive dashboard to track harvest volumes and variety to improve connections between farmers and local markets. International Development Enterprises (iDE)’s bookkeeping app, Kotra Riel, enables Cambodia’s microentrepreneurs to maintain financial records with the goal of scaling their business through increased financial acumen and improved access to funding. Currently, they support 8,000+ users, including over 3,000 women entrepreneurs. Today, insufficient information about user activity and engagement limits their ability to conduct targeted outreach with products, training, and support. A team from Asian Institute of Management is developing tools to provide these missing usage by segment and revenue, and creating visualizations to support business development. The Malaysia-headquartered Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has 5,600+ members from 94 countries and is focused on including smallholder farmers in certified supply chains to enable better market connections. RSPO’s members self-report data about their operations and environmental sustainability. The self-reported data varies significantly in quality and structure across members. Without standardized data, RSPO is unable to use all the member data to inform its strategy and provide targeted support by uplifting smallholder farmer contributions. A team from City University of Hong Kong is building visualization tools that make the data easier to compare and understand, helping RSPO members share knowledge, spot trends, and learn from successful efforts to include smallholder farmers across regions. APRU Tech Policy Hackathon Given the uneven adoption of AI and data literacy across ASEAN, we, along with our partners at Google and NUS FinTech Lab, recently held a tech policy hackathon in Thailand to leverage youth leadership in driving digital policy innovation. More than 70 interdisciplinary teams participated across the region, with students coming from traditional majors like computer science and IT, as well as interdisciplinary fields like economics, political science, and law. Teams were charged with developing context-appropriate solutions—including policy briefs and functional prototypes—that anticipate and respond to the next wave of inclusion challenges in the digital economy. These challenges could include rural digital finance for the unbanked; making micro-loans accessible to MSMEs;  avoiding bias in hiring; and ensuring online safety and fraud prevention. Students were mentored by experts from government, UN agencies, private sector, tech companies, nonprofits and civil society organizations, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaborations to drive policy action. The three-day finale saw teams demonstrating a nuanced understanding of some of the key local challenges with innovative approaches to: Finding ways for street vendors and other MSMEs in Indonesia to gain access to funding without a formal credit history  Applying satellite-derived data and the use of machine learning to increase the credit worthiness of smallholder farmers across Asia  Winning teams received both funding and access to continued mentorship to help transform their solutions into scalable, real-world initiatives. Global Health Virtual Case Competition While data and AI promise to transform food systems and health equity, governments still face challenges including fragmented indicators, uncertain evidence base, and limited clarity on how technology can be applied equitably. To explore the complexities of this governance gap in Asia Pacific, APRU launched their 2025 Global Health Case Competition in partnership with data.org, the United Nations Development Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Universiti Malaya. The goal was to leverage an experiential learning approach to help university students exercise critical thinking using a real-world problem statement to understand how the region’s food systems can be enhanced, and to propose AI-enabled solutions to strengthen food security. Each team was to select a national government across ASEAN to inform the development of a five-year strategic plan to address food insecurity through a food systems approach. More than 110 teams entered proposals which focused on several critical themes: Data Gaps and Inclusion: Many teams underscored how national surveys and global dashboards often blur or exclude the very groups most at risk—rural smallholders, informal vendors, women caregivers, and indigenous communities. Some recommended citizen-led photo logs of meals, community price tracking in local markets, or farmer-reported crop health data linked with satellite and drone monitoring, all designed to capture realities invisible in official statistics.  Climate and Food Availability: Several proposals highlighted how droughts and floods destabilize food production. One team suggested linking satellite imagery with IoT sensors and community reporting to anticipate shocks, enabling governments to reallocate stocks before crises deepened. Another extended this approach to AI-guided biofortification strategies, recommending which nutrients to prioritize in fortified foods depending on regional deficiencies. Food Access and Affordability: One team proposed combining satellite imagery with household data to identify overlooked poor communities and better target aid. Others focused on logistics, suggesting AI-optimized distribution routes and blockchain-enabled supply chain monitoring to cut transport costs and build trust in food aid delivery.  Collectively, the ideas move beyond single-point fixes to envision AI as an enabler of smarter, more inclusive governance in food and health systems. The Global Health Virtual Case Competition allows a large, interdisciplinary cohort of students to serve as youth policy advisors to governments. Finalists will present their findings at the APRU Global Health Conference 2025. Together, these programs make up an ecosystem of initiatives. The SIDSA Accelerator addresses organizational-level data challenges. The Hackathon spotlights enabling digital policy. And the Case Competition surfaces bottom-up AI use cases in governance for food and health. Each process and outcome varies, but all contribute to more inclusive growth in the region and highlight the diverse facets of financial health across climate, health, food, AI literacy and economic resilience. As we look ahead, the need for purpose-driven, AI-literate talent is only growing, not just in Asia Pacific, but globally. The Capacity Accelerator Network in collaboration with partners like APRU is able to conceive and offer programs—like SIDSA, like the Hackathon, and like the Case Competition—producing practitioners who are equipped to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. Through immersive, cross-sector partnerships and experiential learning opportunities, we are not only filling today’s talent gaps, we are cultivating a global ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and innovation from the ground up. This is how we prepare and empower the workforce of tomorrow. And through continued collaboration, this is how we scale our collective impact.

The “Bangkok Declarations on Cancer Control in Asia”, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific (Vol. 63, October 2025), present a strategic framework for addressing cancer across the Asia-Pacific region. The landmark article is a direct outcome of the collaborative efforts led by the Working Group on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) under the APRU Global Health Program. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and public health professionals, the declarations consolidate the expert discussions initiated during a working group session at the APRU Global Health Conference 2024 held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. The WG is co-chaired by academics including Jason Huang Junjie and Claire Chenwen Zhong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Global Health Program Director Prof. Mellissa Withers and advisory group member Prof. Martin Wong has been supporting the NCD working group and contributed to the paper. Dr. Jason Huang Junjie (left) and Dr. Claire Zhong Chenwen from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong   Prof. Mellissa Withers from University of Southern California and Prof. Martin Wong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong   The article outlines 12 priority areas for action, including lifestyle and environmental risk reduction, improved access to screening and early detection, financial protection, digital health innovation, and culturally sensitive care. The publication emphasizes the importance of multisectoral collaboration and region-specific interventions to improve cancer outcomes. It serves peer-reviewed roadmap to guide future research and policy development, demonstrating how APRU’s academic platforms contribute to evidence-based public health strategies in the region.

[Bangkok, Thailand, October 8, 2025]   The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), in partnership with Google, data.org, and National University of Singapore Fintech Lab have launched an innovative Tech Policy Hackathon. The hackathon drew remarkable interest from students across the globe, with 299 participants from 40 universities spanning 15 economies—including the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Korea—submitting a total of 70 innovative entries. From this impressive pool, 12 standout teams comprising 56 students from 14 universities across nine economies were selected to compete in the final round held in Bangkok. This vibrant mix of participants highlights the global enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving and the rich diversity of talent driving innovation forward. The hackathon engaged students in interdisciplinary teams to address real-world issues including: Digital poverty and minority inclusion Online security and scam prevention Support for SMEs in the digital economy Workforce development and education access Financial inclusion for the underserved communities Disaster resilience through technology Participating institutions include Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Universiti Malaya (Malaysia), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Universitas Indonesia, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Far East Federal University (Russia), University of the Philippines, VinUniversity (Vietnam), CamTech (Cambodia), and others. “This initiative is about building bridges,” said Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer at APRU. “At APRU, we see our role as a super connector—linking academia, underserved communities, civil society organizations, and the technology sector to advance digital literacy and address policy challenges. In a region where AI and data strategies are still fragmented, empowering students with the tools, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration they need is essential to shaping a more inclusive and resilient digital future.” The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the uneven adoption of AI and data literacy across ASEAN. Singapore, for example, leads with advanced infrastructure and national AI strategies, others are still grappling with limited access, disjointed policies, and low digital literacy—especially in rural and underserved communities. For example: Indonesia and Vietnam have AI adoption rates around 42%, driven by necessity and grassroots innovation. Thailand and Malaysia are investing heavily in infrastructure but face gaps in workforce readiness. The Philippines, despite strong academic talent, struggles with practical AI deployment due to infrastructure and investment gaps. This fragmented landscape risks deepening inequality. As AI and data-driven technologies reshape economies, communities without access to digital skills and infrastructure risk being left behind, while others surge ahead. According to the Asia Foundation, micro and small enterprises across ASEAN often lack the digital skills to benefit from the digital economy, and underserved groups, such as women and rural entrepreneurs, face the steepest barriers. Supported by Google in partnership with data.org and NUS Fintech Lab, the hackathon provided access to global mentors, policy frameworks, and data resources. Winning proposals will be shared with university experts and leaders and civil society organizations in the region to inform solutions development to policy challenges across the region. “At Google, we believe technology must be a force for inclusion. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring that underserved communities across Southeast Asia have access to vital digital tools and skills. In partnership with organizations in the region, we aim to close the gap in AI and data literacy needed to thrive in today’s society,” said Yinghui Tng, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Platforms & Devices, Google. As a global platform for partnerships committed to building a workforce of one million purpose-driven data and AI practitioners by 2032, data.org connects people with tools and training to drive action. Through globally informed, locally led capacity building, data.org empowers communities to use data and AI to solve real-world social impact challenges. “Data and AI can unlock new ways to tackle urgent challenges, but only if people closest to the issues shape the solutions,” said Shivam Shukla, Coordinator, Programs and Capacity Building at data.org. “Through mentorship and cross-sector guidance, the Hackathon equips emerging data and AI innovators in Southeast Asia to craft evidence-driven ideas for inclusive growth — from financial access to digital trust — and bring them into policy dialogues.” As a regional leader in financial technology education, the NUS FinTech Lab played a pivotal role in the hackathon by equipping students with the skills and insights needed to explore data-driven solutions for financial inclusion and digital resilience. Their involvement helped ensure that the next generation of innovators is not only tech-savvy, but also aware of the policy challenges and ready to lead in shaping Southeast Asia’s digital economy. “This initiative reflects the growing need for international education to prepare students not just for jobs, but for leadership in shaping digital futures,” said Nicholas Garcia, Deputy Director, National University of Singapore FinTech Lab. “By engaging students in real-world policy design, we’re building a generation of thinkers who can navigate and influence the global tech landscape.” “The most powerful part of this hackathon is seeing students connect innovation with responsibility — Principled Innovation. By tackling issues like digital safety for vulnerable groups, financial access for underserved communities, and equitable support for women-led enterprises, they’re modeling what it means to design AI and data systems that balance technical strength with social impact,” said Michelle Banawan, Assistant Director of Intelligent Systems, Learning Engineering Institute, Office of the Provost, Arizona State University. The Tech Policy Hackathon reflects APRU’s commitment to fostering inclusive cross-border collaboration and equipping students with the skills to lead in an increasingly complex digital world.   Congratulations to the winning teams:   1st Place: SIGAP UMKM Universitas Indonesia (UI), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU)     Peter Gospel Ho, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NTU Kyara Hafiza Saliha, Finance and Sustainability, SMU Samuel Yudhistira Susanto, Computer Science, SMU Phoebe Ivana, Computer Engineering, UI Faiz Assabil Firdaus, Computer Science, UI “Don’t focus too much on whether we’re winning or not, but think about the impact of our application — is it really making a difference? And if it is, then I think whether we’re winning or not doesn’t really matter. As long as we’re making impact, that’s enough,” said Phoebe Ivana, Computer Engineering. “Throughout the process, our top priority was ensuring that our solution truly works and is feasible. That commitment drove us to go the extra mile. We even reached out to experts outside of the competition in this short amount of time, to refine and validate our approach,” said Kyara Hafiza Saliha, Finance and Sustainability.   2nd Place: 40by40 Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Mohammad Fahmy Bin Fadzil, School of Social Sciences, Public Policy & Global Affairs Tang Yan Lin, School of Social Sciences, Public Policy & Global Affairs Aaron Ng Kaicheng, School of Biological Sciences Alison Yeo, School of Biological Sciences “One thing that we have learned is the interdisciplinary approach in all the solutions presented here at this hackathon. As you know, it is not a one-size-fits-all or uni-dimensional approach that we are proposing, we are examining very complex issues that we are facing globally, so we need the people with the technical experience, social experience, and everybody working together to improve social well-being in our communities.”   3rd Place: AgriAccess The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Chung Ho Man, Computer Science and Economics YAU Ho Lun, Global China Studies YIN Xinshu, Quantitative Social Analysis Chau Long Hei, Mathematics Chin Chi Lon, Computer Engineering “This milestone is less about a single achievement and more about the shared conviction that fueled it: that by bridging technology and finance, we can make the invisible, investable. We are acutely aware that we could not have even begun to approach this challenge without a constellation of support.” Owen Chung, Student, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Honorable Mentions: Credit Pass University of the Philippines (UP), Asian Institute of Management (AIM), University of San Carlos (USC) Darmae M Tan, Master of Information Systems, UP Francis Tallo, MS in Data Science, AIM Wince B Dela Fuente, Law, USC Atasha Nicole G. Bahande, BS Management Minor in Finance, UP Cebu James Gabriel Elijah P. Ty, BS Computer Science, UP Cebu Project AiGRI University of the Philippines, Tacloban Angela Denise Z. Almazan, Computer Science Desirre Bless I. Barbosa, Computer Science Honey Joy B. Mora, Political Science Norman Enrico C. Eulin, Computer Science Rolf Genree L. Garces, Computer Science “We are honored to have placed among the top teams, but we know that this is only the beginning. We’re determined to push AiGRI beyond the walls of the hackathon, to keep improving it with the goal to seeing it make a real-world impact for the farmers who feed our nation,” said Rolf Genree, student at the University of the Philippines, Tacloban. Bangkok Baddies Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Loo Yi Cong, Business Sanjeyan Chrysharnthan, Computer Engineering Ong Xin Chun, Computer Engineering Isaac Lee Jiajun, Information Engineering and Media Kumaravel Yashpreethu, Computer Engineering     APRU Tech Policy Hackathon Website https://www.apru.org/event/apru-tech-policy-hackathon-2025/ Photos Photos are available for download: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsLJk Video

The APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC) Program 2025 concluded on August 29 with a dynamic final pitching competition, marking the end of a transformative three-month journey that began on June 2. Conducted in a hybrid format, the program brought together 78 students from 17 universities across 19 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Hosted jointly by Chulalongkorn University and Universiti Malaya, in collaboration with the United Nations, this year’s program centered around the theme “Diversity and Inclusivity – Actions for Sustainability.” Students, grouped in 10 teams with a mentor each, engaged in 13 online lectures and an immersion onsite program from July 19 to 28, held at either in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, where they visited local community leaders and facilities, cultural institutions, recycling centers, sustainable farms, and NGOs addressing various aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pitching competition on August 29 showcased the student teams presenting innovative social projects aligned with the SDGs. The winning team, Team 1, impressed judges with their proposal “CareVend” — a reversible vending machine that accepts recyclable plastic waste in exchange for menstrual products. The project not only promotes environmental sustainability but also addresses menstrual equity for low-income women in semi-urban areas. The winning team comprised Thayananth A/L Kumaresan (Universiti Malaya), Liu Quangao (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences), Kanchanabhadra Sai-Sook (Chulalongkorn University), Ananya Varshney (Nanyang Technological University), Han Xiao (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), and Zhi Ying Tan (National University of Singapore), and had the mentorship of Dr. Jaime Jayapalan (Universiti Malaya). “This program was a well-structured and enriching journey, beginning with foundational lectures and culminating in the shared experience of practical immersion. I found the experience deeply rewarding. It sharpened my skills in teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving, while reaffirming the importance of collaboration in regional challenges.” said Zhi Ying Tan. As a reward, the winning team will participate in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2026, organized by UN ESCAP, which will be held from February 24 to 27, 2026. The SDG4GC program, since its launch in 2023, is known for its hands-on, intercultural approach, drawing on multiple disciplines—social, intellectual, emotional, and economic—to foster global citizenship. This year, students also participated in workshops on digital transformation and inclusive development at the UN Conference Center, convened by Chulalongkorn University, UN ESCAP, UNDP, and Microsoft. Dr. Palanee Ammaranond, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, praised the participants for their empathy and commitment, stating, “Throughout this journey, you have inspired one another and discovered that knowledge and solutions are co-created by all members of society—united by empathy and a commitment to building a more inclusive world.” Dr. Yvonne Lim, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, added: “Over the past three months, this program has brought together passionate young minds, experienced mentors, and committed institutions from across the Asia-Pacific region. United by a shared purpose, they have come together to understand, reflect upon, and take action on the urgent challenges posed by the Sustainable Development Goals.” Through a hybrid format that included both online and on-site components, APRU SDG4GC 2025 empowered the next generation of leaders to address global challenges with creativity, compassion, and collaboration.

Original post from Tohoku University Photos by Tohoku University and APRU   Tohoku University’s International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) hosted the APRU Multi-Hazards 2025 Summer School from July 29 to August 1, attracting over 40 participants from various countries and regions across East Asia and the Pacific Rim. In his welcome speech, Tohoku University President Teiji Tominaga emphasized the university’s role in developing disaster science following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. “Since 2012, Tohoku University and IRIDeS have played a crucial role in disaster response and recovery in affected areas,” he said. As Japan’s first University for International Research Excellence, “we will enhance our educational and research activities, and strengthen our collaboration in disaster science with your universities, to help build a disaster-resilient future.” Tohoku University President Teiji Tominaga During the first three days, participants attended lectures on the lessons learnt from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami through various perspectives, including urban planning, health and disaster management, and the preservation of historical materials. They heard from a diverse group of stakeholders, including local government officials, academics and non-governmental organizations directly involved in recovery efforts. “The week has been really valuable, learning from scientists and social scientists about their specialties. It has taught me a great deal,” said Catherine Smith from the Australian National University, who found Professor Shinichi Egawa’s lecture on the health sector’s role particularly thought-provoking. “I especially enjoyed learning about how hazards affect health. We often think about destruction to buildings and ecosystems, but I hadn’t considered the impacts on physical health, mental health and the long-lasting effects on people.” For the first time, sessions on AI and Big Data in disaster management were also included. “Big data and AI are trending topics in disaster risk reduction. They help with prediction and forecasting, which is currently their main application. But increasingly they are also supporting early warning systems, hazard maps and disaster education through simulation exercises,” said Takako Izumi, Director of the APRU Multi-Hazards Program and a professor at IRIDeS. Professor Rajib Shaw of Keio University, who spoke on the importance of AI and Big Data in complex risk scenarios, cited forest fires as an example. “Previously, we relied on mathematical modelling – like if the wind comes from this direction and the forest cover is like that, the spread will be like this. It was human-based computing, which took time,” he explained. “But now with AI, it’s much easier to predict and much faster, which is crucial as reaction speed can significantly impact outcomes in emergencies.” Professor Rajib Shaw of Keio University Hiroshi Yamauchi and Ryo Cho from Softbank demonstrated how the mobile provider uses AI, Big Data and drones for risk analysis in Japan, particularly for rescuing lost hikers and detecting landslides early. Group work sessions on the second and third days allowed participants to exchange expertise across different countries, cultures and academic disciplines. Small groups discussed how interdisciplinary research can address global issues and presented on AI applications for earthquake and flood predictions, and wildfire tracking. The final day featured a field trip to the disaster-affected towns of Onagawa and Minamisanriku to witness recovery efforts firsthand. “Onagawa exemplified positive urban revitalisation after a disaster,” observed Seungmo Yeon of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). “Beyond restoring infrastructure, there was a deliberate effort to create an attractive town that people would want to visit.” “The field trip reminded us that disasters and resilience aren’t just about physical environments and statistics; these experiences are deeply emotional and rooted in culture and community,” said Patricia Reyes from the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute. ” Meeting local residents who survived the disaster and hearing their stories was both humbling and inspiring. Their determination to rebuild for future generations – not by forgetting but by sharing knowledge – will have a lasting impact on me.” The rebuilt Onagawa Train Station Participants also visited Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki, where 74 students and 10 teachers perished in the 2011 tsunami. “At the elementary school, we encountered profound sorrow, heavier than I ever anticipated,” said Yeon. “But through the preserved ruins and museum, I felt the determination to learn from past tragedies rather than concealing them. It’s an approach that I believe will positively impact future disaster preparedness systems. Japan’s disaster response and recovery experience could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.” The ruins of Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki The APRU Multi-hazards Program was established in 2013 by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and Tohoku University to address natural disasters in the Ring of Fire – the seismically active zone fringing the Pacific basin. Besides organizing the annual summer school, IRIDeS has also hosted the program’s secretariat since its inception.

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) 2025, held from July 19 to August 2 in Santiago, Chile, marked a historic milestone for APRU. For the first time, this flagship student leadership initiative was hosted in South America, with the Universidad de Chile welcoming 72 undergraduate students from 25 universities across 12 economies for two weeks of immersive academic, cultural, and diplomatic exchange. Under the theme “Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges” the program aimed to strengthen students’ leadership capacities while deepening their understanding of the complex, interconnected issues facing the Pacific Rim. A Landmark Edition in Santiago The program’s opening ceremony took place at the Salón de Honor of Universidad de Chile’s Casa Central, where Rector Rosa Devés emphasized the transformative role of ULP in preparing a new generation of leaders: “The Pacific region, as is the world at large, faces complex, interconnected challenges: the climate crisis, cultural tensions, economic inequality, and growing threats to democratic values. These challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. They demand cooperation, empathy, and collective intelligence, especially from the new generations who will forge the future. The world we inhabit urgently needs your voices.” Throughout the two weeks, students engaged in an intensive agenda blending seminars, workshops, simulations, site visits, and cultural activities. Highlights included an international seminar on the future of democracy, featuring world-renowned speakers such as Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and economist Ha-Joon Chang, and, which was attended by Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, as well as sessions on indigenous knowledge, gender leadership, and sustainable development. The Problem-Solving Challenge, held at Universidad de Chile’s Juan Gómez Millas Campus, provided a platform for students to co-create innovative solutions to pressing regional and global challenges. Teams presented their proposals to an international jury, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on practical, collaborative problem-solving. Collaboration, Diversity, and Empathy Beyond the formal agenda, ULP 2025 created invaluable spaces for dialogue across cultures and disciplines. Students from economies as diverse as Australia, Canada, China, Ecuador, South-Korea, Malaysia, and the United States joined peers from Chile and the wider Latin American region, building connections that APRU hopes will evolve into long-term collaborations. For many participants, this was their first time experiencing Latin America, adding unique depth to the program. Visits to local institutions, including the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, the Parque Humedal Río Maipo, and conversations with Chilean policymakers and diplomats, helped ground global issues in local realities. Zoe Stojanović, a student from the University of British Columbia, reflected on the personal impact of the program: “It was incredible to connect with so many cultures. I learned a lot from the seminars and activities, but also from every moment spent talking with people. It was a pleasure to have this opportunity to speak with other young leaders, I return very inspired.” David Quimbayo, APRU’s Program Manager for Student Leadership, highlighted the historic significance of the Santiago edition: “This is the first time the ULP is held in South America, and it is a great opportunity to offer a Latin American perspective on our shared challenges. We believe in the transformative power of dialogue, learning through our differences, and global citizenship as practice.” Voices of Leadership The closing ceremony featured reflections from leaders in government and academia. Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Antonia Orellana, underscored the urgency of responsible, values-driven leadership:   “This generation is facing challenges without precedent. Democracies are being tested, and many of the rights women have fought for are under strain. Young leaders must not only inherit opportunities, but transform them.” Carlos Rilling, Executive Director of the Rector’s Office at Universidad de Chile, pointed to the human dimension that defined this year’s program: “This program was built not only on academic content, but on mutual respect, active listening, and collaboration. You created an environment of shared learning that respected differences and promoted dialogue and reflection.” Closing with a Call to Lead with Empathy In her final words, Rector Devés reminded students of the transformative responsibility they carry forward: “When you grow, we grow. We hope you return to your countries not only with new knowledge and skills, but also with a renewed sense of responsibility and empowerment to bring your dreams to reality.” Quimbayo echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to embody leadership rooted in compassion: “Leadership is important and necessary, but beyond roles or circumstances, remember to lead with kindness, understanding, and respect.” Looking Ahead As APRU reflects on this landmark edition, ULP 2025 demonstrated the enduring power of bringing young leaders together to address shared challenges. It was an opportunity to position Latin America as a vital voice in Pacific Rim collaboration, while inspiring students to imagine and co-create more inclusive, resilient, and cooperative futures. With preparations already underway for APRU ULP 2026, the legacy of this years’ program will live on, not only in the experiences of the students who participated, but in the global networks and friendships that continue to grow across the Pacific.

The 2025 UCAS-ANSO-APRU International Summer School was a vibrant convergence of global minds, united by a shared commitment to scientific exploration and sustainability. Hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), in collaboration with ANSO and APRU, this two-week program welcomed over 50 outstanding students from 37 universities across 25 countries and regions—including APRU member institutions—making it a truly international academic endeavor. Under the theme “Earth Sciences for a Shared Future,” participants engaged in cutting-edge lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and cultural immersion activities that bridged disciplines and borders. From exploring climate change and geological hazards to experiencing traditional Chinese tea culture, the program offered a holistic journey through science, society, and sustainability. The summer school featured: Online courses led by 23 renowned scholars on topics like plate tectonics, river restoration, and ecosystem feedback. Doctoral forums showcasing student research and fostering peer-to-peer collaboration. Field investigations across premier CAS institutes, including the Tibetan Plateau and Weihe Basin. Cultural exchanges that deepened cross-cultural understanding and global friendships. This immersive experience not only advanced participants’ academic and practical skills but also cultivated a global network of young leaders ready to tackle the planet’s most pressing challenges. On behalf of the teaching faculty, Associate Professor Han Yinghui from the College of Resources and Environment at UCAS, Associate Researcher Zhang Junya from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences at CAS, and Dr. Hu Yanzi from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research at CAS delivered summary speeches at the closing ceremony. Professor Zhou Yuanze, Deputy Dean, UCAS encouraged participants to maintain their passion for scientific exploration, to respond to the challenges of diversity, and to become bridges for cross-cultural exchange and vanguard forces in addressing major human challenges. “In just two weeks, we transcended borders, built bridges of friendship, and ignited the spark of global scientific collaboration. This is the spirit of Earth sciences—for a shared future,” he said. Student representatives Lucio Lourenço de Freitas Neto from the Universidad de São Paulo, Brazil, Oryza Sativa Afra Iftikar from Universitas Indonesia, and a volunteer representative Mohammad Mujtaba Sadeqi from UCAS shared their reflections from the international summer school.  Lucio said, “As we leave, we take with us not just certificates, but memories, knowledge, and a global network of peers. Some may return to China for research; others will apply these lessons at home. But one thing is certain: this summer school has changed us.”  “Meeting passionate students from all over the world, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on projects has created a vibrant community of like-minded individuals committed to advancing science and sustainability,” said Oryza.  The 14-day program consisted of online courses (June 25 – July 1) and offline research activities (July 5 – 11), with more than 50 outstanding students from 37 universities in 25 countries and regions, including 11 students from 8 APRU member universities participating in the event.  The seven-day online courses covered Quaternary geochronology, deep Earth processes and plate tectonics, frontier lectures on geography, and principles and technologies of river restoration. These courses were taught by 23 renowned experts and scholars from home and abroad. They shared cutting-edge developments and trends in related fields with the participants. In addition, Professor Xue Kai from the College of Resources and Environment at UCAS delivered a lecture on the theme of “The Regulatory Role of Microorganisms in Ecosystem Feedback to Climate Change” on the opening day of the international summer .  For more details on the event, please visit the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences page. Present completion certificates.   Scientific Research and Practice Activity at Jinyindao Ranch Visit to the National Engineering Laboratory for Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution Control Materials and Technologies   Participate in a tea culture experience activity.

With 72 students representing 13 economies, Universidad de Chile inaugurated the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) in South America for the first time, focusing on the shared challenges of the Pacific Rim. During the opening ceremony, which took place at the Salón de Honor of the Casa Central, speakers emphasized the transformative role this program seeks to play for new generations by connecting them with common challenges from a Latin American perspective. Under the theme “Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges,” the program runs until August 1, featuring an intensive academic, diplomatic and cultural agenda. “The Pacific region—as is the world at large—faces complex, interconnected challenges: the climate crisis, cultural tensions, economic inequality and growing threats to democratic values. These challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. They demand cooperation, empathy and collective intelligence, especially from the new generations who will forge the future. Our goal is to offer you a transformative international experience that deepens your sense of global citizenship—beyond international mobility or institutional cooperation. It speaks to the ethical responsibility to act in a global context, to recognize the interconnection of our realities and to affirm that the dignity of every person, regardless of origin, is a shared obligation. “Your perspectives, questions and life experiences will enrich not only your own understanding but also that of your peers and professors—and, ultimately, our institutions… The world we inhabit urgently needs your voices. We need leaders who understand that global citizenship is not about erasing differences, but about learning to live with them and to lead through them.” Rector Rosa Devés, Universidad de Chile With these words, Rector Rosa Devés officially opened the ULP, organized by Universidad de Chile in partnership APRU. The event brings together undergraduates from 25 Pacific Rim universities. A Milestone for Asia–Pacific Cooperation Senator Francisco Chahuán, special guest for the day, highlighted Chile’s role as a bridge between cultures—not only because of its strategic location but also due to its commitment to trade openness and international cooperation. “A country like Chile aspires to stand as a bridge. And a bridge is not a bridge until people cross it,” he quoted Julio Cortázar. The senator provided a thorough analysis of the economic and demographic challenges facing the Asia–Pacific region, underscoring the importance of viewing that bloc from a strategic perspective. “Asia–Pacific concentrates the largest emerging economies and the most innovation, which is why it is so important to focus on that context. We must nurture our relationships with key partners such as China, Japan, India and South Korea,” he said, calling for strengthened multilateral cooperation and economic diversification. “Integration is not just about treaties or economic indicators: it’s about building community, recognizing ourselves as part of a shared destiny, especially in a world marked by uncertainty and ageing populations,” he added. “We need youth with strategic vision, capable of thinking beyond borders and defending free trade, cooperation and multilateral dialogue.” Diplomacy, Dialogue and Diverse Knowledge This year’s program includes open sessions such as the international seminar “The Future of Democracy: Why It Matters?”, featuring speakers like Joseph Stiglitz, Ha-Joon Chang and Susan Neiman. Participants will also meet representatives of public organizations, attend workshops with Latin American women leaders, engage in Indigenous knowledge sessions, participate in diplomatic simulations, visit natural sites and join a collaborative public-policy workshop. David Quimbayo, APRU’s Program Manager, stressed the event’s historic nature. “This is the first time the ULP is held in South America, and it is a great opportunity to offer a Latin American perspective on our shared challenges. We believe in the transformative power of dialogue, learning through our differences and global citizenship as practice,” he said. He added that the program seeks “to build lasting ties, collaborative projects and friendships that will accompany students into their futures.” David Quimbayo, Program Manager, APRU Meanwhile, Professor Andrés Bórquez of the Institute of International Studies emphasized that the program invites participants to develop leadership skills that acknowledge today’s complex world and champion intercultural cooperation. “This program is an immersive experience to think collectively, exercise democratic imagination and act ethically in a world defined by deep interdependence,” he said. He also praised the collective effort that made this edition possible. “This initiative is the result of collaboration among academic units, management teams and many committed volunteers, opening spaces for the internationalization of knowledge from the global South.” Carlos Rilling, Executive Director of the Rector’s Office, underscored that “the program’s pedagogical design aims to integrate academic reflection with intercultural empathy, critical thinking with action, and personal growth with collective transformation.” The opening ceremony featured a musical performance by Rocío Rojas Monsalve and Henri Hernández, who performed “Cuando el coyote y el huemul” by Professor Luis Advis and “La jardinera” by Violeta Parra, connecting attendees with the continent’s symbolic and spiritual richness. “Today we gather to imagine a future where deep respect for the past is projected into new ways of inhabiting the world,” Rojas said during her performance. Thus, Universidad de Chile serves as host and promoter of an educational experience designed to train the future leaders of the Pacific Rim, underpinned by a deep conviction that another form of leadership—ethical, collaborative and transformative—is possible.

This article was featured on the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) page on July 14, 2025 and written by ANSO Secretariat. On the morning of July 6th, the 2025 International Summer School on Earth Sciences for a Shared Future, which will last two weeks, was inaugurated at the Sino-Danish Center, Yanqi Lake Campus, UCAS. The event was a collaborative activity initiated by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and implemented by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. More than 60 international students from 37 universities across 25 countries and regions participated in the event, including 11 students from 8 APRU member universities.  The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Zhou Yuanze, Vice Dean of the UCAS’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Prof. Lin Xiao, Vice President of UCAS, Dr. Yi Zhijun, Deputy Executive Director of the ANSO Secretariat, and Prof. Thomas Schneider, Executive Director of APRU, delivered opening remarks successively. On behalf of UCAS, Prof. Lin Xiao extended a warm welcome to the participants who had traveled afar to Beijing. He briefly introduced UCAS’s education system, which integrates science and education. He emphasized that this summer school was to build a platform for academic exchange and cultural communication among global young scholars. He expressed hope that participants would take this opportunity to discuss issues of common interest and global concern, broaden academic horizons, stimulate innovative thinking, advance international cooperation, and contribute ideas and insights to the building of a community with a shared future for humankind. In his speech, Dr. Yi Zhijun mentioned that ANSO had been committed to promoting international scientific cooperation and capacity building for young researchers. This summer school was a practice of ANSO’s vision and an important collaborative action of the three parties, ANSO, APRU, and UCAS. He urged students to cherish the opportunity for academic exchange and trans-boundary cooperation, actively explore how to leverage science and technology to fulfill the global goals of sustainable development, build international friendships and collaborative networks, and make collective contributions to advancing global sustainable development. Prof. Thomas Schneider delivered his remarks online. He pointed out that against the backdrop of accelerating climate change, resource depletion, and other intensifying global challenges, the theme “Earth Sciences for a Shared Future” holds critical significance. Especially in the ecologically vulnerable Pacific Rim region, humanity’s future depends on understanding the Earth System and taking coordinated action. He encouraged young participants to leverage their participation in this international summer school as an opportunity to deepen scientific understanding, expand global perspectives, break through traditional frameworks with innovative thinking, and become important forces in advancing the agenda of Earth Sciences for Shared Future. The event was initiated at a meeting between the Executive Director of ANSO and the Executive Director of APRU in Hong Kong in 2024. After rounds of discussions among ANSO, APRU, and UCAS, this joint event came into reality with the participation and support of several CAS-affiliated institutions. The 14-day program consists of online courses and on-site activities. By creating a platform for academic exchange and cross-cultural experience, the summer school will not only help enhance participants’ professional capabilities but also broaden their international horizons and inject new vitality into cross-disciplinary international cooperation in earth sciences.

Led by Chulalongkorn University with Universiti Malaya as co-lead, the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC) 2025 program has officially launched on June 2nd, bringing together 78 students from 19 universities across 12 economies. This program is designed to cultivate global citizenship by deepening the understanding of global issues and promoting global literacy, primarily through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the overarching theme “Diversity and Inclusivity: Actions for Sustainability,” the program will explore the diverse nature of sustainability, encompassing its social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, mental, physical, and economic dimensions. By integrating diverse disciplines and practices, APRU SDG4GC seeks to empower students to become transformative leaders in building resilient global communities. The opening ceremony featured welcome messages from Professor Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya; and Dr. Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand. Their addresses centered on a common message: the urgency of embedding diversity and inclusivity as fundamental values in the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world, especially through the empowerment of youth, who are not only shaping the present but also defining the future. “To all the students here today, use your creativity, your leadership, and your voices. Let this program be a launchpad not just for learning, but for impact.” – Michaela Friberg-Storey From left to right: Professor Wilert Puriwat, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Dr. Michaela Friberg-Storey Reflecting on the program’s potential, Michiko Yoshida, Director of the Global Networking and Engagement Division Office at Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the importance of shifting away from short-term national interests toward long-term global values: “While embracing change, we seek to nurture future leaders to refocus our attention and commitment to the values of justice, mutual well-being, and dignity for all. This program aspires to support the personal transformation of students, to cultivate a sense of purpose, so they may be a critical force in fostering a collective consciousness toward more just and sustainable futures.” A highlight of the opening program was the keynote panel session: “Re-shaping our Futures” moderated by Phinith Chanthalangsy from the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok. The panel brought together academic leaders on the topic, including Professor Adrian Little from the University of Melbourne; Professor Leonora C. Angeles from the University of British Columbia; and Professor Bhanubhatra ‘Kaan’ Jittiang, Thailand Representative in the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Rights. The panelists emphasized the importance of rethinking the SDGs through a more human-centered and context-sensitive lens. The panel called for participants to move beyond metrics and theory, instead emphasizing social service, lived experiences, understanding local communities, and implementing adaptable local solutions in order to achieve a more impactful change. The opening session concluded with the workshop “Partnership for SDGs” led by Marisa Panyachiva, Partnership and Development Finance Officer from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand. She explored the UN’s role and the current trajectory of the SDGs, stressing the need for collaborative, cross-sector approaches. Using real-world case studies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and air pollution, Marisa highlighted how this systematic collaboration between private and public actors enables more efficient sharing of resources, expertise, and knowledge, which is essential for achieving sustainable development. The APRU SDG4GC 2025 program embraces a dynamic hybrid format, running from June 2 to August 29, 2025. This extended period includes a crucial in-person component: the onsite program, which will take place between July 19 and July 27, 2025, in Bangkok (Chulalongkorn University) and Kuala Lumpur (Universiti Malaya). This comprehensive schedule includes 13 online workshops conducted before the onsite component and three more afterward. Furthermore, this blend of online and physical engagement ensures students benefit from both flexible learning and immersive, real-world experiences, culminating in a social innovation pitching competition on August 29; the winning team will be awarded an opportunity to join an event or a training organized by UN and Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. If you would like to learn more about the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship (APRU SDG4GC) visit the program website here.

The 2025 edition of the APRU Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership successfully concluded on May 2. This unique role-playing exercise brought together 180 students from 16 universities across 13 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants formed international multidisciplinary teams to play the roles of delegates to the UN Climate Change Negotiations. The initiative is led by the University of Oregon and the University of Southern California, and co-organized by the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program and the APRU Global Health Program. Throughout four sessions, students engaged in a fully online simulation using resources from the World Climate Interactive and the C-ROADS simulation model developed by MIT. These tools allowed participants to explore climate policy scenarios in real time while negotiating and debating the human and environmental impacts of climate change. This simulation exercise played a key role in enhancing students’ leadership skills, expanding their international networks, and gaining practical, action-oriented knowledge to address climate challenges. Their discussions were facilitated and deepened by input from leading experts who shared key perspectives on the global climate landscape, helping participants connect their simulation experience to real-world scenarios and equipping them with tools to drive meaningful changes within their own communities and future careers. Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program, highlighted the program’s dual value, not only in skill-building but also in offering access to world-class climate change experts: “This year’s speakers, experts on a range of topics —such as food insecurity, health, clean energy, biodiversity and more– demonstrated the many international efforts taking place across many sectors, including communities, governments, NGOs, and UN agencies. The importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors was something that resonated with all participants.” Global Education Specialist at the University of Alberta, and facilitator of this year’s program, Gavin Palmer, emphasized the significance of this learning experience in helping students better understand the complexity of climate challenges and the power of global collaboration: “Framing these interactions within a simulation provides intellectual safety, and glimpses at the complexity of the global climate change reality, as well as the collaborative work that must be done for us all to continue to thrive on this planet.“ Students’ feedback reinforced the program’s profound impact. Many participants described the simulation as eye-opening and fundamental in transforming their understanding of climate diplomacy. Ryan Welch, a Master of Public Administration student at USC Price, reflected: “Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines has enhanced my ability to communicate effectively across differences and synthesize varied perspectives into cohesive strategies. Perhaps most significantly, the simulation helped me understand climate change as an interconnected challenge requiring coordinated responses across sectors, nations, and disciplines.” The APRU Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership continues to be a powerful platform for equipping young leaders with the skills, perspectives, and global connections needed to tackle the climate crisis. Through immersive learning, international collaboration, and access to expert insights, students leave the program better prepared to tackle climate challenges within their communities and on the international stage. As the urgency of the climate crisis intensifies, learning experiences like this are fundamental in shaping a generation that is ready to lead with empathy, innovation, and purpose.

On April 4th (HKT), the fifth edition of the APRU Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership kicked off successfully with two keynote talks and the first interactions among participants. Led by the University of Oregon and the University of Southern California, this edition of the program is bringing together more than 200 students, 22 speakers, 20 peer mentors, and 20 facilitators from 17 universities across 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific region, to promote international climate change discussions. This is an immersive role-playing program designed to teach students to understand and engage with global climate negotiations. Each student is assigned a role as a delegate to the UN Climate Change Negotiations, representing a specific economy or coalition. The opening event was hosted by Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program, and Elly Vandegrift, Director of the University of Oregon’s Global Studies Institute. Furthermore, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU, addressed the participants in the opening remarks, highlighting the unequal impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and underscored the simulation’s value in providing students with real-world skills for positive climate change and leadership. He also expressed gratitude to the participants, their universities, and the program’s visionary leaders, applauding their role in building a global network of young climate advocates. He concluded his message with a call to approach the experience with purpose, empathy, and determination. “As we gather virtually from different corners of the world, we stand united in our determination to make a difference.” –Dr. Thomas Schneider Chief Executive of APRU Two international experts and climate change advocates also joined the session: Dr. Ralph Chami, Co-Founder & CEO of Blue Green Future, Co-Founder of Rebalance Earth, and Dr. Renzo Guinto, Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore. Dr. Chami emphasized the interrelation between climate change and biodiversity loss, both driven by human activity. In his talk, he argued that solving these crises requires a change of paradigm, recognizing nature as integral to our economy, not separate from it. He highlighted how, by valuing natural capital, we can create financial incentives for governments, businesses, and communities to protect and restore ecosystems. This approach, he emphasized, provides a win-win-win scenario for the environment, the people, and the economy. “Nature is not an afterthought. Nature ought to be front and center in every decision that we make, be it economic or political.” –Dr. Ralph Chami For his part, Dr. Guinto explored the intersection of planetary health with human health, emphasizing their inseparable connection. He explained how uncontrolled human activities, like consumption and urbanization, damage the environment and, in turn, affect public health. To address these challenges, he calls for large-scale efforts to reduce emissions, strengthen health systems, and build resilience. He stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration, climate justice, and meaningful actions to protect future generations. “Whatever we do to the environment, to the planet, all the harms that we inflict on our ecosystems, these impacts, they all come back to us in the form of human disease, disability, despair, and sometimes even death.” –Dr. Renzo Guinto Ralph Chami (left), Renzo Guinto (right) Throughout the APRU Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership, students are encouraged to embrace a bit of controlled chaos and engage in real negotiations. The facilitators and peer mentors guide the process, ensuring a productive and meaningful learning experience, while students take the leading role in the discussions and finding the best outcomes for their nations and the environment. It is a dynamic process where participants shape the results based on their preparation, interactions, and negotiations. For more information about the APRU Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership 2025, click here.

Since its launch in 2020, the APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program has redefined what a global classroom can be. Developed in response to the disruption of international mobility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, over 4,200 students across 18 economies of the Asia-Pacific region have participated in the VSE Program, which involves over 1,100 academic and language courses from leading universities, without leaving home. The VSE program is open to all 61 APRU member universities across Asia, the Americas, and Australasia. Students of the participating institutions can take courses across disciplines and benefit from an immersive international experience through collaborative assignments, live discussions, and global peer interaction. The VSE Program has expanded access to courses that would otherwise be geographically or financially out of reach, enabling inclusive, borderless learning. However, the Program’s success lies not only in the opportunities it provides to students; for many instructors, the VSE experience has also inspired meaningful pedagogical transformation. For educators, the virtual teaching model challenges traditional assumptions about the classroom. Many VSE instructors express that, despite the virtual format, the level of student engagement has been remarkably high. Interactive tools, thoughtful course design, and the cultural diversity of the student body help facilitate rich academic discussions.   Creating a Global Classroom At Yonsei University, Professor Hyunjun Min teaches Contemporary Korean Cinema and Society and has observed how the virtual platform has enabled deeper reflection and cross-cultural exchange. The diversity of student backgrounds—culturally, linguistically, and academically—adds layers of interpretation to each film discussed, encouraging students to draw parallels with their own societies and experiences.   “The learning atmosphere has been lively, safe, thoughtful, and surprisingly intimate for an online platform. I firmly believe that virtual learning has become an essential component of higher education. For students considering a VSE course: be open, be curious, and don’t underestimate the connections you can build—even across continents.” – Professor Hyunjun Min, Yonsei University   Enhancing Inclusivity via Virtual Teaching & Learning Similarly, at Korea University, Dr. Hajin Lee’s Social Psychology incorporates digital tools like Slack to ensure accessibility and maintain engagement. While teaching online comes with challenges—such as asynchronous participation or students’ reluctance to appear on camera—Dr. Lee emphasizes the potential of these environments to foster inclusivity, especially for students with health concerns, mobility issues, or those who are balancing work and study.   “I strive to make my course dynamic and interactive by fostering a participatory learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions without hesitation. Through the VSE Program, I’ve fostered a strong sense of community and built meaningful mentorship relationships with students, which remain to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching journey.” – Dr. Hajin Lee, Korea University   Fostering Cross-cultural Exchange From the perspective of Professor Mio Sekiguchi at Nagoya University, the value of the VSE Program is also cultural. Her language course brings together students from Asia, the Americas, and Europe who share a common interest in Japanese language and culture. For students who are unable to study abroad, the opportunity to interact with peers in Japan and learn Japanese through listening, speaking, discussions, and group presentations is a rare and empowering experience.   “The students’ desire to learn Japanese inspires the faculty. Since they are from various countries, everyone will have different experiences, opinions, and points of view to share. ‘Let’s improve your Japanese language skills together through these activities.’” – Professor Mio Sekiguchi, Nagoya University   Instructors across various disciplines and institutions emphasize the vital development of intercultural competencies, digital fluency, and global awareness as core outcomes of the VSE model. These skills are not merely enhancements to the traditional academic experience; they are indispensable in our interconnected world. The VSE Program has also nurtured the growth of educators. As they teach across different time zones, manage diverse learning styles, and address various technological needs, instructors become more agile, adaptable, and intentional in their teaching. The journey inspires a profound rethinking of what “classroom presence” truly embodies and how vibrant learning communities can flourish—even through screens. While virtual learning may not replicate every nuance of in-person education, the VSE Program demonstrates that global experiences can transcend geographical boundaries. As higher education evolves, the VSE Program stands out as an inspiring model for inclusive, innovative, and international learning. To find out more, visit: https://vse.apru.org/

This was a press release published by The Chinese University of Hong Kong on January 9, 2025, with the original title “CU Medicine’s study reveals a higher risk of tracheal cancer due to urban development and lifestyle—Strengthening health education is recommended.”    Tracheal cancer is a relatively rare malignancy with a high mortality rate. Though smoking has been confirmed as one of the factors, the exact cause of the cancer is not yet fully understood. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) conducted a study with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to reveal the 10-year global epidemiology of this rarely seen cancer. The findings showed association with factors such as Human Development Index (HDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, genetics and lifestyle. The global incidence of tracheal cancer had been in decline but the incidence rates of females and the younger population in certain regions edged up. Researchers recommend continued focus on high-risk groups and strengthening health education. Details of the study have been published in the prestigious international medical journal Molecular Cancer. Research and treatment of tracheal cancer are limited compared to bronchial and lung cancers The trachea, connecting the larynx with the bronchi, is part of the respiratory system. The bronchi then carry inhaled air to the lungs. Common symptoms of tracheal cancer include chronic coughs, blood in mucus during coughing, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, hoarseness, gasping and wheezing. As tracheal cancer is often grouped with bronchial and lung cancers, given that it represents less than 1% of all malignant diseases, there is a lack of up-to-date research data in the medical field. Patients often present advanced stage at primary diagnosis and treatments available are also limited, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%.    Incidence rates are higher in the European and Mediterranean regions       The CU Medicine research team calculated and analysed the incidence of the cancer and the prevalence of each risk factor by collecting 10 years of data from databases such as the Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents and Global Burden of Disease. As estimated by the researchers, there were 3,474 tracheal cancer cases globally, with an age-standardised rate (ASR) of 2.9 per 10 million people in 2022. By age and gender, higher incidence of trachea cancer was found among older people aged from 50 to 74 years old and among males when compared with females. Central and Eastern Europe were the subregions with the highest ASR (see Table 1 for details). On a country level, the ASR of Hungary was notably higher than other countries (see Table 2 for details).   Research team members: (from left) Professor Martin Wong Chi-sang, the senior corresponding author of the study and Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine; Dr Jason Huang Junjie, the first author of the study and Assistant Professor from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine; and Dr Claire Zhong Chenwen, the co-corresponding author of the study and Research Assistant Professor from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine.   Dr Jason Huang Junjie, the first author of the study and Assistant Professor from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine, stated: ‘‘Globally, for unknown reasons, the incidence of tracheal cancer was higher in the European and Mediterranean regions, probably due to genetics and geographical environment. This finding reminds public health policymakers to focus on these locations, strengthen preventive measures for tracheal cancer and further explore the ties between genetic and environmental factors.” Urban development affects the incidence of tracheal cancer    The tracheal cancer incidence ratio is highly associated with multiple factors, notably HDI and GDP per capita. This trend probably reflected more complex lifestyle and environmental factors, with the prevalence of smoking and alcoholism being critical risk factors that are not only detrimental to the respiratory system but also harmful to overall health. In addition, unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle could also be associated with a higher risk of tracheal cancer, particularly obesity, which would probably increase the susceptibility to cancers by affecting the immune system and endocrine functions. Other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and lipid abnormalities were also associated with a higher risk of tracheal cancer. Dr Claire Zhong Chenwen, the co-corresponding author of the study and Research Assistant Professor from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine, commented: ‘‘The study revealed the relationship between tracheal cancer and factors such as high HDI, smoking, alcoholism, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, suggesting the need for early intervention to address these controllable risk factors. Public health policies should focus on strengthening health education, facilitating the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and providing the necessary support and resources to high-risk groups to reduce the incidence of tracheal cancer.’’ Incidence ratios of females and younger population increase in certain regions despite the decline in overall incidence of tracheal cancer     Over the past decade, with stronger health awareness, there has been a decreasing trend in the global incidence of tracheal cancer, particularly among the male population and the elderly while the decline was less evident for the female population and younger individuals (aged 15-49 years old). However, higher incidence was identified in some countries. Among younger individuals, there was significantly higher tracheal cancer incidence in Ireland and Colombia (Average Annual Percentage Change [AAPC][1]): 30), followed by India and Malta (AAPC: 15). In the female population, Colombia (AAPC: 19), Norway (AAPC: 16) and Kuwait (AAPC: 15) were found to see higher incidence ratios of tracheal cancer. Researchers see the need of further research of the cancer in countries such as China. The average global incidence rate was 2.9 while China had an incidence up to 4.7, which was higher than countries in East Asia such as Korea, Japan and Mongolia. While there has been a relatively stable incidence rate among females and a potential uptick among the elderly in China, more in-depth research is required to better understand the underlying reasons.   Professor Martin Wong Chi-sang, the senior corresponding author of the study and Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CU Medicine, added: ‘‘Despite the declining incidence of tracheal cancer as a whole, the rising incidence among younger individuals and females in certain locations has sounded an alarm to us that the health conditions of these groups should remain a focus for us. The rising tracheal cancer incidence may be related to changes in lifestyle. Hence, health education and intervention measures targeting these groups should be reinforced to prevent the incidence from escalating further in the future.’’ This paper is a collaboration with Professor Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. The APRU was established in Los Angeles in 1997 by the presidents of UCLA, Berkeley, Caltech and the University of Southern California. It now has a membership of more than 60 leading research universities from around the Pacific Rim. CUHK is an important member of the APRU, with Professor Martin Wong Chi-sang currently serving as its expert adviser, and Dr. Jason Huang Junjie and Dr. Claire Zhong Chenwen being the co-chairs of a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Global Health Working Group in this network. [1] AAPC is a measure of the overall changes in the cancer incidence for a specific period. For example, if the cancer incidence AAPC of a country is 5 for the past 10 years, it means the cancer incidence in that country increased 5% on average each year over the 10-year period. 

  Photos Credit: Chulalongkorn University   The APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2024 with USD1,000 in prize money was won by “Sparkling!”, a team of six students from Universitas Indonesia. A representative of the winning team “Sparkling!” from Universitas Indonesia received the award  at APRU Global Health Conference 2024 in Bangkok The winner was elected at the 17th APRU Global Health Conference 2024 at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand on November 6 by the votes of hundreds of participants. The competition since January had attracted a record high of 108 teams to register, each team comprising 3 to 6 students. The participating teams had been given 12 weeks to prepare a video of up to 10 minutes proposing a realistic, well-designed, innovative solution to the challenge themed “Improving Diabetes Care Management through Technological Innovation.” 63 teams submitted their videos. The team “Sparkling!” won with a video proposing an innovative app making diabetes management simple by automatically storing and analyzing patients’ blood sugar readings, providing timely alerts, and ensuring proactive care. The other two finalists of the case competition were from Nanyang Technological University Singapore and Chulalongkorn University. Also announced at the APRU Global Health Conference were the two winners of the 10th Annual Student Poster Contest: Kaung Htet Wai (undergraduate category) from Thailand’s Maeh Fah Luang University with a poster on “Trends and Determinants of Tuberculosis Incidence in Myanmar from 2010 to 2022” and Raania Amaani (postgraduate category) from The University of Melbourne, Australia, with a poster themed “Caregiving Together Framework: Optimizing the Involvement of Fathers in Caregiving of Children with Disability.” Undergraduate category winner of the Student Poster Contest Kaung Htet Wai from Thailand’s Maeh Fah Luang University Postgraduate category winner of the Student Poster Contest Raania Amaani from The University of Melbourne Standing out among 49 entries from 20 universities in 12 economies, Kaung Htet Wai and Raania Amaani received a prize of USD500 each.   Complete lists:   The 9th Annual APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2024 Winner Universitas Indonesia, Sparkling! Other two Finalists (in no particular order): Chulalongkorn University/Mahidol University, Betabusters Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Diabacron Other Top 10 Teams (in no particular order): Chulalongkorn University, iCU National University of Singapore, Cure Crafters Mahidol University/Thammasat University, Teebo & Co The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Cubeta Sun Yat-Sen University, AIP Dream Chasers Simon Fraser University, GlucoWise Solutions Tohoku University/Mahidol University, OverSea   The 10th Annual APRU Global Health Student Poster Contest 2024 Undergraduate Category: [Winner] Kaung Htet Wai, Maeh Fah Luang University, “Trends and determinants of tuberculosis incidence in Myanmar from 2010 to 2022” Meng Chen, Fudan University, “Planetary health diet score and temporal trends in Chinese adults” Matthew Andrei E Basilio, Angeles University, “Disaster awareness, preparedness, and belief of residents of selected barangays in Angeles city” Graduate Category: [Winner] Raania Amaani, The University of Melbourne, “Caregiving together framework: optimizing the involvement of fathers in caregiving of children with disability” Ganyalak Chaimaha, Mahidol University, “Genetic underpinnings of COVID-19 induced Diabetes Mellitus: a focus on IL33” Safira Khairinisa, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, “Behind the school walls: the unseen battle with loneliness and suicide ideation among Southeast Asian adolescent”

Photos Credit: Chulalongkorn University The 17th APRU Global Health Conference 2024 attracted a record high of 413 participants from 25 economies, constituting a strong display of interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals, scholars, government officials and technologists. Hosted on November 4 – 6 by the School of Global Health of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, the annual gathering had artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and planetary health at the center of discussions. Planetary health is a new transdisciplinary field of research and social movement that addresses the impacts of natural systems on human health and all life on Earth. “Human health is inextricably tied to resources such as food, energy, and biodiversity, and failure to recognize this interdependence can lead to global crises that threaten our very existence,” said Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program and Professor at the University of Southern California. “This conference challenges and inspires us to consider new approaches to advance social justice and identify comprehensive solutions to health challenges facing populations around the world.” Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program and Professor at the University of Southern California Participants explored the intersection of humanities and healthcare to enhance people-centered and culturally sensitive practices. They also assessed the impact of economic crises and climate change on global health and discussed ethical considerations and guidelines in the age of AI and digital transformation. “The timeliness of this topic is apparent from the role that health will play in the discussion of COP29, the United Nations’ Climate Change conference,” said Thomas Schneider, APRU’s Chief Executive. He cited Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health Maria Neira from the World Health Organization to stress the need for responses to climate change’s adverse health effects and the importance of ensuring that mitigation efforts yield health benefits. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU In addition to panels and plenary sessions, APRU Global Health Conferences feature working group meetings that gather participants’ wisdoms to form policy insights and recommendations. Themes of the working group discussions include non-communicable diseases, mental health, global health education and technology, bioethics, humanitarian assistance and health. “This conference constitutes far more than the typical academic gathering by proposing resilient strategies for planetary well-being, while integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines and practices,” said Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University. “In essence, it is about confronting the growing complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges before us.” Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University The results of the APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition and annual Global Health Student Poster Contest were announced during the conference.  The APRU Global Health 2025 will be held in November at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Planetary Health will continue to be a hot topic.

This article was featured on University World News webpage on November 27, 2024. Southeast Asia’s first data capacity accelerator, which will be used to train students and data professionals to use data for social impact, was inaugurated in Singapore this month by data.org, a non-governmental organisation, in partnership with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The initiative will produce a cohort of socially responsible data professionals and a social impact training model for universities that can be scaled up in about two years across other Southeast Asian countries, APRU, stated. “Digital transformation, AI and data all have a role to play in shaping society and driving economies towards financial health and resilience,” said Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which is funding the initiative. She underlined the need to “reach the next generation of data practitioners, so they can harness the power of data and AI to support inclusive economic growth in the region”. Jon Huntsman, a former US ambassador to China and Singapore and vice-chairman (strategic growth) at Mastercard, which oversees the centre, said that the accelerator launch was “a remarkable step in the region’s journey as a leader in using data and AI for social good. This initiative will prepare a new generation of data and AI practitioners in the civil service, among others, to address social challenges that benefit local communities”. This article is part of a series on Pacific Rim higher education and research issues published by University World News and supported by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. University World News is solely responsible for the editorial content. Professor Huang Ke-Wei, executive director of NUS’ Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), at the 22 November launch described the accelerator as “a programme designed to uplift under-represented communities across Asia by equipping them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. This mission has never been more important … as AI continues to evolve at a very rapid pace”. Tapping into the power of higher education APRU chief executive Thomas Schneider said: “This partnership is about tapping into the power of higher education to ensure that our workforce and our communities are not left behind.” With its membership of over 60 universities in Asia and the Pacific, North America and Latin America, APRU “would like to create open-source resources in data science, where people can be trained at a massive scale. And we would also want to tie in many of our [APRU’s] huge programme hubs in global health, in sustainability and in food security, so students can learn practice-based solutions”, he noted. “Data science for social impact has the potential for significant societal benefits in areas such as economic mobility, gender equity, and even public health and climate, so we are eager to see how the data practitioners and social impact organisations involved will address this challenge in a way that serves the public good in the Asia Pacific and beyond,” Schneider added. Data for impact Data.org, a platform for partnerships between philanthropy, technology, academia, and social impact organisations, specifically focuses on data science for social impact. It has already established hubs at universities in Africa, India, Latin America, and the United States. Executive director of data.org Danil Mikhailov said that the aim is to apply research and academic expertise to enable social impact organisations “to unlock the power of data to meet their missions”. He told University World News: “Our focus is to democratise access to these skills but also make sure that data science is taught in a new way – with a focus on responsible data and responsible AI. And for it to be responsible, the skills you need are not just technical skills like coding. You need to understand how to work with vulnerable communities.” He noted that it required skills from the humanities and social sciences. For example: “If you want to work in health, you need to understand the basics of how health data is different from climate data or financial inclusion data,” he said. “We want people to be interdisciplinary scholars who approach data in what we call a socio-technical way – society and technology, not just technology,” he explained. Data.org has a goal to train 1 million data scientists, data analysts, data engineers around the world by 2032, particularly focusing on areas that are currently excluded. But Mikhailov said this could not be achieved with partnerships with individual universities if it is to have a global impact, hence the need for a ‘data capacity accelerator’ scheme. A different type of university course AIDF in Singapore, which involves collaboration between industry, academia and government policymakers, has devised a course on inclusive finance and will develop many more under the new initiative. The ‘data capacity accelerator’ is intended to address financial inequality in society and create meaningful social impact, AIDF’s Huang said. As part of the partnership, AIDF will co-create open-source certification courses in AI and data analytics, and through the initiative reach learners in other countries “to ensure that data and AI are harnessed equitably to empower lives and strengthen underprivileged communities”, he noted. He said at the launch: “We try to empower communities to reduce inequalities and also drive sustainable growth through digital finance and AI innovations.” Mikhailov stated that the students “have been taught a more responsible approach to data science with a social impact lens, and that embeds a new culture, a little seed of culture that will germinate in those institutions”. He noted: “Then we pair institutions with social impact organisations. So when those students come out, they get an experience of what it’s like on the other side, where the resources are much tighter, where the problems are much bigger. And that, again, informs them and shapes them into the well-rounded, interdisciplinary data scientists of the future that we all need.” Course design Referring to the need for exercises, case studies and data sets used by students to be derived from “real world problems”, Mikhailov said that it was important to ensure that course materials co-designed with universities had a strong applied element. All too often, data scientists being trained on AI models for the first time are given inappropriate data sets, Mikhailov noted. These might include data sets from retail – something that’s easily accessible, “but you’re actually trying to solve a problem in health or climate, so the data is very different and therefore you’re not learning the right skills and approaches”, he explained. Many students at data capacity accelerator initiatives elsewhere in the world work with local social impact organisations near the university. “We provide fellowship opportunities for students, fully paid by us, to go in and work in those organisations, let’s say, for a year, applying their skills,” Mikhailov said. “That’s good for students because they get a practical test of what they’ve learnt, and they learn so much more by doing, rather than by rote, and it’s very good for the organisations because often they’re priced out in the marketplace, unable to afford data scientists,” he added. Some of the 20 universities linked to data.org around the world created a new undergraduate degree; others, such as NUS, embed specific modules into existing courses, while others co-design modules with data.org. “The materials they [universities] produce, case studies and various teaching assets, are then used within our network and accessed by many more players who use them in their own courses.” Spreading in the region Christina Schönleber, APRU’s chief strategy officer, said that APRU would build more co-designed courses and learning materials to roll out to the region. “Our member universities can leverage their deep understanding of ocal contexts, communities and challenges to ensure the training programmes and resources are culturally and contextually relevant,” Schönleber told University World News. “Then, over the course of next year, develop and also run open-source courses and related materials. We need to develop these and make them available for students, academics and organisations who do not yet understand it [the application of data with impact]. “We also need to make sure the courses can be taken up by another university and they can integrate these, or elements of these, within their curricula,” she noted. APRU also intends to use some of the courses already developed under data.org, including some on the basics of data science. APRU’s plan is to launch a social impact data accelerator innovation platform, a practice-based learning platform “to get computer and data science students to work with social impact organisations across the Asia Pacific region, to help students understand how the use and application of data can make a real difference”, she explained. Many academics from the APRU network and beyond already work together on APRU programmes. “We bring academics together that work within the communities and work on the ground,” she said, and some will be brought in to work with computer and data scientists for the new initiative. “That’s the biggest challenge: to build that interdisciplinary community across the region to start with,” she said. “They will hopefully continue to collaborate beyond this initiative. Part of the legacy will be open-source course materials and assets, and we will work with data.org, and our other partners to share them widely.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2024 CONTACT Emma Donelan [email protected]   Today, with the generous support of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, data.org launched the Asia Pacific (APAC) Data Capacity Accelerator, the fifth in a growing network of global partners that are building a workforce of purpose-driven data practitioners. The APAC Data Capacity Accelerator will catalyze the application of data to address systemic financial inclusion challenges – including the critical need to build the data for social impact workforce. In partnership with the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF) – a university-level institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS) – and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, this accelerator will produce a cohort of data practitioners and a training model to scale across the region. “Digital transformation, AI and data all have a role to play in shaping society and driving economies towards financial health and resilience,” said Shamina Singh, founder and president, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. “At Mastercard, we are committed to driving financial inclusion for small businesses, workers, and communities all around the world. We are proud to work with partners such as data.org, the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at the National University of Singapore, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities to reach the next generation of data practitioners, so they can harness the power of data and AI to support inclusive economic growth in the APAC region.” The latest Capacity Accelerator Network (CAN) launch announcement came at an event held at NUS. Domain leaders across academia, industry, government, and NGOs came together to discuss shared goals and coordination around developing and upskilling purpose-driven data capacity for inclusive growth. “data.org works at the intersection of what is possible and what is practical, as increasingly illustrated by the impact of our CAN network partners,” said Danil Mikhailov, executive director of data.org. “We will only reach our goal of training one million purpose-driven data practitioners by 2032 through interdisciplinary, locally-led programs. Our growing and diverse network of partners—including now five Capacity Accelerator Network hubs worldwide—is making connections across sectors and across borders, inspiring a new generation of problem solvers.” The APAC Data Capacity Accelerator builds on the work being done at hubs in Africa, India, Latin America, and the United States. To date, data.org programs have engaged more than 20 academic partners around the world, applying the power of research and academic expertise to enable social impact organizations to unlock the power of data to meet their missions. For the APAC Accelerator, AIDF and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities are the primary higher education partners. “AIDF is proud to host today’s event together with data.org and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. It’s very exciting to be a part of a movement to empower young people and underprivileged communities, such as small business owners, around the world with the skills they need to be competitive in an increasingly tech-driven workforce,” said Professor Huang Ke-Wei, Executive Director of AIDF. “Our students, regardless of their disciplines, can benefit from exposure to and understanding of data and AI. We hope to create more opportunities for them to apply such critical skills in ways that would be beneficial to the community, society, and the world.” “This partnership is about tapping into the power of higher education to ensure that our workforce and our communities are not left behind,” said Thomas Schneider, chief executive of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. “Data science for social impact has the potential of significant societal benefits in areas such as economic mobility, gender equity, and even public health and climate, so we are eager to see how the data practitioners and social impact organizations involved will address this challenge in a way that serves the public good in the Asia Pacific and beyond.” Today’s event included keynotes on topics such as data and AI driving inclusive growth, the power of collaboration among government and social impact leaders, and the unique challenges and opportunities of AI in social impact. Subject matter experts shared their perspectives through panel discussions on bridging the data talent demand-supply gap, data-driven decision-making in multistakeholder partnerships, and scaling innovation and resources.   -30-   About data.org data.org is accelerating the power of data and AI to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. By hosting innovation challenges to surface and scale groundbreaking ideas, and elevating use cases of the most effective tools and strategies, we are building the field of data for social impact. By 2032, we will train one million purpose-driven data practitioners, ensuring there is capacity to drive meaningful, equitable impact.   About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.     About the Asian Institute of Digital Finance The Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF) is a university-level institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS), jointly founded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and NUS. AIDF aims to be a thought leader, a FinTech knowledge hub, and an experimental site for developing digital financial technologies, as well as for nurturing current and future FinTech researchers and practitioners in Asia. For more information, please visit: https://www.aidf.nus.edu.sg/.   About the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) As a network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia and Australasia, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is the Voice of Knowledge and Innovation for the Asia-Pacific region. APRU brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to exchange ideas and collaborate on practical solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. For more information, please visit: https://www.apru.org/.    

The 4th APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation, a role-playing exercise in which students form multi-country, multi-disciplinary teams to play the role of delegates to the UN Climate Change Negotiations, successfully concluded in late-August, equipping 182 undergraduate students from 20 APRU member universities with complex climate negotiation skills. Led by the University of Oregon and the University of Southern California, the event leveraged APRU network connections to bring together a diverse group of experts sharing their perspectives on topics ranging from coastal habitats and deforestation to diplomacy and negotiation skills. Teams discussed the human and environmental effects of climate change, as well as the economic impact that countries consider in determining their position and global commitments. The main event was an online simulation activity using materials from the World Climate Interactive and the C-ROADS simulation model. “Through the APRU Student Climate Change Simulation, we’ve been able to create a truly interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, global experience for students,” said Elly Vandegrift, Director of the University of Oregon’s Global Studies Institute. “This year we have students from 50 majors, programs, and disciplines as diverse as global health, finance, and engineering. So far 500 students have participated in these meaningful, difficult, and hopeful conversations with global experts and students in our network across the Pacific Ocean.” Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program, lauded the event for allowing students to learn about the complexities in climate negotiations through collaborating with other students and expert faculty facilitators from several APRU member universities. “It is always impressive to see how much time and efforts our speaker and volunteer facilitators devote to help bring a real-world lens to this activity,” Withers said.

The APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship (APRU SDG4GC) recently concluded its dynamic one-week onsite programs which proved to be much more than an academic exercise. Hosted concurrently in late July in Bangkok by Chulalongkorn University (lead university) and in Kuala Lumpur by Universiti Malaya (co-lead university), the onsite program brought together nearly 40 lead mentors, speakers, and experts with 37 students from 13 APRU member universities. Onsite program participants in Bangkok, Thailand   APRU SDG4GC is an intercultural, transdisciplinary, and interactive initiative aimed at nurturing global citizenship among students from 60 universities across 20 economies along the Pacific Rim. By delving into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing global challenges, and co-creating solutions, the program fosters a sense of shared responsibility and action among participants. Reflecting on the impact of the program, Michiko Yoshida, Director of the Global Networking and Engagement Division at Chulalongkorn University, remarked, “Creating this program has been quite a journey for all of us, giving us a chance to reflect on ourselves and the urgency of the challenges we all face today, and what each of us can do. We take this job very seriously, given that you will be our change-makers.” Through a series of workshops, seminars, cultural activities, and community site visits, participants immersed themselves in the ethos of the SDGs, with a special emphasis on ‘Shaping the Future of Health & Wellbeing’. Raine Leung, a student from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, shared her experience from the onsite program in Kuala Lumpur, “This week, we’ve engaged deeply into the Sustainable Development Goals. We’ve learned to address global well-being challenges not only with intellectual rigor but with empathy.” And she added “Experiencing the Malaysian dance, the traditional sarong, and the wedding ceremony during the Cultural Village Tour, have all been good ways to immerse ourselves in Malaysia’s diverse culture”. Onsite program participants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia   In Bangkok, the visit to the United Nations Headquarters was one of the standout moments for participants, who had the opportunity to explore the premises and take unique photos. They were also privileged to attend in person the hybrid seminars on energy transition by Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, the Head of ESCAP’s Subregional Office for Southeast Asia, and youth empowerment by Savinda Ranathunga, the Regional Youth Project Manager of UNDP. Following the onsite experience, students returned to their universities and continued working on the social innovation projects they had been developing throughout the program. On 30 August (HKT) the SDG4GC “Pitching Competition” took place with students showcasing the projects developed under the guidance of their expert lead mentors. Panel of UN and Expert judges   After great presentations, the panel of UN and other expert judges awarded Team 6, formed by Ms. Natamol Thitithanida, Chulalongkorn University, Ms. Siti Sarah Zulaikha Binti Zahari, Universiti Malaya, Ms. Ningjie Sun, Nanjing University, and Ms. Dzihni Nadhifa, Kyushu University and led by Dr. Terence Yuen, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the 1st place for their innovative App “One Health Coop” which seeks to bring together young members from the community with elderlies that may need assistance. If you would like to learn more about the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship (APRU SDG4GC) visit the program website here.

This article was featured on Journal of Public Health and Emergency on July 24, 2024. Mellissa Withers1, Jin Ye Yeo2 1University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2JPHE Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. JPHE Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: [email protected] Expert introduction Prof. Mellissa Withers (Figure 1) is Associate Professor at the Keck School of Medicine in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences. She is also Director of the Global Health Program of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, a non-profit network of 60+ universities in the region. She received a PhD from the Department of Community Health Sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health with a minor in cultural anthropology. She also earned a Master’s in Health Sciences from the Department of International Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a BA in international development from UC Berkeley. Her research interests include community-based participatory research methods, mental health, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health. Dr Withers is the editor of two books: Global Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health Across the Lifecourse, and Global Health Leadership: Case Studies from the Asia-Pacific. She has published more than 80 scientific articles and serves on the editorial boards of six international global health journals. She also writes a blog on human trafficking titled Modern-Day Slavery for Psychology Today. Figure 1 Prof. Mellissa Withers Interview JPHE: What drove you to pursue public and global health? Dr. Withers: I was fortunate to be able to travel to low-income developing countries as a child with my family. I often saw women with their children begging in the streets. These travels really left an impression on me. I was saddened to see so much suffering in the world. I questioned why so many of the people living in poverty around the world are women. Is it because women have more children than they can afford because they lack access to birth control? Or, is it because few opportunities for education and a decent job are available to women? I spent a couple of summers during high school in Guatemala volunteering at an orphanage. Pretty much every day at least one of the babies there died. They were mostly coming from indigenous communities in the highlands during the war and were often very malnourished. After spending time in Guatemala, I became more interested in learning about the long-term US’ involvement in Central America, and how my own country has contributed to the conflicts that have resulted in so much suffering. It inspired me to study global development in my undergraduate program at UC Berkeley, which provided me with more context on why women are disproportionately impacted by poverty. These experiences to witness first-hand what was happening to women around the world really had an impact on me and shaped my interest in a career in global health. Specifically, I knew that I wanted to work on issues relating to women’s empowerment. JPHE: Having served a decade long as the Director of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Program and developed various initiatives in global health, could you share some of your proudest achievements or most memorable moments? Dr. Withers: Leading the APRU Global Health Program over the past ten years has been one of the most rewarding parts about my job. I am truly inspired by the amazing work that is taking place in global health. I have been able to form so many strong connections with colleagues and communities all over the world. Whether it is Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, or other places, I feel like when I go there, I have a family, which is a really amazing feeling. When I started, about 60 or 70 really committed global health faculty would get together once a year for an APRU Global Health conference and talk about all of the possibilities for collaboration within the network. But then nothing much else happened. I have been so happy to see the growth of the Program to what is now a very large and active network of thousands of people. Participation in our program continues to grow each year and we have developed so many exciting annual initiatives, especially for students. Some examples are our annual Student Global Climate Change Simulation, which brings together about 200 students from 20+ universities each year in a three-day event, and the APRU Mini Certificate in Health Research Ethics, which is a 12-hour training that includes live interactive sessions with students and about 40 volunteer facilitators to discuss real-life case studies in health research in small groups. Each year we have close to 2,000 students who participate in these initiatives — all for free! I am humbled and grateful to the large cohort of faculty in our network who continues to volunteer countless hours year after year to support our work. JPHE: In this year’s APRU Global Health Conference, with a theme “Harmonizing Human and Planetary Health Through Innovation, AI, and Digital Transformation”, what are some topics of global health challenges and their solutions that we can expect to hear about? Dr. Withers: I am really looking forward to this year’s conference. This is the first time in 17 years that we are holding this conference in Thailand, so that is exciting. I know that everyone always has a great time visiting Bangkok. The new School of Global Health in the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University is hosting this year’s conference and they have put a lot of thought and effort into the conference. Of course, we will be talking a lot about digital innovation, which is not really my area of expertise. But I am sure that I will learn a lot during those sessions. Through the planetary health angle, we will be hearing about One Health and climate change from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. We have lined up a lot of fantastic speakers from various academic institutions, as well as the Ministry of Health of Thailand, FHI360, UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the World Bank, and the ASEAN International Commission of Human Rights. Other key themes for the concurrent panel sessions are health systems, mental health, communicable, and non-communicable diseases. I think we expect 300-400 participants this year. JPHE: Since you also oversee the Annual APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition, can you share how this case competition helps address global health problems? Have there been instances where solutions proposed by students helped to alleviate global health problems? Dr. Withers: Our annual case competition is something that I look forward to every year. I think we do a good job in crafting the challenges around complex challenges facing our world today, whether it is emergency preparedness, tobacco use, care for older adults, or physical inactivity, which have all been topics of past competitions. Students form teams and spend about 10-12 weeks delving into the complexities of the issue in order to develop comprehensive solutions, taking into consideration the barriers, the context, and the resources available. This year’s challenge relates to the use of technological innovations to improve adherence to treatment for type 2 diabetes. We partnered with the UNDP, Chulalongkorn University, and the Diabetes Association of Thailand to develop the challenge. We had a total of 108 teams participate from 31 universities in 14 economies. Our international panel of 33 judges is in the process of selecting the finalists now. I have heard from many of our judges that the quality of the submissions continues to increase each year. I have watched a lot of the videos and I agree that we have a lot of really excellent submissions. One thing that I love about this competition is the insight that we can gain into young people’s perceptions of global health challenges and their ideas about the most effective ways to solve them. We have actually conducted and published content analyses of the video submissions in several previous competitions because the proposals were creative and well-designed. Our youth bring a lot of interesting perspective and ideas to the table. I think it is really valuable and important for us to include young people in conversations about topics such as mental health, tobacco use, and healthy aging. JPHE: Moving forward, what goals do you hope to achieve with APRU in the next few years? Dr. Withers: I would like to continue to expand our network and to bring together researchers, students, and leaders in the global health space to exchange ideas and develop meaningful long-term relationships and networks. I like that we create a forum for researchers from around the region to share their work each year. I would also like us to continue to focus on building capacity in global health research and education because this is one of our key strengths; we have the power to leverage our network of experts on many topics and from many disciplines and economies. And I know that everyone values the work that we are doing as a network because they continue to volunteer their time to help with these initiatives. JPHE: How has your experience been as the Editor-in-Chief of JPHE? Dr. Withers: I have been really happy to be involved in the JHPE over the past few years. It has been wonderful to see the development of JHPE from a brand-new journal to a larger, and more recognized journal. It is now officially indexed through several indexing organizations, including the Web of Science and Scopus. It is gaining more traction in the global health and emergency spaces, with high-quality manuscripts from around the world on topics relevant to what is happening around the world today. I am proud to be a part of it. I very much appreciate the efficiency of the editorial staff, which allows for such a quick submission turnaround time. This allows the latest research to reach readers much faster, which makes the science more relevant and impactful. As an academic, I also appreciate that the journal does more than most journals to recognize the contributions of our reviewers. I know that reviewers spend hours volunteering their time for this type of work but rarely get any recognition. So, acknowledgement like “reviewer of the month” is something special. JPHE: As the Editor-in-Chief, what are your expectations for JPHE? Dr. Withers: I would like to continue to see special editions with guest editors. I always enjoy reading these series. I think the guest editors contribute a lot, bringing in a different perspective and a different network of authors. In the future, I am looking forward to increased growth, more indexing, and even higher rankings at the global level. Reference Samet J, Withers M. The APRU Global Health Program: Past and Future. J Epidemiol. 2016;26(4):166-170.

Ten years after the successful launch of APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program in Nanjing University, it returned to China in July, raising the specter for another decade of fruitful cooperation that has so far provided international experiences to more than 500 undergraduate students from the Pacific Rim. Hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and themed “Sustainable Development in a Fast-Changing Metropolis”, the program offered a unique window into the challenges and opportunities of urban sustainability. Set against the dynamic and evolving backdrop of Shanghai, a city that epitomizes the blend of tradition with cutting-edge modernity, a total of 64 undergraduate students from 24 APRU member universities in 13 economies engaged in program activities on key topics ranging from Envisioning a Sustainable Metropolis and Nourishing the Metropolis to Resilient, Hyperlocal Communities in the Metropolis and Universities Without Borders. “The past two weeks have been incredible as I see how much our young students can achieve in such a short time,” said Viva Du, the International Programs Office Manager of the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI). “Coming from different academic backgrounds, universities and countries, they help shaping Shanghai’s sustainable future with their ideas and visions.” The program involved several site visits to Shanghai districts and additional activities, such as a cultural show, Chinese painting/calligraphy, and international cooking, as well as an international music night. In a 72-hour challenge, students were divided into 12 groups that were tasked with creating a poster and a 3-minute video with their vision of Shanghai in the future on their assigned themes. “I was gratified to hear from the ULPers that they learned as much about urban sustainability from the program activities around Shanghai as they did about the diverse Pacific Rim cultures and norms from fellow undergraduate leaders around the dining table and on the APRU Talent Show stage,” said the UM-SJTU JI’s Professor Kwee-Yan Teh, who serves as the program’s academic lead. The closing speech, delivered by APRU Program Officer David Quimbayo, highlighted the positive outlook for the program’s core quest of contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “You’ve forged connections with ideas, with this vibrant city, and with each other that are not meant to stay within these walls, this university or this city,” Quimbayo said. “Be the catalyst for change in your corner of the world; apply what you’ve learned here to real-world problems; continue to collaborate across borders and disciplines; and never stop imagining a more sustainable and equitable future for all.” Universidad de Chile will be the host of the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2025, stay tuned to learn more about it.

How can students learn collaboratively and make global connections with peers from different cultural backgrounds – all without leaving their campus? The answer is the APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program, now celebrating its fourth year of connecting students across borders and cultures. It all started during the pandemic, as an alternative to traditional international exchange programs. Launched in 2020 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong under the auspices of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), this creative digital platform allows students to access high-quality courses and programs offered by top universities from around the Pacific Rim, including those from Australia, Chile, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. Four years on, it’s clear that the VSE Program still has a valuable role to play in helping globally-minded students achieve their goals and aspirations, even after the pandemic. The VSE Program offers a mix of academic courses across three study periods, also known as “Seasons”. Students can take up to two courses per Season from universities around the Pacific Rim, without paying any extra fees. Credits earned can be transferred to students’ home institutions, allowing them to access a world of knowledge at the click of a button.   A growing success story Forty-four APRU member universities have been participating in the Program, with 33 of them offering a total of over 1,100 courses in disciplines ranging from arts and culture to the social sciences, law, science and engineering. Over 8,200 student applications have been received and 4,000 students have enrolled. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 97% of students consistently expressing satisfaction with the learning experience in the latest student experience survey. “This course not only provided rich academic content but also fostered collaboration and communication. We tackled problems together, shared ideas, and collectively propelled each other’s learning forward.” – Yifan Zhou, Shanghai Jiao Tong University   Beyond the classroom Since its launch, the VSE platform has also hosted ​co-curricular programs on topics such as careers, culture, leadership and society, attracting many participation. These engaging short courses and non-credit bearing activities offer an opportunity for students to engage without having to commit for an extensive period of time. “The co-curricular programs offered by VSE allowed me to broaden my horizons and explore different aspects of my interests. Whether it was participating in workshops, attending guest lectures, or collaborating on projects with fellow students, I was able to enhance my learning experience beyond the classroom.” – Binyu Hu, The University of Hong Kong   What’s next for virtual learning? Now that the pandemic is over, are virtual programs still necessary? While in-person experiences are still popular and effective, virtual learning allows students to gain more and different types of knowledge and experience. Today’s students value the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, and programs such as the VSE Program can serve as an affordable alternative for less privileged students to learn in a multicultural environment without leaving home. What’s more,  87% of VSE Program participants say the experience has inspired them to participate in physical exchanges overseas. To support this, the VSE Program has now introduced a Virtual Language Center to help students learn new languages and prepare for their sojourn abroad. Understanding the local language no doubt enhances cultural immersion and appreciation. In the post-pandemic era, the VSE Program continues to offer a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment in which students learn to be open to new ideas and experiences, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt to different contexts. What possibilities could it open up for you? To find out more, visit: https://vse.apru.org/

Photos Credit: Tecnológico de Monterrey   The 16th APRU Global Health Conference 2023 took place from October 25 to 27 in Mexico City as the first in-person annual event of the Global Health Program after the Covid-19 pandemic. Hosted by the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Tecnológico de Monterrey, the conference attracted 98 public health experts and stakeholders from 26 institutions in 11 economies to exchange their insights into this year topic — Equity in Health — across thought-provoking panel discussions and working group meetings in three days. The event marked the first time that an APRU Global Health Conference was held in Latin America. “The conference took place in a truly global spirit, with many renowned speakers with diverse global and public health expertise providing rich and valuable discussions on how precarious health disparities can be tackled,” said José Páez, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of Tecnológico de Monterrey. José Páez, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of Tecnológico de Monterrey   The World Health Organization has pointed out that health equity won’t be achieved until everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being. Populations that are disadvantaged by their social-economic status, geographic location, or environment are still exposed to many preventable differences in the burden of disease. “I hope that this conference challenges and inspires us to do more to advance health equity around the world,” said Mellissa Wither, APRU’s Global Health Program Director and Associate Professor of Clinical Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California. “Our collective work in global health research, practice, and education can promote values of mutual respect and cooperation.” Mellissa Wither, APRU’s Global Health Program Director   The 2023 Conference consisted of twelve panels in which participants discussed on issues ranging from delivering accessible and culturally sensitive healthcare, to migrant workers in Singapore, to the prevalence of neural tube defects in Latin America, and the impact of fortification. Although many of the topics were based on local specifics, the presenters’ viewpoints were typically applicable to the whole of the Asia-Pacific. Matire Harwood, Head of Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare at the University of Auckland , shared insights based on her experience of being a general practitioner and family physician at a Maori-led health clinic in South Auckland. The consequences of health disparities related to migration, and the effects of inequality on the health of indigenous populations. “Understanding ethnic inequities requires a focus on the systems that create and sustain them, because that is the common factor across different countries, not indigenous peoples’ genes or behaviours,” Harwood said. “As health leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that nations monitor, and not accept, health inequities for indigenous peoples.” Matire Harwood, Head of Department of the University of Auckland School of Population Health   The results of the APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition and Student Poster Contest 2023 were announced during the conference.  Download the Program Book of the 16th APRU Global Health Conference 2023 for more details. The 17th APRU Global Health Conference will be hosted by Chulalongkorn University’s School of Global Health in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2024.

The winners of the 8th APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2023 and the 9th APRU Global Health Student Poster Contest 2023 were announced at the Global Health Conference between October 25 and 27 at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City. The 8th Virtual Case Competition 2023 was won by The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s team Hello Hong Kong for a highly inspiring video showing ways to improve refugees’ access to Hong Kong health services. The 9th Student Poster Contest was won by Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Jessica Lopez Espinosa (Undergraduate Category) and Fudan University’s Shaolong Ren (Graduate Category). The winners were chosen by judges and delegates at the 16th APRU Global Health Conference 2023 in Mexico.  For the 8th Virtual Case Competition, teams of 3-6 students received a challenge created in partnership with the UNHCR titled “Bridging Barriers to Care: Reaching Urban Migrant Communities.” The competition involved a total of 49 teams from 19 universities from Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, Senegal, Singapore, Thailand, and the US. The winning team received a US$1,000 prize. For the 9th Student Poster Contest, undergraduate and graduate students were invited to submit a poster related to global health. Submissions came from China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, and the US. Each 1st place winner received a US$500 prize. The 16th APRU Global Health Conference 2023 facilitated inter-sectoral exchanges of world-class expertise and dissemination of cutting-edge research on equity in health. Organized by the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of Tecnológico de Monterrey in collaboration with the APRU Global Health Program, the event marked the first time the Global Health annual conference took place in Latin America and first in person APRU Global Health Conference after the Covid-19 pandemic. Finalists – 8th APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2023 (in no particular order):  Winner: Hello Hong Kong (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) – view the video here Health Defenders (Sun Yat-Sen University) – view the video here Eblouissant (Simon Fraser University) – view the video here Finalists – 9th APRU Global Health Student Poster Contest 2023 Undergraduate Category (in no particular order) Suet Man Li (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) Winner: Jessica Lopez Espinosa (Tecnológico de Monterrey) Khen Jee Faburada (Manila Central University) Graduate Category(in no particular order) Brooke Edwards (University of Southern California) Junyi Shi (Peking University) Winner: Shaolong Ren (Fudan University)

Original Post on News – Department of Population and Public Health Sciences / University of Southern California   This fall marks 10 years since Mellissa Withers, PhD, MHS, began serving as the Director of the Global Health Program of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), a consortium of 60 international universities. This network provides students a chance to deep dive into prevailing global health challenges while learning from their peers living across several countries shaped by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. “While it’s important for our students to learn the theory and frameworks of global health presented in textbooks and learned in the classroom, being able to actually go out and apply it through experiential learning is a beneficial opportunity that is really important for our students,” explains Withers, who also serves as an associate professor and the director of pedagogical enrichment and training in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC. The APRU was founded in 1997 by the presidents of four Californian universities who wanted to build multidisciplinary collaborations across the pacific. In 2007, USC established a new program in global health which became its largest program, focusing on the students, education and training. “I am fortunate that the USC Office of the Provost has continued to support my position in this role to expand our global health initiatives,” says Withers. During her tenure, Withers has developed several vibrant initiatives including joint courses which have run for the past nine years. Every fall, she leads a course called ‘Global Health Leadership in the Real World’ bringing together five to seven universities. This semester, students from China, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, and USC, simultaneously logged in from different time zones for two hours every week, over a ten-week period. The first half of the class featured a renowned global health guest speaker, who imparted their varied expertise and experiences in the field. Past speakers included the Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Former Associate Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and a former Minister of Health from Costa Rica. In the second half of each class, students dissected case studies with instructors working in small groups representative of the five countries in attendance, to exchange ideas and debate global health concepts. “In Global Health we talk a lot about the importance of interdisciplinary solutions and collaborations, but it’s not too often that you see so many disciplines, countries and economies represented in one activity, training program or conference,” she reports.  Another ongoing class following a similar model is a course in ‘Global Health Ethics,’ bringing together students from Ecuador, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines and the U.S. The student body is not only diverse in terms of location, but also features various college majors including medicine, pharmacy, law, anthropology, engineering, and art. “The representation of a wide range of disciplines is really critical to prepare the next cohort of global health leaders,” she affirms. “Since these courses were well received, with high demand and limited space, we decided to develop other key initiatives to engage students,” she reveals. This led to the creation of the ‘Global Health Student Poster Contest’ held concurrently at the APRU Annual Conference. A highlight of this contest is that all the student’s posters are accepted and displayed, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work at an international scientific conference. “This helps to break down some equity barriers for students who cannot afford to fly or participate in international trips,” she indicates. This year’s conference will be held in Latin America for the first time. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit their posters which are judged by committee members. This month, eight students from USC’s programs in global medicine, public health, and global health have received funding from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences and Pearson to attend the conference in Mexico City. There, they will present their work or serve as moderators. A recent graduate from the Master of Public Health program, Brooke Edwards, MPH, has been selected as a finalist for her poster on physical therapy among liver transplant patients. Another initiative Withers oversees is the ‘Annual Virtual Global Health Case Competition,’ where the winning team receives $1,000. In the past, the competition hosted 40-50 teams, but this year it attracted 100 teams from over 20 countries. This year, the APRU partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to create a challenge addressing the needs of migrants and refugees in urban settings and health care. Teams of three to six students were given 12 weeks to create a proposal to address the challenge. Past challenges included topics around tobacco control, mental health, disaster preparedness, using social media to promote exercise, and addressing the infodemic. There are many opportunities for students to develop their skillset in global health at USC. “I hope our students walk away from these experiences with a deeper understanding of cross-cultural competencies, feeling like global citizens, with greater confidence, effective communication, and leadership skills,” she concludes.

Photo source: APEC News APRU congratulates Dr. Jason Junjie Huang, the winner of the 2023 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize at the 2023 APEC Women and the Economy Forum in Seattle in August. Dr. Huang is the Deputy Director and Research Assistant Professor at the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion (CHEHP) of APRU member the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). His study, in collaboration with the APRU Global Health Program’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Working Group, investigated the global burden of endometrial cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. Finding that many of the risk factors that contribute to endometrial cancer are lifestyle choices, Dr. Huang stressed that education campaigns are a critical tool for raising awareness of the modifiable risk factors to endometrial cancer. APRU’s strong representation in the realm of outstanding research work for women’s health was additionally manifested by Weiyu Zhou, a student in the School of Public Health of APRU member Fudan University, being one of the two runners-up. Zhou’s research underscored the importance of education campaigns to protect against preventable disease that affects working-age women. Her study investigated a new pilot program on HPV immunization involving mothers and girls aged 9-14 in Shanghai. Zhou illustrated that when economies invest in education campaigns to increase parental HPV-related knowledge, the uptake of vaccination among girls increases. Launched in 2018, the Healthy Women Healthy Economies Prize supports outstanding research work that will provide policymakers and business leaders with the tools they need to implement measures that improve women’s health and well-being, so that they can join, rise, and thrive in the workforce. Thanks to Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program, who served as a judge of the Prize. The winning researcher receives USD 20,000 and the two runners-up receive USD 5,000 each.

Original post from Tohoku University Photos by Tohoku University Tohoku University’s International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) hosted the 8th APRU Multi-hazards Summer School from July 24 – 27, attracting 43 participants and lecturers from 13 countries and regions across the Pacific Rim. The annual event was moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, so this year marked the first time in four years that the sessions were held in person. “The response we got for the programme this year was extremely good. I think everyone was keen to have the in-person discussions and field trips again.” said Takako Izumi, Director of the APRU Multi-hazards Programme and a professor at IRIDeS. In his welcome speech, Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno highlighted the role that the university has played in the development of disaster science in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. “As a comprehensive university that experienced the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, we have a strong responsibility to share our experience and knowledge in disaster science, as well as the experience and knowledge of others, in order to reduce disaster risks and make our global society more resilient.” In her speech, Adriana Rojas, Senior Director of Networks and Student Programs at the APRU International University Centre, urged all participants to learn as much as possible from each other, and to “open all your senses with love, compassion and empathy.” She added that “after this summer program, our responsibility will be to return to our places and spread the message of what we learnt during these unforgettable days. Today’s challenges are too complex to solve alone, but by acting together, there is almost no limit to what we can accomplish.” In the first three days, participants attended lectures about the lessons learnt from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami through various perspectives, including urban planning, health and disaster management, and the importance of preserving historical materials. They also heard from myriad stakeholders such as local governments, academics and non-governmental organizations directly involved in the region’s recovery efforts. “The 2011 earthquake in Japan is one of the great examples of a big disaster and cascading hazards,” said Shakti Raj Shrestha from Uppsala University. “My work is related to cascading hazards so this is a good opportunity to learn how one hazard can cascade into another and how different response, recovery, mitigation needs are required for each.” The groupwork sessions on the second and third days were an opportunity to bring together opinions and expertise from different countries, cultures and academic disciplines. Participants met in small groups, introduced their research work and discussed how interdisciplinary joint-research can contribute to addressing current global issues. “Everyone here has different backgrounds,” said Lea Serrano from the University of the Philippines. “It was very interesting to see how all the differences complement each other and turn into something that can positively contribute to society,” Bipul Neupane from the University of Melbourne agreed. “My research area is in AI and mapping, and I found out that my research can be applied in many different ways, to oceanography, to response teams, managing supply chains, all within the umbrella of disaster.” On the fourth and final day, the participants went on a field trip to a disaster reconstruction and recovery museum in Higashi Matsushima City, where they watched a video about the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and viewed exhibits and photos of the damage. “It was a good experience for survivors like myself, to remember what it was like in 2011, and for others to learn about that time from a survivor’s point of view,” said Haruna Kato, a graduate student at Tohoku University’s International Strategy for Disaster Mitigation Laboratory. The field trip also included a visit to Kadonowaki Elementary School, which was destroyed by the tsunami; and a local family’s storehouse in Ishinomaki City. “It was good to tour the sites with the other participants, so that we could share with each other things that we would not have noticed on our own,” Kato added. The Multi-hazards Programme was initiated in 2013 by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and Tohoku University to address the threat of frequent natural disasters in the infamous Ring of Fire – the seismically active belt of volcanoes and tectonic plate boundaries that fringes the Pacific basin. In addition to organizing the annual summer school, IRIDeS has also hosted the programme’s secretariat since its inception.

The last session of APRU Esports Fellowship Program 3rd Cohort took place on July 28, marking one month of experts and students successfully engaging in next-generation learning experiences and supporting the growth of healthy and vibrant Esports communities. Led by Tecnológico de Monterrey, the 3rd Cohort recorded 37 participants from 12 APRU member universities and nine different economies. Each APRU member was invited to nominate five undergraduate students to create an immediate and lasting impact on student communities, while also cultivating an alumni network that is accretive to both the fellowship and APRU Esports participating universities. The first session of the Fellowship focused on “Well-being in Esports”. Carlos Ordóñez, National AVP, Student Wellbeing at Tec de Monterrey, shared his recent research findings on stressors and coping strategies. According to Mr. Ordóñez, one of the main issues is that some Esports team members are not taking practice as seriously as others. Another challenge is maintaining a good life balance when working towards a professional Esports career. “Not getting enough sleep is a problem that we see in terms of well-being all over the world, and we also see that gamers who work towards a professional career struggle with coping with social media criticism,” Mr. Ordóñez said. Mr Ordóñez during his presentation “Coping strategies range from spending a few minutes in the garden to a cognitive reevaluation of a situation to reduce its perceived importance,” he added. Dr. Ramón Flores, Doctor of Chiropractic, shared insights on common health risks associated with Esports. Dr. Flores explained that although the spinal column constitutes the continuation of the brain, gamers often neglect the importance of the spinal column’s health. The program’s second session was themed “Networking with Esports Companies”. Terence Leung, Senior Manager, Digital Entertainment, Cyberport, introduced Cyberport’s cluster of digital companies, including several game developers and art creators, with Mr. Leung’s team supporting the entire ecosystem from the upstream to the downstream companies. Charles Fauchet, co-founder of KIX Esports, a Macao-based entrepreneur of Esports, shared his entrepreneurial journey and how KIX came into being by organizing a tournament with the University of Macau in 2017. “Whereas developing a game requires a lot of funds, creating Esports teams and tournaments was a feasible way of helping Macao’s diversification strategy,” Mr. Fauchet said. In the final session under the theme “The Future of Esports in the Universities; Academic Options and Scholarships,” panelists shared their perspectives on the development of Esports in their respective universities and locations. Glen Tokola, Esports Manager of the University of Washington, explained how the university’s Esports program now caters to approximately 3,000 active gamers. “It was a three-year window, which is an incredibly fast time for any given program within the University of Washington to occur, showing that there was enough of a vision and support from leadership.” Mr. Tokola said. Dr. Yupei Zhao, Professor, Media and International Culture at Zhejiang University, shared insights about Esports development in China. Dr. Zhao pointed out that this year is a big year for Esports in Zhejiang Province because Esports will be included in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in September-October. Finally, Jennifer Seto, Esports Program Manager of Simon Fraser University, explained the state of play for Esports in Canada. Ms. Seto pointed out that although the US constitutes a larger market, Canada has many standout schools that are competing at the top internationally. The online sessions of the fellowship had an interactive part via breakout rooms, where students had the opportunity to get to know each other, engage, debate, and learn about the development and status of Esports on their campuses. Fellowship participants during one of the sessions The overall feedback collected after the fellowship was very positive, with the program exciding the expectations of the majority of the participants and with the participants sharing their appreciation for these kinds of activities:  “What I’ve learned from this Fellowship is that there’s a lot more Esports out there around the world. It was such a great opportunity for me to connect with people not only in the US but internationally such as Mexico, Hong Kong, Singapore. That is probably one of the coolest things I have been a part of…” Garret Lau, University of Hawai’i at West Oahu The APRU Esports Fellowship Program 3rd Cohort concluded with the submission, by each participating university, of a final project. This project was the creation of a video showcasing the establishment, development, and impact of Esports on their campus.

A panel of UN experts was inspired by students of the inaugural class of the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship program (SDG4GC). The students proved their capacity in finding innovative approaches in building the wellbeing of their communities. The topics of their projects covered mental health, health equity, health care system, climate injustice, communal support, and healthy aging.   A Program to Foster Global Citizenship Led by Chulalongkorn University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in collaboration with the United Nations, co-designed with Simon Fraser University, Kyushu University, Universiti Malaya, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the SDG4GC is an intercultural, transdisciplinary, and interactive program that fosters global citizenship among students from the Pacific Rim. The 2022-2023 program selected 60 students representing 27 APRU member universities. A pitching competition marked the completion of a four-month program during which the students engaged in lectures and workshops on design thinking and cross-cultural communication, received mentorship from experts, and worked in teams to develop solutions associated with the theme of this year’s program “Shaping the Future of Health and Wellbeing”   “By leaving your comfort zone, you have shown that you are willing to take risks and rise to challenges, and we trust that through this journey you have developed new skills, boosted your confidence, and cultivated empathy, all of which is preparing you to be a leader,” said Michiko Yoshida, Director of Chulalongkorn University’s Global Networking and Engagement Division. .   Winning Projects The winning team mentored by Dr. Qian Wang of Shanghai Jiao Tong University presented their idea You – Aid, an app that enables the forming of a community for those who are facing mental health issues and need help. The app contains two sections, one delivering information about mental disorders, the other serving as a community platform. The runner-up team mentored by Mr. Savinda Ranathunga, UN Development Program (UNDP) presented its project on Wisdom College which promotes the idea of the elderly exchanging knowledge and skills for social connections with others. The winning and runner-up teams will be invited to a week-long onsite program in Thailand, composed of training at Chula Innovation Hub, field trips to spin-off companies and start-ups, and participation at UN event.  “It’s been great witnessing such enthusiasm from the students and the participating universities. I’m looking forward to supporting more of similar programs in the future,” indicated Shally Fan, Director of Academic Links of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.   Youth Leadership, Youth Solutions Mr. Aale Mohammad, a student from Chulalongkorn University, represented APRU at the United Nations ESCAP 10th Asia Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development. The Forum provided governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, and other stakeholders opportunities to share subregional perspectives, discuss collaborative measures to address subregional priorities, and exchange good practices to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.   Mr Aale Mohammad, student of Chulalongkorn University and SDG4GC represents APRU at the United Nations ESCAP 10th Asia Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development on March 29, 2023.   During his intervention, Aale emphasized the importance of providing youth with more platforms to be connected to each other, in sharing challenges, developing ideas, so that youth perspectives can be integrated into the debates to identify solutions. In his personal experience, the SDG4GC initiative was an invaluable opportunity, enabling youth to actively promote the SDGs.  Watch Aale’s intervention here: https://lnkd.in/gv8C7QTe To learn more about the SDG4GC visit: https://vse.apru.org/sdg4gc

Original post on USC Global. While climate change remains a pressing issue across countries and generations, research shows the topic is of particular concern to millennials and Gen Z, according to Pew. That is part of the reason why the Student Global Climate Change Simulation has drawn such immense interest from the USC student body. It’s also a challenging, thought-provoking way to learn more about the worldwide effects of climate change. The event, hosted in partnership with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), saw almost 200 students from 22 universities around the globe participating in an online mock United Nations climate change conference. Students formed delegations that worked together to negotiate policies, sign pledges related to carbon emission caps and other climate change solutions, and more.  Top experts from the UN, World Business Council for Sustainable Development and other esteemed organizations also spoke at the simulation on issues such as climate refugees, reforestation and ocean health. This year, the simulation was led in part by Mellissa Withers, director of the APRU Global Health Program at USC and associate professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and Shannon Gibson, associate professor of environmental studies, political science and international relations at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.  Gibson first became interested in working on the APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation years ago, when she experienced an earlier iteration at a summit. She incorporated it into her own classroom, and later, with the help of Withers, “took the model and really expanded it.” “I think as an educator, one of the things that you become aware of is that students learn by doing. They learn by putting themselves in the shoes of a decision-maker. By taking a student who may only have a perspective of the United States when it comes to climate change, having them function as China, or the Philippines, or South Africa really helps them to learn how the thinking varies,” she told USC Global.  Preparing for Careers in Global Health The mock exercise ran for three days total — April 11, April 18 and April 25 — and drew students from multiple schools and disciplines within USC, including public health, computer science, business, international relations, environmental studies, global studies, occupational therapy and engineering. Giancarlo Ceja, an international relations and environmental studies undergraduate student, hopes the simulation will impact his future career in environmental policy, using his education to help those living in countries most affected by climate change. “In terms of environmental justice, I grew up in a very low-income, marginalized community in Southern California. My parents immigrated from a rural community in Mexico, and both are being affected in different ways by climate change. Marginalized, low-income communities around the world are most vulnerable to the brunt of the effects of climate change, and I want to help fix that,” he explained. Ceja is also optimistic his fellow participants will end the mock conference more aware of how much work is yet to be done, especially by the world’s most powerful countries. While everyone has a role in combating climate change, some nations — specifically developed countries that have produced the most carbon emissions — have a higher responsibility to contribute to the fight against climate change, he said. “Coming together in the international community and holding up to the commitments that you make is really important. Solving this problem is impossible without international cooperation,” explained Ceja, citing the UN’s common but differentiated responsibilities principle. Like Ceja, environmental science and public health undergraduate student Abeerah Siddiqui was inspired to participate in the simulation to gain a new, universal outlook on today’s critical climate change challenges. “We all have this collective interest in combating climate change, so this way, we can get a more global perspective on the issue. I think oftentimes, as students here, we’re a lot more familiar with how the U.S. handles [climate change]. We’re learning how our local communities are addressing the issues, but not so much how other countries and other parts of the world are tackling it,” she explained. With an aspiring career in public health, Siddiqui believes the mock negotiations will allow her to further grasp international health care systems and policies, as well as come up with public health solutions that prioritize regional perspectives. “The skills and knowledge I take away from this will help me [prepare] when it comes time for me to potentially visit other countries,” Siddiqui said. Multi-Discipline Simulation Promoting a cross-industry response to climate change, the simulation also included Master of Business Administration (MBA) student Kayla Friedman-Barb, who is looking to enhance her education in clean and renewable solutions to pivot to the sustainability sector following graduation. “Understanding other people’s perspectives is a huge part of business and [how we operate],” she said. “We need to understand how other countries think about climate change and what they see as the best ways to combat it, working together in order to have a truly collaborative solution.” Friedman-Barb was particularly eager to learn from students who are based outside of the U.S., as the international negotiations would highlight what the U.S. and other countries are “willing to give up” or refuse to mediate in their respective commitments to tackling climate change. “What’s important for each community and each person will become apparent, especially in younger generations who are participating in this program,” Friedman-Barb explained. For Gibson, these students have perfectly articulated what she hopes they will take away from the process: an effective, international approach to protecting our shared planet. Even if climate change is not a topic brimming with optimism, it’s a crucial one that will directly impact each and every participant — and Gibson is hopeful some students will go on to directly influence the fight against climate change. “Sometimes, I wish it were a bit more hopeful, but it does show them climate mitigation is a political process,” Gibson said. “It’s not just a scientific problem. It is very much a political, social and economic issue, as well as a cultural problem. You need that interdisciplinary approach to understand how to solve this massive problem.”  Learn more about APRU and USC’s Department of Population and Public Health Sciences today. Find out more about the Climate Change Simulation here. 

Original post on Around the O. The University of Oregon is co-hosting the Student Global Climate Change Simulation sponsored by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation is a role-playing exercise in which students will form multicountry, multidisciplinary teams to play the role of delegates to the UN climate change negotiations. Twenty-two universities from around the Pacific Rim are taking part in the exercise, which runs April 11-25. Over three sessions, an online simulation activity will use materials from the World Climate Interactive and the C-ROADS simulation model developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The live sessions will be supplemented with short lectures and other materials developed and curated by the APRU experts, which will be available on a shared Canvas website. To learn more, visit the World Climate Simulation. The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation is co-organized by the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program housed at the UO and the APRU Global Health Program housed at University of Southern California. Partner universities include Fiji National University, Keio University, Korea University, Monash University, Nagoya University, Nanyang Technological University, National Taiwan University, National University of Singapore, Peking University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Auckland, The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, Tohoku University, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Universiti Malaya and University of Hawaii. Find out more about the Climate Change Simulation 2023 here. 

Universities of APRU showcased the APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program, the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship Program, and the APRU UN Climate Change Simulation at the APAIE (Asia-Pacific Association for International Education) 2023 Conference. Held March 13-17, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, and with more than 2,700 delegates from 61 countries/ regions, the APAIE 2023 Conference was an effective platform for supporting member universities and highlighting APRU’s collective impact.   The APAIE 2023’s APRU panel, which was chaired by APRU Director, Network Management, Jackie Wong, explored collaborative ideas and frameworks to develop partnerships that support international programs that are inclusive, integrative, and innovative. The panel drew on the experiences of universities including APRU members in working together to provide unique student experiences in virtual environments. Panelists included Ms Shally Fan, Director of Academic Links, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr Ram Piyaket, Director, Office of International Affairs and Global Network, Chulalongkorn University, and Dr Mellissa Withers, Associate Professor, University of Southern California. Chulalongkorn University, a supporting university of APAIE 2023, also hosted the panel titled, “Co-designing SDG programs for Sustainable Futures—Challenges and Opportunities” chaired by Michiko Yoshida, Director of Chulalongkorn University’s Global Networking and Engagement Division and featuring panellists: Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, UN ESCAP’s Head of the Subregional Office for South-East Asia; Ronnakorn Vaiyavuth, Lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s School of Integrated Innovation; and Paola Ardiles Gamboa, Senior Lecturer at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Joined by experienced multidisciplinary scholars and practitioners, the panel discussed the value of co-designing the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship program. Yoshida said, “Shaping sustainable futures requires co-creating knowledge, and as educators, we have an opportunity to ensure borderless and innovative education in the Asia-Pacific through practices that are equitable, inclusive, and reflect the diversity of our region.” The collaborative implementation of the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship program is a prime example of how partners can reach our sustainable and educational aspirations. “We are thankful for this exchange on virtual programs that can shape our collective impact as a network,” said Wong. “It was a great opportunity for us to highlight the value of international collaboration and multi-sectoral engagement among universities and with the international community in addressing global challenges,” she added. The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) is committed to promoting the value of international education within the Asia-Pacific region, enabling greater cooperation between institutions, and enriching and supporting international programs, activities, and exchanges. More than 2,700 delegates from 61 countries/ regions attended the APAIE 2023, translating into ample opportunities to expand their networks. APRU looks forward to the APAIE 2024 in Perth in March next year.

The 17th Annual APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium was hosted by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok in late-November, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches for numerous key topics ranging from infrastructure and community resilience to socio-economic and governance challenges. Held under the theme “Innovation toward sustainable growth and disaster risk reduction”, the real-life gathering brought over 120 featured scholars, practitioners, and participants from the APRU network and the United Nations ESCAP across four continents. Prof. Dr. Bundit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, pointed out that Chulalongkorn University is strongly committed to facilitate academic learning, public service, and professional excellence with innovations for multi-hazard management. “Education institutes have a lot of valuable academic resources and innovative research, and we need to work harder with collective efforts and well-planned strategies to mitigate potential risks and use new innovations with systematic management methods to prevent any hazards from happening,” Prof. Dr. Bundit said in his welcome speech. “By doing so, not only people’s life will be safer, but also damages on lives and properties will be reduced,” he added. The multidisciplinary nature of the 17th Annual APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium was illustrated by eleven prominent keynote speakers, such as Prof. Fumihiko Imamura, Director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University; Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, , Chairperson of the Thai Network for Disaster Resilience; Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, UNESCAP Chief for Disaster Risk Reduction; and Dr. Aaron Opdyke, Director of Research Training, School of Civil Engineering, Sydney University. Case studies ranged from Seismic Fragility of Selected Public High School Buildings in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, to Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Management in Sri Lankan Hospitals. Participants agreed that new approaches and tools based on innovation, science, and technology are indispensable to tackle future risks. “Nowadays, our world has been impacted by multiple hazards, including one of the most severe pandemics, COVID-19, and each time, the affected countries were facing losses based on lives,” said Prof. Supot Teachavorasinskun, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. “As the world is developing, it is our goal to reduce the disaster losses by creating sustainable innovations from our multidisciplinary knowledge,” he added. The 17th Annual APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium featured several Best Presentation and Poster Awards. Students from Monash University and Universitas Indonesia won the prizes by sharing the lessons learned from COVID-19 management in Sri Lankan hospitals and integrating tsunami evacuation route planning in web applications for Disaster Risk Reduction. For more information about the Multi-Hazards Symposium, visit here.

The recent annual APEC Future Education Forum (AFEF) served as an opportunity for APRU to share its future-oriented educational experiences in the APEC region. At the hybrid event held in Seoul November 10-11 as part of APEC 2022, APRU Senior Director (Policy and Research Programs) Christina Schönleber presented several APRU case studies related to skills and competencies for the future world of work. Schönleber described how APRU started supporting students and scholars from the start of the pandemic, when students were abruptly confined to their dorms spending much of the day in a virtual world. APRU developed several courses and activities tailored for that unprecedented situation, such as the Teaching in Virtual Environment webinar series; the Quarantunes – Student Competition (which encouraged to jointly create and enter music pieces with the aim to increase wellbeing and combat increasing mental disorders); and the Esports Fellowship. “Fairly quickly we realised that skills and competencies which were very important in a world where we operate mainly face to face had been superceded by new and different aptitudes,” Schönleber said. “Being able to cope quickly and continuously to an increasingly uncertain world required new core competencies, as suddenly the most important skills for students and academics were resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges and overcome these and importantly technical understanding,” she added. Schönleber went on to illustrate that challenges related to Climate Change and the transition to a green economy have also become a focus for students, which APRU responded to by creating the APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation; APRU Global Sustainability: Waste & The City; the SDG 4 Global Citizens Program; and the Carbon Neutral Society – Action Month. Other panelists and speakers addressed a wide range of questions, including about the competencies that future generations should have and about how human factors, such perception, emotion, and passion, affect the changing educational situation. The 18th APEC Future Education Forum was organized by the Daegu, South Korea-based Institute APEC Collaborative Education (IACE). APRU has close links to IACE Chairman Professor Dong Sung Park, who serves as the Lead Sheepherder of the Human Resource Development Working Group (HRDWG). APRU has been a HRDWG guest member for several years and has recently renewed its guest member status with the HRDWG to the end of 2023. APEC 2022 concluded on November 19 with the APEC University Leaders Forum hosted by Chulalongkorn University in partnership with APRU on the margins of the APEC CEO Summit. The APEC CEO Summit is the APEC premier meeting of business and government leaders in the Asia Pacific.

The 12th APRU Population Aging Conference 2022 recently brought together over 120 international experts and scholars to engage on global aging issues. Co-organized by Zhejiang University and the National University of Singapore (NUS) under the theme Ageing at a time of crisis: understanding needs, navigating new challenges, a central theme of the virtual 2-day conference was to present the importance of collaboration across research, policy, and practice domains to achieve optimal outcomes for older persons. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are confronted with the massive challenges associated with aging populations. Nearly 60% of the world’s elderly population live in Asia, creating persistent pressures for governments in the region and emerging as a central issue for research, policy, and practice. “In a recent UN Forum, experts urged us to develop safe, secure and aging-friendly environments as the Asia- Pacific population is ageing faster than any other region,” said Dr Christopher Tremewan, Secretary General of APRU, in his opening remarks. “Given that aging issues such as inequality, income security, and the digital divide are being exacerbated by climate change, digital transformation and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is timely to address together what is clearly a global issue affecting us all,” he added. Angelique Chan, Associate Professor in the Signature Program in Health Services and Systems Research at National University of Singapore’s Duke-NUS Medical School, served as a co-chair of the conference. Chan, who also is the Director of APRU Population Ageing Program, presented an overview of ageing issues and challenges. “We must look more deeply into topics such as the effects of social support on health, caregiver burden, and use of long-term care services,” Chan said. “It is also important to increase social engagement and psychological wellbeing in not only older persons but also their caregivers,” she added. Zhejiang University was represented by Ka Lin, Professor of Social Policy and Social Work. As the conference co-lead, he shared how Zhejiang University leveraged on their network in China to find top presenters, collaborated internally with their international office and senior management, and partnered with NUS to successfully co-host the conference. “Given that previous research has shown that having purpose and meaning at older ages leads to living longer and a higher quality of life, we need to advocate for policies that encourage productive aging, leverage on the ability of older persons to continue to contribute to society,” Lin said. He also highlighted the need to ensure that older adults live with dignity, honour, and respect. Keynotes were held by Prof. John Piggott, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR) at UNSW Sydney and Alan Walker, Professor of Social Policy & Social Gerontology Institution, at the University of Sheffield. The 12th APRU Population Ageing Virtual Conference 2022 served as a highly valuable platform also for abstracts presenters from across the APRU universities. The event furthermore featured the five winners of the student poster submission. Topics spanned from caregivers’ experiences preparing for End-of-Life (EoL) decisions in Singapore to sandwich generation’s caregiving and cognitive health in China. Secretary General of APRU Tremewan took the opportunity to thank National University of Singapore and Zhejiang University for being active and committed APRU members engaged in many of APRU’s programs. To find out more information about the Population Aging Conference 2022, visit here.

In early November, two orientation programs successfully marked the start of the APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship program (APRU SDG4GC), involving representatives from APRU member universities, UN agencies and other experts, interacting online with the program’s first cohort comprised of 60 students from 28 member universities. APRU SDG4GC is an intercultural, transdisciplinary and interactive program that fosters global citizenship among students from 60 universities in 19 economies across the Pacific Rim. Lead by Chulalongkorn University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and co-designed by four other core-partner universities, in collaboration with the United Nations, the program builds knowledge of global issues among students. With the theme of “Shaping the Future of Health and Wellbeing” this year, the program covers a broad range of topics, including mental health, health equity, health care system, ethics, healthy ageing, and global health. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University (Photo: Chulalongkorn University) “You have already proved yourself to be pioneers ready to lead the way towards a shared vision of global citizenship,” said Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, in his opening remarks. “Global citizenship is key in these times when the world is undergoing critical transitions that demand resolution of interconnected challenges,” he added. Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Photo: Chulalongkorn University) Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, revealed that the inaugural class of APRU SDG4GC was completely oversubscribed and congratulated the students for being selected. Tuan explained that APRU SDG4GC serves to guide students to create solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges through collaboration. “These challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic, as the world is faced with an increasingly polarized geopolitical environment which has created all sorts of hindrances for transnational collaboration,” Tuan said. Iwona Spytkowski, Team Leader and Strategic Planner at United Nations in Thailand, provided a snapshot of SDGs progress and explained how the UN system can be leveraged for further improvement. Marisa Panyachiva, Partnership and Development Finance Officer at the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, provided information about the UN’s structure and the agency’s many funds and programs. Panyachiva explained that the UN draws its unique strengths from working at different levels, from regionally to globally. Elodie Jacquet, Global Citizenship Program Co-designer who is the Knowledge and Practice Manager at Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue, urged the students to have a spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness. “This is an important skill to have when you will be negotiating with other members of society, different levels of government, and other people that you will interact with in your work,” Jacquet said. Natalie Konomi, Global Citizenship Program Co-designer and Professor at Kyushu University, presented the elements of culture, illustrating how complex and interconnected those are. On day 2 of the orientation, the panel session entitled “Shaping the Future of Health and Well-Being” was broadcasted widely and raised the question “How can we build a caring and sustainable global community?” Dr. Andrea Bruni, the WHO’s Regional Advisor, Mental Health, South-East Asia, shared insights about the new WHO Mental Health Action Plan. Jennifer Frances dela Rosa, a Senior Officer affiliated with the Health Division of ASEAN Secretariat’s Human Development Directorate, spoke on social progress and cultural development in the ASEAN region. Hilda Ho, Head of Psychiatry Services, RIPAS Hospital, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam, and Bambang Purwanto, representing the Ministry of Health, Indonesia,  spoke on developments regarding mental health in Brunei and Indonesia respectively. Tiffany Chen, Policy Experimentation Expert, Thailand Policy Lab, UNDP, shared findings from an ongoing case study about mental health issues among Thai youth. In the next four months, the students will engage in interactive lectures and workshops on design thinking and cross-cultural communication, receive mentorship from experts from the program’s core partners, and work in teams to develop a solution to address a challenge on this year’s theme. A pitching competition on 20 March 2023 will showcase students’ work and will be judged by a panel of UN experts. The winning team will participate in a week-long visit to Bangkok, with training at Chulalongkorn University’s Innovation Hub, field trips to spin-off companies and start-ups, and an opportunity to join a key UN event in Bangkok. The SDG4GC program is one of many initiatives that APRU is building with its member universities to nurture our youth to make an impact locally and globally to address some of the world’s biggest challenges. Group Photos of the Orientation: For more information about SDG for Global Citizenship, please visit SDG4GC Website.

The APRU Sustainable Cities & Landscapes Conference (SCL) 2022 brought nearly a hundred in-person participants together in Honolulu, USA, September 6-9, making it the first in-person APRU program event after a three-year pandemic hiatus. Held under the theme: Climate Risk and Urban Resilience-Challenges Ahead and hosted by the University of Hawi’i at Manoa (UHM), the SCL engaged eleven inter-disciplinary working groups, including the new working group Pandemics, Humanitarian Emergencies & Health led by APRU Global Health Program Director Dr. Mellissa Withers; and two working group sessions held fully remotely which were Urban Landscape Biodiversity and Children, Youth and Environment groups. An on-site student symposium invited students from all levels to present their work and discuss their research with paired mentors. An exciting field trip to Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum and University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center gave attendees background and knowledge of Hawaii’s historical stories, civic engagement, and community design. The APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program was founded in recognition of the fact that more people live in the world’s cities than in rural areas today. Understanding the interconnection between human activity, resource use, biodiversity protection and the interdependence between cities themselves becomes truly essential to solving the critical sustainability issues facing the Pacific Rim societies. “It was very encouraging to see how the SCL 2022 engaged over 80 in-person participants plus more than 20 online participants across Asia, North America, South America and Australasia, with the shared aim of highlighting the importance of sustainability to the Pacific Rim as well to the globe,” said Professor Michael Bruno, Provost, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, in his lightning talk on urban oceans. “UHM will continue to fully support APRU activities aiming towards well-prepared and resilient urban societies,” he added. Among the other key attendants was Prof. Makena Coffman, Director of the UHM’s Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, who served as a key organizer of the SCL 2022. Prof. Michael Richards, Associate Vice-President of Research and Dr. Andréanne Doyon, Director of the Resource and Environmental Planning Program from Simon Fraser University, Canada, joined the SCL conference for the first time. Doyon is now aiming to engage further with the SCL program, including by co-leading a working group. The University of Oregon’s (UO) Dr. Yekang Ko, who is the Director of APRU Sustainable Cities & Landscapes, led a group of UO faculty and students to attend the SCL 2022. Ko served as the lead of two SCL 2022 leadership meetings to curate current and future plans of working groups and discuss the next step for the second 5-year plan of the SCL program. The next SCL annual conference will be in Ecuador led by Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Colleagues who attended the conference presented initial ideas for the SCL 2023. More Information Find out more details about the SCL conference 2022 here. Article on University of Hawai’i News here.

APRU recently completed its second APRU Climate Change Simulation and is now preparing for next year’s simulation, with a new advisory group soon to be appointed. Co-organized by the APRU Global Health and the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Programs, the APRU Climate Change Simulation is a role-playing exercise in which students form multi-country, multi-disciplinary teams play the role of delegates to the UN Climate Change Negotiations. The 2022 APRU Climate Change Simulation engaged nearly 170 students from 17 APRU Universities in addition to a student group from Fiji National University. Forty-five experts from APRU universities and external partner organizations supported the delivery of the simulations, which are tasked to show ways to limit global warming to well below 2℃ in line with The Paris Agreement. A post-event survey showed that participating students highly appreciated the amount of diverse information on climate change, interaction with people from different parts of the world and the chance to take a very close look at the problems facing each country. “This simulation exercise has brought me to look at climate change in various perspectives in terms of its causes and the possible mitigation actions that are scientifically proven,” said Pedros Marcol Tabulo, a student from Fiji National University. “I will be so happy to share with my family and friends the importance of managing forests, which involves reducing deforestation and stepping up afforestation efforts,” he added. Students have also been grateful for the input they get from the experts who contribute to the simulations. The 2022 APRU Climate Change Simulation saw Ebru Gencoglu, Head of Sustainable Sourcing of Adidas, sharing insights on Adida’s efforts to lower the carbon footprint with new design and production approaches. Bernhard Barth, Human Settlements Officer of UN-Habitat, described how the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts both reveal and amplify the escalating impacts of climate change. Important expert contributions were provided by Dr. Rhys Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu), the Public Health Physician and Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, and Dr. Ralph Chami, the Assistant Director, and Chief of Financial Policies at the International Monetary Fund. Their key insights focused on indigenous perspectives and how to fund the climate crisis respectively. On the facilitator side, the post-event survey showed that the participators of the 2022 APRU Climate Change Simulation were impressed by how close it got to actual negotiations. Facilitators also noted that the students were very motivated despite the event being held online. “The value of this type of experience for students is magnificent, as it allows students to appreciate the values of a wide range of intellectual disciplines and a high degree of intercultural sensitivity, tolerance and a global perspective,” said Vivian Lee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who served as a facilitator. The 2023 APRU Climate Change Simulation will tentatively run in April 2023. The advisory group will be made up of simulation founding members Mellissa Withers of the University of Southern California and Elly Vandegrift of the University of Oregon. They will be joined by facilitators Vivian Lee, Zhenyu Zhang of Peking University and Christina Schönleber and Tina Lin of the APRU Secretariat. “We urge any interested APRU members who want to get their students engaged in this important activity to reach out to us,” Zhang said. “It is an excellent opportunity for participants to improve their communication skills, which is important when negotiating, lobbying or influencing leaders to take the actions necessary to implement solutions to climate change,” he added. More Information Find the webpage of the Student Global Climate Change Simulation 2022 here. View the program of the simulation 2022 here. Read the news in The Fiji Times about the simulation here. View a blog from UO’s student reporter here. To find out more about the APRU Climate Change Simulation 2023 and how your students can engage please contact [email protected].

1st Place Jillianne Santos, Doctor of Dental Medicine University of the Philippines Manila “Spectrum” 2nd Place Keaton Chan Ka Han, Graphic Design, University of Melbourne “NETSLINGER HIRO CUSTOM” 3rd Place Jazmin Horio, Exploratory Business, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa “Reseen” Congratulations to the winners of the APRU Digital Art Contest, “Level-Up Our World.” Students across the Asia Pacific submitted their original artwork which features the ability for digital arts to positively influence the gaming industry. Students were asked to submit their original artwork of cast of characters or game bosses which reflect students’ visions to shape an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world. With 2.7 billion people playing games globally, the gaming sector has the potential to cut across geography and generations for the good of society. Games that have introduced new and diverse characters in the gameplay and feature scenic dystopian landscapes have reached mainstream popularity and raise the need to be more inclusive and sustainable. We thank the partners including: Moon Lab, a blockchain-based startup that specializes in making mass adoption of blockchain technology possible, Cyberport Hong Kong and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for their support of the students and this contest. We thank all the students for their participation in this competition and we look forward to a more inclusive and sustainable esports industry landscape of the future. For more information about the design contest, please visit here.

The 7th APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2022 recently concluded, giving a total of 48 teams across 22 universities in 12 economies a platform to present solutions for the challenges the health system of Fiji has been facing. The competing teams had up to 10 weeks to prepare a 10-minute video in English to address a complex hypothetical scenario, for which there is no single “right” plan. Fiji has had 64,221 cases and 834 deaths due to COVID as of March 21, 2022. Despite a relatively successful response to COVID-19, the financial cost to Fiji’s economy has been devastating. In 2019, Fiji’s tourism brought in US$1.3 billion, but passenger arrivals plummeted by 84% in 2020, causing tourism to generate only US$236 million. This dramatic drop illustrates that extended quarantine and lockdown measures are not feasible for highly tourism-dependent countries. The APRU Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2022’s winning team was Fiji Apple from National University of Singapore. The decision, which came along with a prize of US$1,000, was made by an international panel of 16 judges, experts and participants of the Sustainable Cities and Landscape Conference 2022. Fiji Apple’s three-pronged solution consists of FijiReadi!, which strives to improve Fiji’s future pandemic preparedness and response via the use of a bottom-up approach; FijiUniti!, which improves communication between villages and higher administrative units; and FijiXchange!, which is a material goods exchange system to secure essential supplies. “It important for us to consider Fiji’s culture and practices in suggesting solutions that favor local level governance rather than national level ones,” Fiji Apple says in its winning video. “We thus identified the need to promote a bottom-up approach to pandemic detection and response that empowers people living in both urban and rural areas,” they add. Although this challenge was hypothetical, many economies around the world are currently considering how to address identical issues. For more information about the case competition 2022, visit here.

Congratulations to the winners of the APRU Rampage Invitational Tournament. Revisit the tournament finals on YouTube: Students in the Asia Pacific Rim to participate in the Rampage Invitational Tournament to build community and connectivity through competition. In a 5v5 Valorant title, students were inspired to connect and support for one another. APRU Rampage Invitational Tournament gave students an opportunity to build community across borders and universities to participate in competitive and exclusive tournament series. We thank the partners including: adidas, Planet9, a global esports community platform for gamers and launched by Acer in early 2020, Cyberport Hong Kong and Nexten for their support of the students and this tournament. We thank all the 70 students, 14 teams, from 8 universities for their participation in this tournament and we look forward to providing more opportunities for working together across borders. Winners: Asia region: Puffy Gang from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Latin America region: eSports Uchile from Universidad de Chile, Chile North America region: UHEsports from University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, USA List of Students from Winner Teams 1st Place of Asia: Puffy Gang Nanyang Technological University Singapore Gavin Wong Tan Wei Ang Japhet Tan Edan Kang Ivan Goh Lee Keat Wee 2nd Place of Asia: HKU SPACE Hong Kong SAR 1st Place of Latin America: eSports Uchile Universidad de Chile Chile Nicolás Alexander Figueroa Tangol Alexis Miguel Garcia Valdés Pedro Antonio Quevedo Villalobos Alfredo Alejandro Castillo Gutiérrez Clemente Ignacio Pizarro Schwerter Jorge Alexsander de beró Droguett Vargas 2nd Place of Latin America: Borregos GDL Tecnológico de Monterrey Mexico Jaime Yael Carillo Bejar Pedro Mariscal Parrilla Carlo Eduardo Renteria Toussaint Jorge David Limón Otañez Eric Oswaldo Valencia de los Cobos Santiago Mercado Acosta 1st of North America: UHEsports University of Hawai’i at Mānoa USA Cody Oshiro Kodi Young Michael Johnson Tate Tamaye Kaveh Esfahani 2nd of North America: UBC Blue The University of British Columbia Canada Arjun Arunprakash Arnold Ying Charles Guo Adam Kwok Matthew Ng For more information about the tournament, please visit the event webpage.

Recently, the “Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2022” hosted by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) proceeded to its final stage. Team “Arete” from Tongji University advanced to the top 10 of the competition, receiving the great honor of being the only team from China’s mainland in the final this year. Six Tongji University students, namely WANG Kaitao, MIAO Yongen, YAN Le and LIU Tong from School of Medicine (TUSM), and CHEN Yixian and PAN Kunwei from the School of Foreign Languages, made up the “Arete” team. The internationally and annually APRU-hosted Global Health Virtual Case Competition has provided APRU students with an opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills through cases and scenarios to help solve global health challenges. The challenge of the case competition 2022 was to build and strengthen the capacity of the health systems in Fiji to better respond to future public health threats, focusing on vulnerable populations. The participating teams were obliged to propose a realistic, well-designed, and innovative solution. A total of 48 teams from 12 major Pacific Rim economies participated in the case competition 2022. Three Tongji University teams (Arete, Tongji Youth Team, Small Jin), made up of twelve students from TUSM (Clinical Medicine, Nursing and Physical Therapy) and four students from other majors (SFL, CAUP, CEIE), registered for the challenging competition to compete against other teams from top leading research universities around the Pacific Rim. By the time these participating teams started to prepare for their entries, they had been confronted with various difficulties and challenges such as stringent containment measures during the worst period of the COVID outbreak in Shanghai, despite which they still managed to do a literature search, completed interview schedules with Fijian students and local transportation workers, conducted liaison meetings on a regular basis, and worked out a wrap-up of the case solution through video shooting and editing. Through uninterrupted efforts in balancing online learning and a non-stop fight against COVID, they completed their proposal on schedule. During that period, they received intensified concerns and support, including guidance from CHEN haibin, Deputy Party Chief of TUSM, who shared the first-hand experience of pandemic prevention and control on West Campus. The International Students Office of Tongji University assisted in contacting Fijian students whilst the School of Design and Innovation, along with the Sino-Italian Institute, gave support for video-making. The Association of Pacific Rim Universities, or APRU, set up in 1997, is a consortium of top leading research universities from various economies of the Pacific Rim. Currently, it has a membership of 60 top research universities around the world, among which 12 universities are from China’s mainland, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, University of Science and Technology of China, Zhejiang University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Sun Yat-sen University and Tongji University. Tongji University has been taking an active part in consortium activities with its commitment to promoting cultural integration and resource sharing, close-knit and deep-rooted partnerships, and further development of an inclusive and efficient platform for international collaboration. View the Chinese version here. Find out more about the Global Health Virtual Case Competition 2022 here.

The successful completion of the Esports Fellowship Program 2nd Cohort was marked in late-June with final presentations and a graduation ceremony that left a deep impression on participating students, educators, and professionals. Led by Tecnológico de Monterrey in partnership with Cyberport, the APRU Esports Fellowship Program is an international network of student leaders engaged in next-generation learning experiences that support the growth of healthy, vibrant Esports communities. The Esports Fellowship Program 2nd Cohort was comprised of six monthly workshops from January-June 2022. Workshops were student led and ranged in topic from Marketing, Promoting, Sponsorship, and Broadcasting / Streaming, to Game Design. “Cooperation has been so visible and so amazing, with such as level of commitment and professionalism,” said Pille Kustala, Professor for International Business at Tecnológico de Monterrey, in her graduation address. “I have no doubt that all of the student participants will have a great future in professional esporting,” she added. Christopher Tremewan, Secretary General of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU, congratulated students on their deepening leadership in their universities and across the region. “And we find that you, the students, are already leading as innovators and gamechangers in creating the esports ecosystem. We thank you for sharing your insights on the ecosystem in this program with your peers from around the world. We hope this leads you to understand the ecosystem broadly and the many social implications and its potential use for social health, problem-solving global challenges, and diversity and educational pathways to other careers. APRU is privileged to have Tec de Monterrey, Mexico as the host for this fellowship program, with it’s global reputation in pedagogical leadership and educational technology we are able to make significant strides.,” Tremewan . Paula Cánepa, International Business Development Director at Spain’s Esports league LVP – Liga de Videojuegos Profesional, shared her impressions when witnessing the students being proud of their projects and investing a great deal of commitment. “For us from the industry, this is exactly what is needed, so please keep going,” Cánepa said. Mark Candella, Director of Student & Education Programs at Twitch Student program, which fosters sustainability and increase professionalism in Esports, was also visibly impressed by the success of the Esports Fellowship Program2nd Cohort. “I am humbled, I am inspired, and I have goosebumps thinking about the beautiful future that educators, students and educational institutions are creating,” Candella said. “And this is not just feeding into Esports but into the many different industries that are upgraded through tapping into creative content developed by the Esports sector,” he added. Cyberport, owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, is an innovative digital community with over 1,500 start-ups and technology companies. Participating Universities were: Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Vladivostok, Russia Keio University, Tokyo, Japan National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey (TEC), Mexico University of British Colombia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, United States Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, United States University of Washington (UW), Seattle, United States Zhejiang University (ZJU), Zhejiang, China For more information about APRU Esports Program, please visit here. For more information about APRU Esports Fellowship Program 2nd Cohort, please visit here.

Original Post on APRU VSE The APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program commemorated Earth Day 2022 by challenging students across the Pacific Rim to share their creativity through art to highlight the Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet.” Congratulations to the winners: Ng Hei Yi (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Daniela Álvarez (Universidad de Chile), and Leung Pui Yee (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology). Twenty-four students across 13 APRU universities submitted inspiring entries ranging from poetry, videography, to graphic design. The winning entries and four other featured entries are showcased on this page. The APRU VSE Program has invested in planting 30 trees for every entry we received and together, we’ve planted 720 trees in Asia-Pacific communities most at-risk from climate change and environmental degradation. Adding 10% more green cover in cities and towns could potentially reduce the surface temperature of the area by 2.2 °C. As an essential part of the global economy, our efforts in improving the livelihood of our forests have cumulative effects as they provide tens of millions of jobs that are a vital part of the food chain, and are the source of over 28,000 species of plants used in medicines. The pressing needs of our planet require much more than money to reverse the effects of climate change and environmental hazards. As a network of universities we believe we have a great potential to shape the future healthy planet through high quality research innovation and educating the next generation of students which have the last chance to save the planet. We thank all the students for their contributions, please find the winning entries below. The VSE Central Office will contact the winners shortly for prize collection. The APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program, led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, makes international education accessible by allowing students to take academic courses and participate in co-curricular programs without the need to leave home. It opens up international education for all students by providing an immersive virtual student exchange experience through digital technologies and platforms and creating encounters with new ideas, cultures, experts, academics and students from around the world. For more information about the winning and featured Entries, please visit here.

Original The Fiji Times Twelve students from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) were part of the Climate Change Simulation Conference in collaboration with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). APRU is a non-profit network of about 60 universities in the Asia-Pacific, with the Secretariat based in Hong Kong. This activity is organized by the APRU Global Health Programme at University of Southern California (US) and the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program at University of Oregon (US). The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation is a role-playing exercise in which students will form multi-country, multidisciplinary teams to play the role of delegates to the UN Climate Change Negotiations. CMNHS Acting Dean, Dr Donald Wilson, said the conference allowed the students to participate and learn with the students from different countries on Climate Change. “The global engagement of our students links well with the strategic goal of the university for student experience and also creates an awareness for our students and staff of the international instruments that are critical to demonstrating the importance of staying connected to the global changes in climate,” Dr Wilson said. “We look forward to more conferences where our students can be part of and contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” The aim of the conference was to describe what contributes to climate change, explain global climate change efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, the UNCCC and the COP, identify adaptation and mitigation strategies and which will have the most impact on global temperatures, explain how/why climate change affects the most vulnerable populations and why it is an issue of social justice. The conference also discussed the practice of global teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration and communication skills, the complexity involved in countries’ decisions, including consideration of factors such as economic impact, negotiating power and the challenges of negotiations among countries on issues such as climate change and the importance of global collaboration. The CMNHS Head of the School of Public Health and Primary Care (SPHPC), Dr Timaima Tuiketei said the University was grateful to be part of the conference. “We are happy to be part of a global initiative to build the capacities of our students and future leaders in addressing Climate Change. At the same time, the SPHPC is committed to strengthening its Climate Change and Health Programme to the overall university contribution to the national and regional Climate Change Agenda,” she said. Third year Public Health student, Margaret Biliki said she became more knowledgeable after attending the conference. “I am privileged to be joining my fellow colleagues for the APRU Simulation on Climate Change this year as an FNU rep, as Climate change is a global issue affecting our environment and our health,” she said. “I am enthusiastic to be learning from a group of diverse disciplines and experts from across the globe in interactive and informative zoom sessions and discussions on causes, effects, and solutions to address climate change issues. “The event will also help me to learn negotiation skills and to enhance my knowledge on climate change issues, a critically important issue for us, as Pacific Islanders. I am looking forward to learning and interacting with students from other universities as well.” The conference had Guest Speakers who spoke on coastal habitats, deforestation, clean energy, trading and offsets, and diplomacy and negotiation skills.   Find out more about the Student Climate Change Simulation here.

The APRU Carbon Neutral Society Action Month which concluded in mid-June confirmed that climate change is too big a problem for nations to be addressed alone, instead requiring partnership across regions, disciplines, and stakeholders with a view towards long term collaborative efforts. Developed and implemented by Kyushu University, the action month events sessions targeted specifically early career researchers (ECRs) from various disciplines as a first step to support ECRs in expanding their professional networks across disciplines, research institutions, and borders. The APRU Carbon Neutral Society Action Month also served as a pilot for a longer-term program that will focus on interdisciplinary ECR collaboration, including skill set training, collaboration methods, and joint grant applications. Research related to zero carbon technology and societal change is a focus area for Kyushu University, as is the aim to actively contribute to advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation. “Providing global collaboration opportunities for early-career researchers through attractive APRU programs is critical for promoting a carbon-neutral society and climate action,” said Toshiyuki Kono, Distinguished Professor and Executive Vice President of Kyushu University & Honorary President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), in a webinar series that was part of the APRU Carbon Neutral Society Action Month. “I believe that these events will encourage the exchange of ideas, lead to discussions of potential cross-disciplinary approaches, and support the collaborative development of solutions,” he added. Similarly, Hao Zhang, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, labeled the webinar series as “eye-opening”, because participants were focusing on different specific areas under their single working banner of carbon neutrality. Zhang pointed out that the second major take away for all participants is about linking theoretical research to the actual issues, which, he said, is highly relevant, given that much of the research is theoretical. “The third major take away is that technologies are a core issue that we have to understand from a range of different perspectives as well,” Zhang said. “Sometimes new technologies generate a lot of radical issues, and regulations and laws have then to catch up, even though we don’t really have much time left to tackle climate change,” he added. According to Ru Guo, Professor, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, the integration of technology and policy innovation is crucial, especially for the local governments in developing countries, whose recent priority is not achieving carbon neutrality, but rather stimulating economic growth. “Especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, the global economy has been in crisis, and many people are struggling for survival,” Guo said. “We need action on the local level, as local governors need to strike the difficult balance between social welfare, economic growth, and carbon targets,” she added. Adrian Kuah, Director, Futures Office, National University of Singapore, held a presentation under the theme How to Educate in a Planetary Crisis. Kuah explained that universities are already deeply involved in social innovation, either directly due to active research or indirectly through their graduates. “In this era of climate crisis, we are seeing universities being part of the solutions, but I’d like to ask whether universities are also part of the problem,” Kuah said. “We tend to talk about the future of ‘the university’ in abstract ways. This is interesting but can be unhelpful. We have to re-imagine universities given our current and particular context, because after pandemic and war, we do not know what is going to come next,” he added. Patchanita Thamyongkit, Professor at Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Assistant to the President for R&I, Chulalongkorn University, pointed out that scientists keep developing new technologies, leaving her wonder why some of it will never be used. Thamyongkit illustrated that in terms of climate change mitigation, the big challenge now is not only to invent ways to de-carbonize, but also to make society adopt to the new idea of electrifying a very wide range of processes and devices. “Many countries, including my native Thailand, need a lot of new infrastructure, with society actually being the biggest infrastructure we have,” Thamyongkit said. “If we help people see what the opportunities are, we pave the way to giving the people the idea of using new energy,” she added. Shigenori Fujikawa, Professor, International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, Kyushu University, explained that he is a technology-focused scientist, and as technology-focused scientists tend to focus on forecasts, methodologies and mechanisms, it is usually difficult for him to communicate with totally different research areas. “However, climate change is a topic that urgently requires interdisciplinary research, involving many different viewpoints from economics and social aspects,” Fujikawa said. “The APRU Carbon Neutral Society Action Month is providing ECRs and students with a good chance of widening their own viewpoints,” he added.   More information Find out the details of the APRU Carbon Neutral Society Action Month here. Read a news article published by Kyushu University here Contact Christina Schönleber for further inquiries (Email: policyprograms [at] apru.org)

Congratulations to the winners of the APRU Student Esports Paper Competition, please see their names, entries, and video presentations below. The APRU Student Esports Paper Competition welcomed papers from undergraduate students across the Asia Pacific Region in three categories, Business Models for the Esports Industry, Esports for Social Good and Health/Wellness in Esports. The purpose of the paper competition was to support Esports as an academic area of study. We encouraged students to have innovative and quality research in the Esports field, as well as, promote the long-term investment of Esports research which will enrich students’ and universities’ resources and knowledge sources in an emerging field. Winning students have won a $3,000 USD Scholarship and the runner-up in each category has won a $1,000 USD Scholarship as well as being published in a special edition of the International Journal of Esports. We thank Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited for their support of the competition and look forward to enriching students’ experiences in esports now and in the future. Please find the special issue available at: Papers were presented at the APRU Metagame Conference 2021 on the second day of the DELF (Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum). Winners were chosen by a panel of judges and a live audience vote. Our deepest gratitude goes to the judges for their contributions to the development of this competition for giving their time to review papers.Winners were chosen by our panel of judges and a live audience vote. Our deepest gratitude goes to the judges for their contributions to the development of this competition for giving their time to review papers. Mr Tom Dore, Head of Education, British Esports Association Mr Terence Leung, Senior Manager (Esports and Youth Team), Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Mr Timothy Shen, Founder and Investor, Yesports Media Limited Dr Aaron Koshy, Chief Editor, International Journal of Esports Mr Sherman Cheng, APRU Secretariat Winner Entries Business Models for the Esports Industry 1st Place Title: Paving the Road: Exploring Esports Models and Marketing Opportunities in University Student: Zachary McKay University: The University of British Columbia (CANADA) 2nd Place Title: Two Islands in the Pacific Student: Reyn Seki University: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (USA)   Esports for Social Good 1st Place Title: Esport’s Legacy of Social Good Student: Kaden MacKay University: The University of British Columbia (CANADA) 2nd Place Title: Women’s experience of sexism and objectification in the eSports and gaming community Student: Gabdulkhaeva Leysan, Suprun Elizaveta, Malenkova Elizaveta University: Far Eastern Federal University (RUSSIA)   Health/Wellness in Esports 1st Place Title: The Psychological Impacts of eSports Gaming: A Detriment or a Lifeline in Disguise? Student: Rosarita Ridhwan De Cruz University: National University of Singapore (SINGAPORE) 2nd Place Title: E-Sports: Motivations and Life Goals Student: Liaw Yan Xin, Seah Kia Luck, Mah Kim Chuan, James University: National University of Singapore (SINGAPORE) More information about the competition at here Revisit the student paper competition presentation on YouTube:

APRU successfully concluded its APRU Global Sustainability: Waste & The City seminar course, providing APRU graduate students an opportunity to gain insights how industry and academic leaders from around the world work with key stakeholders in implementing sustainability in their organizations. Delivered via videoconferencing in February-May in a seminar-lecture/ student peer-to-peer session mix, the course investigated a range of topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance (ESG), the linear/circular economy, and urban development. The course was a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University Singapore; the APRU Sustainable Cities & Landscapes Program (led by University of Oregon); and the APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program (led by Korea University). Its format has been closely aligned with the APRU Global Health Distance Education Courses that have been running very successfully for over five years. “As shared in the class, we know that more people want businesses to take concrete actions to address climate change, with the rise of eco-awakening starting to push leaders and organizations to move rapidly toward environmentally sustainable business outcomes,” said Amit Midha, Dell Technologies’s President Asia Pacific, one of the industry expert speakers participating in the course. “Indeed, sustainability and the impact it must have for generations to come is a topic I get often asked about by my children,” he added. Other industry expert speakers were Kirsty Salmon, Vice President Advanced Bio and Physical Sciences for Low Carbon Energy at BP; Clint Navales, P&G’s VP Communications Asia Pacific; and Seung Jin Kim, Project Sourcing and Development Lead of Alliance to End Plastic Waste. “It will take a multi-stakeholder approach to address global challenges such as the circular economy,” said Salmon. She shared that “bp’s ambition is to become a net zero energy company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world to do the same. This can only happen by working with current and future stakeholders, suppliers, consumers and policy-makers to make this happen”. Subject experts from within APRU included David Wardle, NTU Professor and Co-Chair APRU Sustainable Waste Management; Yekang Ko, University of Oregon Professor and Director of the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program; and Yong Sik OK, Korea University Professor and Director of the APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program. Student feedback about the course was very good specifically highlighting the valuable learning experience it offers participants. Academic lead for the development and implementation of the course was provided by Sierin Lim, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Global Partnerships at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Lim stressed the importance of students across all disciplines gaining green knowledge through active discussions as part of their studies. “Our course aims to equip students with not only the knowledge on sustainability but also the thinking process and implementation in the industry. Offering this course within an international platform such as that on the APRU provides the students with the opportunity to hone their analytical and intercultural communication skills. We are looking forward to develop the course together with our partner universities for the next cohort to bring in new perspectives on sustainability,” Lim said. Find out the previous course description and speakers here. Contact the APRU Program Team ([email protected]) if you are interested to bring your students to the next iteration of the course.

Original post on UBC News Gamers often get a bad rap. Critics argue that online gaming is a time waster, exclusionary and male-dominated, even leading to aggression and addiction. In practice, though, virtual games and tournaments connect people across the globe over shared interests, says Zachary McKay, Co-President of UBC Esports Association, an initiative and club. With the motto “where gamers meet UBC,” it is the university’s largest club with nearly 4,000 members, compared to others which average in the hundreds or dozens. UBC Esports aims to build a community of students with no borders, and engage with colleagues and peers worldwide through online video game competitions, social events, tournaments, celebrity meet-ups and their crown jewel, the Legion Lounge where students can play games on campus. Not only does the club want to reverse negative perceptions and attract new people from all walks of life, it is investing in its student members. Case in point: the club and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) recently awarded scholarships to two UBC students through a research paper competition. The Legion Lounge is the crown jewel of the UBC Esports Association and a place for members of the UBC community to connect and play games on campus (video: UBC Esports Association) “The competition is about supporting Esports as an academic area of study, and encouraging students to have innovative and quality research in the field, as well as promote long-term investment in Esports research to enrich students’ and universities’ resources in an emerging field,” says Matthew Tan, UBC Athletics and Recreation Associate Director of Partnerships, and Senator at UBC Vancouver Senate and UBC Council of Senates. Tan collaborates regularly with UBC Esports. At the 2021 APRU Student Esports Paper Competition and Awards, McKay came in first for his piece on Business Models for the Esports Industry, taking home a USD $3,000 scholarship. He is in a fifth and final year at UBC, earning a philosophy degree with a minor in creative writing. Another undergraduate, Kaden MacKay, also won USD $3,000 for first place in the category Esports for Social Good, “writing about different countries and cultures,” MacKay says. “For example, Pakistan winning the biggest tournament ever held: these success stories show that you can’t judge anyone as an Esports player by where they come from – it’s just so diverse.” A club finance executive, MacKay is in year two at UBC, focusing on cognitive systems. Both winning papers will be published in the International Journal of Esports. The students plan to use the scholarship money to pay for university tuition and, because he is in his last term, McKay will use $1,000 of his winnings to establish the first UBC Esports leadership award. UBC Esports is a non-profit, volunteer, student-led organization under the UBC Alma Mater Society umbrella. The club runs as seamlessly as a well-oiled corporate enterprise. And anyone who thinks gamers might be lacking in smarts and motivation need only listen to McKay detail the start-up structure model, workings of its HR department and foundational principles in a manner far more articulate than many CEOs twice his age. Founded 11 years ago, today UBC Esports is internationally recognized – and popular. More than 1,000 entrants have signed up so far for June’s upcoming Smash Tournament “Battle of BC 4,” for example. Club executives of the UBC Esports Association, led by Co-Presidents Zach McKay and Branson Chan, at the UBC Esports Icebreaker event held in person (photo: UBC Esports Association, October 2021) Members can get involved as much, or as little, as they like, McKay says. The action ranges from laidback and leisurely to competitive tournaments in a high-stakes environment, and no prior experience is necessary. The only agenda is getting people excited about and enjoying video games, trying new things and making friends, he says. Some of the most popular games include League of Legends, Valorant and Super Smash Brothers. “We are incredibly approachable,” McKay says. “For myself, I’m not very good at games. I do it for the fun of it. What motivates me is that I’ve been able to make lifelong friendships with people through the club. Our community is really vibrant and the social aspect is a unifying feature.” Busting misconceptions is also part of the club mandate, in particular, leading by example to be diverse, secure and inclusive. Half of the club’s several vice presidents were women in 2021. UBC Esports hosts a women’s night for female-only competitions and boasts a team culture that prioritizes a safe atmosphere for women and marginalized communities. The association also puts on professional development workshops centered on Esports with the goal of preparing students for careers in the video game industry. Topics cover everything from partnerships, project management and event logistics to human resources and graphic design. Prospective students learn more about the UBC Esports Association at their booth on Clubs Day (photo: UBC Esports Association, 2021) APRU decided to get involved when UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono first flagged the opportunity back in 2018. Noting the almost 3 billion gamers worldwide, and 2.5 million college and university students likely involved in esports in APRU alone, President Ono voiced his support for UBC to get involved. UBC then became one of 11 founding partners in the APRU Esports Fellowship Initiative, which brought in consultants to advise on what universities could do collectively and individually. An international Esports fellowship and greater support for the club topped the list of recommendations. Along with UBC, founding members of the initiative are Far Eastern Federal University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Keio University, Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Tecnológico de Monterrey, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, University of Washington and Yonsei University. And the movement is growing. Connecting with others from all over the map is at the core, says MacKay. “How rare is it to talk to someone in Chile and Australia at the same time?” he says. “It’s usually very country- or continent-specific, so it’s so cool to do this globally. Everyone who does this is very passionate about what they think Esports can be – and it’s about sharing ideas across the world.” Find out more about the UBC Esports club. Read more about the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Read the winning APRU Esports research papers. See the recent Ubyssey feature story on UBC Esports.

The annual APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize is now accepting applications for outstanding research work that strives to improve women’s health and economic well-being, and charts the way for more inclusive growth. The winning entry will receive USD 20,000 and the two runners-up will receive USD 5,000 each. The prize, first launched during APEC 2019 in Chile with the support of Merck, aims to encourage the development and usage of sex-disaggregated data and promote gender-based research within APEC. As women across the world were hit especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who serve as unpaid caregivers, more research is needed to support solutions and advancements that allow women to stay in the workforce as the world rebounds. “We know that women in the region are overrepresented in industries hit hard by the pandemic—food, services, hospitality and tourism, to name a few,” said Renee Graham, the Chair of APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy. “While our focus is to narrow disparity and improve women’s economic participation, we must also ensure that we pay attention to women’s health, safety and well-being.” Thailand, host economy of APEC 2022, is prioritizing inequality and imbalance this year by integrating inclusivity and sustainability objectives in tandem with economic goals. “To ensure an inclusive recovery from COVID-19, which has disproportionately impacted women and girls, we must implement evidence-based, gender-sensitive policies,” said Kannika Charoenluk of Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. “Original research, backed by data and evidence, will be crucial in ensuring a gender-intentional recovery and future growth model.” Since its inception in 2015, the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies initiative has improved women’s health through public-private partnerships. One key outcome has been the cross-sector collaboration in creating a policy toolkit—a compendium of the issues, actions, and implementing elements for improving women’s health across five areas. The areas are: workplace health and safety; health awareness and access; sexual and reproductive health; gender-based violence; and work-life balance. Applicants to the 2022 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize can be individuals or teams, with the stipulation that one official participant must represent an APEC member economy. Applicants do not need to come from academia, as long as the research is evidence-based and addresses at least one of the pillars outlined in the Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Policy Toolkit. The prize winner may choose to present their research to APEC gender experts in the public and private sectors on the margins of the 2022 APEC Women and the Economy Forum, hosted by Thailand. “Now more than ever, we need to promote research that supports our collective effort in alleviating the economic burdens women face in the workforce,” said Hong Chow, Executive Vice President and Head of China and International of Merck Healthcare. “By using science, we can provide evidence-based information to policymakers and business leaders so that the right measures get implemented to improve women’s health so women can join and rise in the workforce,” she concluded. Interested candidates may access the prize application form through this link. The application deadline is Tuesday, 31 May 2022. For more information, please visit the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies website or contact [email protected] with any questions.   For further details, please contact: Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at [email protected] Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 [email protected]

The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean has undertaken a study on virtual exchanges and looked at some case studies including the APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program.  Please see more information about the report “Moving minds: Opportunities and challenges for virtual student mobility in a post-pandemic world” below.    Original post on UNESCO The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) launches on 28 February 2022 a major new report entitled “Moving minds: Opportunities and challenges for virtual student mobility in a post-pandemic world”, which addresses how the incredible creativity and innovation shown in higher education during the Covid-19 can be harnessed and further developed so that student mobility becomes possible, not only physically but through virtual modalities. The aim of this report is to ensure that students can continue to benefit from intercultural exchanges through the use of technology. These new forms of learning would make student mobility possible not only face-to-face but also virtually. The report is based on 14 case studies of virtual student mobility that have been implemented by 73 higher education institutions (HEIs) and through partnerships in 38 countries in all regions of the world. Based on the case studies, recommendations are offered to incorporate virtual student mobility as an additional form of student mobility, which can play a key role in reshaping the internationalization of higher education in the post-pandemic landscape. These practical recommendations are addressed to the different groups for whom virtual student mobility should be an important consideration: students themselves; those who develop and implement virtual student mobility (faculty members, staff of international relations offices); decision-makers (HEI leaders, HE alliances, governments); and funders (governments, NGOs). Access the full report here.

Written by William Yiu Original post on South China Morning Post Students walk past Widener Library at Harvard University in 2019. Photo: AP A record low of only 280 Hong Kong university students went on exchange programmes overseas or to mainland China in the last academic year, as Covid-19 travel restrictions wrecked plans for these much sought-after trips. That was 95 per cent fewer than the 5,391 students who spent time away in 2019-20 and the record high of nearly 6,700 in 2018-19. Although Hong Kong universities worked with institutions elsewhere to provide virtual exchange programmes, students said these paled in comparison with visiting a new destination and getting to know the people and culture there. A board at Hong Kong International Airport shows flights being cancelled in January. Photo: Dickson Lee Some universities have begun restarting their exchange trips, with more students likely to go this year even though strict travel restrictions remain. The latest figures for exchange students were announced in December by the University Grants Committee, which funds public institutions of higher education. Hong Kong universities have been expanding opportunities for undergraduates to spend a semester or a full academic year at another university, while continuing to pay the local tuition fee. Students apply to universities all over the world, especially in the United States, Britain, Japan and mainland China, which have exchange partnerships with local institutions. For many, the time away allows them to learn to be more independent, improve their language proficiency, make new friends and experience the culture of the place they are visiting. But the pandemic has continued to disrupt travel for everyone since 2020, particularly with Hong Kong’s strict requirement for arrivals from most places to undergo 21 days of quarantine. Most universities switched to virtual exchange programmes, which meant students remained in Hong Kong but attended online lectures and seminars at institutions elsewhere. Various other activities on culture, social skills, leadership and career development enabled them to make friends despite being separated by long distances. Chinese University (CUHK) said 1,400 of its undergraduates enrolled in its Virtual Student Exchange programme, organised since August 2020 and involving 61 institutions belonging to the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. Chinese University says 1,400 of its undergraduates have enrolled for its Virtual Student Exchange programme. Photo: Winson Wong In an opinion piece published in the Post last month, CUHK president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi said the virtual programme had the potential to make global education accessible to anyone with an internet connection, “rather than merely to those privileged few with financial means to jump on a plane and spend up to a year in a foreign land”. Competition is keen for exchange trips, as applicants must have a good academic track record and meet the language requirements at the universities they hope to go to. Not everyone can afford an exchange either. Students have to cover the cost of their air tickets, accommodation, meals, insurance and visa fees themselves. For those who choose universities in the US, the most expensive choice, this can add up to about HK$100,000 (US$12,840) per semester. Kristen Cheung, a fourth-year English major at CUHK, considered herself fortunate enough to attend a two-week exchange programme at Yale University in the US in 2020, before it was suspended because of Covid-19. She did not think a virtual programme could compare. “Students joining an exchange programme aim not only to study, but also to visit the host country and get to know people from different backgrounds. All these experiences cannot be provided in a virtual programme,” she said. Cheung said some students she knew who joined the virtual programme did so only to polish their resume and were not serious during the online classes. Residents in Nagoya, Japan. The country is among popular destinations for students wishing to go on exchange programmes overseas. Photo: Kyodo Alex Lau, a second-year sociology major at CUHK, took part in a two-month summer virtual exchange programme with a Japanese university and had mixed feelings about it. There were online lectures twice a week, from 11am to 3pm, with optional cultural activities in small group sessions. He said the programme helped him meet more people from Taiwan, mainland China, North America and Japan, but he missed out on experiencing the country and the social environment. “If you just want to get to know people from different places and join something for free, you could go for it,” he said. Now he is counting on travelling to Britain next year for an exchange programme at University College London, so that he can soak up the atmosphere and join in various activities. Some universities said their students were beginning to make plans for exchange trips this year. A spokesman for Education University said fully vaccinated students could go on these trips, but it would still offer virtual exchange programmes that included online immersion programmes, online courses, seminars and cultural exchange activities. For its students preparing to teach English and Chinese language, attending a course overseas or on the mainland was compulsory to help them improve their language proficiency and learn about the culture and education system there. The University of Science and Technology and Lingnan University said they had resumed sending students on exchange programmes since the second term this year. Both also offer virtual programmes as an alternative. City University also said it had resumed the physical programme in the 2020-21 academic year “under safe conditions”. Polytechnic University said its students were able to go on exchange trips to limited destinations such as the mainland, Australia or New Zealand during the earlier stages of the pandemic, or opt for the virtual programme.

The APRU Esports Fellowship Program completed the orientation session for its 2nd Cohort on January 22, readying participants for the cohort’s first workshop in March. Led by Tecnológico de Monterrey and in partnership with Cyberport, the APRU Esports Fellowship Program is an international network of student leaders engaged in next-generation learning experiences that support the growth of healthy, vibrant Esports communities. The program places students in internships and jobs and cultivates an alumni network that is accretive to both the fellowship and APRU Esports participating universities. Cyberport, owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, is an innovative digital community with over 1,500 start-ups and technology companies. “Whereas the program’s 1st Cohort involved seven universities and 38 students, the 2nd Cohort is today welcoming eleven universities and 69 students, reflecting that universities and people are keen to come aboard,” said Pille Kustala, Director of International Business at Tecnológico de Monterrey. “Having completed six workshops and five capsule projects during the 1st Cohort, students have become familiar with each other and everybody is excitedly anticipating the 2nd Cohort,” she added. Terence Leung, Senior Manager of Esports and Youth Team of Cyberport, pointed out that Cyberport and APRU have since 2020 been cooperating to promote the esports industries to students and nurture talents. Leung noted that Cyperport and APRU have jointly conducted two metagame conferences, APRU’s 1st global esports tournament, an esports paper award as well as the APRU Esports Fellowship Program. “Although Hong Kong is relatively new to esports development, we have many advantages, such as good infrastructure and experience in hosting largescale events, and the Hong Kong government has identified esports as an economic sector with good growth potential,” Leung said. “We are very confident that our joint efforts can maximize impact in fostering this promising industry together,” he added. Motohiro Tsuchiya, a professor of Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University in Japan and Deputy Director at Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI), shared that although he is not an esports player, he clearly sees the need to make students familiar with the industry. “Japan is game-friendly country, as reflected by the esports population keeping growing despite the overall population declining every single day,” Tsuchiya said. The Fellowship Program’s 2nd Cohort features student-led workshops on topics such as, marketing, promoting and sponsorship, broadcasting, streaming, and game design.  It features informal networking sessions to support students in developing an  international network of next generation leaders. The program will also bring in esports experts and leaders to share their experiences in the industry and provide their expertise. Finally, the program will also feature a tournament to further university esports clubs’ international recognition. The 2nd Cohort’s Graduation Ceremony and Final Presentations are scheduled for June. More information about APRU Esports Fellowship Program 2nd Cohort at here.

Download and view the post-event report here. The University of the Philippines (UP) successfully hosted the first virtual APRU Undergraduate Leaders’  Program  2021  with  the  theme,  “Sahaya:  Science  and  Arts,  Harnessing  the  Youth’s Advocacies” from 18 – 29 October 2021. A total of 29 undergraduate students from 13 participating universities located in the Asia and the Pacific participated in the 12-day program. The Opening Ceremony was graced with Hon. Loren Legarda, 3-term Senator, Deputy Speaker, and Representative, Lone District of Antique and Dr. Howarth Bouis, Director of HarvestPlus (2003 – 2016) as the keynote speakers along with UP Officials, President Danilo Concepcion, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon Bautista and APRU Secretary General, Dr. Christopher Tremewan. The UP Concert Chorus also gave a heartwarming performance of “I’ll Be There” and at the end of the program, participants were able to have a glimpse of the University of the Philippines and its constituent units through a virtual campus tour. For the succeeding days, different academic units of the university facilitated workshops and activities with topics on Digital Literacy and Critical Digital Literacy, Producing Vlogs, Holistic Habitation, Flourishing Life through Creativity and the Arts, Ensuring Food Security through Sustainable Production and Good Nutrition, Role of Biodiversity in Resilient Development, and Policy and Governance. Aside from the insightful workshops, a Global Cultural Activity entitled Sahaya Saya! was also held wherein the participants were able to showcase their own culture and interesting facts about their home country. The participants were grouped into four as they create their vlog as an output for the program. Workshops on production including pre- and post-production were facilitated by TVUP and they have assisted the participants in finalizing their respective outputs. A panel was also invited to provide comments and suggestions on the vlog concepts of the participants. During the closing ceremony, participants were able to witness performances highlighting the Philippine Culture from the UP Concert Chorus for their rendition of “Kruhay”, “Hamon ng Kasalukuyan” by Kontra-GaPi, and a special performance by Asst. Prof. Eman Jamisolamin of the College of Music of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Aside from these performances, the vlogs made by the participants were also presented. As the last day of the program, Mr. Jonas Angelo Abadilla of the University of the Philippines Diliman and Mr. Kun Woo Park of Korea University delivered the response on behalf of the participants of Sahaya 2021. Sahaya 2021 was then formally closed with a message from Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Executive Director of TVUP and the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee along with a highlights video that wrapped up all the workshops and activities for the past 12 days. The APRU ULP 2021 Sahaya will not be possible without the support of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the APRU ULP 2021 Local Organizing Committee, TVUP, and the UP Office of International Linkages. To view more information about the program and to watch replays of the sessions, you may visit  https://apru-ulp.org/. Resources (Student vlogs) GROUP 1 – THE CHAMPIONS Topic: Are you overconsuming your planet? GROUP 2 – THE YOUTH ADVOCATES Topic: Taking the First Step GROUP 3 – AvocaDO! Topic: Youth Volunteers for Edu-e-Work GROUP 4 – MMACAS Topic: Happy Land For more information about the program, please visit Undergraduate Leaders’ Program. For more information about ULP 2021, please visit the event webpage.

On December 7, APRU co-hosted the Sub-Forum 4: “Virtual Mobility and Cocurricular Programming” of the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2021 hosted by Tsinghua University in collaboration with UNESCO IITE. The event featured keynote speeches and case studies from six APRU member universities who all made international education accessible under the APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program, which allows students to take academic courses and participate in co-curricular programs without physically leaving home. The audience was comprised of instructors, researchers, experts, policy makers, and practitioners in the field of Massive Open Online Courses and online education from around the world. The Global MOOC Alliance is a diverse group of 17 world-leading universities and 3 online education platforms from across 14 countries in all 6 continents led by Tsinghua University. “The APRU VSE Program was launched with the unique preposition to create co-curriculum activities, and its strong focus on cultural leadership, careers and social aspects of study abroad experience in virtual delivery is precisely the focus we will need in the post-pandemic era,” said APRU Secretary General Christopher Tremewan, who chaired the session. Alan Chan, Provost, J.S. Lee Professor of Chinese Culture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), in his keynote speech recalled how the pandemic has compelled CUHK to renew its commitment to internationalization. “When all of a sudden the campus became so quiet, then all of a sudden we realized that things we had taken for granted in the past are so central to what we do as a knowledge enterprise,” Chan said. “We realized that global learning and international student exchanges are not peripheral to what we do here at CUHK but are part of our DNA,” he added. Other keynote speeches were delivered by Dr. Xuemin Xu, Vice President (Education and International Affairs), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Professor Eduardo Vera Sobrino, Director of International Affairs, University of Chile. Xu explained that the new technologies that were developed for teaching and learning as a response to the pandemic will in a post-pandemic era allow students to become global citizens and contribute to UN Sustainable Development goals. Vera Sobrino described how IT-based research sped up in-house internationalization and broadened the global perspective of local problems. “In the APRU exchange program, most exchange students in our classes spoke English as second language, which helped our own students to feel much more confident in using English as the medium of instruction,” Vera Sobrino said. “Clearly, the advantages of diversity in the classroom really surpassed the barrier of using language other than the native language,” he added. Shally Fan, Director of Academic Links, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, illustrated how the APRU VSE Program gave the students a holistic exchange experience just like they would have had when traveling abroad. Fan cited the results of a survey CUHK conducted among the exchange students. “Students said that it inspired them and explained that their minds were able to access the partner universities abroad without physically being there,” Fan said. Seung Hyun Yang, Manager, International Mobility & Cooperation Team, Office of International Affairs, Korea University (KU), reported on the virtual KU experience that enabled exchange students to take a deep dive into K Pop from the historical development to recent issues, as well as into KU’s “Tiger Pride” cheerleading culture. Wang Xiaoxiao, Director of Online Education Center, Tsinghua University, reported on Tsinghua University’s global open course, which has attracted 2.3 million learners since its launch in October. Voraprapa Nakavachara, Assistant to the President for Global Engagement, Chulalongkorn University, pointed out that the pandemic experience proved that cross registration and credit transfer is possible, opening the doors to “a bigger thing” in the future. “The virtual student exchange program proved that you can be a global citizen and attend universities anywhere,” Nakavachara said. “We as faculty must be able to adopt to change and be open minded to new technology,” she added. Revisit the Sub-Forum 4 here

Written by Professor Rocky S. Tuan Original post on SCMP A lecturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University leads an online class on March 17, 2020. Photo: Xiaomei Chen Knowledge has no boundaries. This is especially true in a global society, with more and more students crossing borders to access overseas education. Going abroad to study or on exchange has become a rite of passage for millions of young people around the world. According to an OECD report published in 2020, the number of tertiary students pursuing education in a foreign country reached 5.6 million in 2018, more than doubling over the last 20 years. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development also projected that the international student population is likely to reach 8 million by 2025. This phenomenal growth is attributed to the rise of the middle class in developing economies as well as a shortage of high-quality institutions in much of the developing world. The relative affordability and accessibility of international air travel, as well as the rapid development of communication technology, means students can be increasingly mobile while remaining connected to friends and family in their home countries. But the emergence of Covid-19 changed all this. As with so many areas of our lives, the pandemic has massively disrupted the traditional approach to international education; it threatened to erase decades of progress as the world retreated into quarantine almost two years ago. Travel restrictions, border closures, public health measures and pandemic politics have led to a significant decline in international student enrolment levels in most leading host countries. International students in Sydney, Australia, return to China following the outbreak of Covid-19, on August 20, 2020. Photo: Reuters Short-term exchange programmes, which are the backbone of the internationalisation agenda for so many universities, have seen a particularly sharp drop. Short-term overseas experiences are critical for fostering people-to-people links across nations, and provide students with the cultural smarts to forge global careers. Their absence is a potential tragedy for globalisation. Demand for full-degree programmes in top host countries has declined by as much as 20 per cent, but short-term programmes have fallen even further, with demand in many cases evaporating altogether. As universities and analysts think about recovery, it is forecast to take at least five years for international student mobility to return to pre-pandemic levels. What are universities doing about this, and where does a place like Hong Kong fit in? Far from passively waiting for borders to reopen, universities have been reimagining their approach to student mobility and harnessing the power of technology to deliver immersive international student experiences. This is much bigger than putting everything on Zoom or other virtual platforms. The novel approach has the potential to revolutionise access to international experiences and make global education accessible to anyone with an internet connection, rather than merely to those privileged few with financial means to jump on a plane and spend up to a year in a foreign land. According to a survey by the International Association of Universities in 2020, 60 per cent of universities have replaced physical student mobility with virtual mobility or collaborative online learning. Hong Kong is a global city, and its openness to international talent has underwritten much of its development and prosperity – the territory was simply not built to be isolated from the rest of the world. The pandemic could have been catastrophic to its educational exchanges, and indeed to the very fabric of Hong Kong’s people-to-people links with mainland China and overseas. Home to four top-100 global universities and the headquarters of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), an alliance of 61 leading universities from four continents on both sides of the Pacific, Hong Kong has taken a leadership role in developing innovative solutions which allow crucial international student exchange to thrive despite the headwinds of a once-in-a-century global health crisis. One prime example is the Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) programme conceptualised and managed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong under the auspices of APRU. Launched in August 2020, the exchange programme enables students of APRU member universities to take online academic courses on a plethora of topics and participate in culturally enriched co-curricular programmes as well as establish social peer networks, without needing to leave their home countries. Tech-driven and highly immersive, the programme received a commendation at the Times Higher Education’s prestigious Asia awards in 2021. Today, thousands of students from around the world have completed an exchange via the Virtual Student Exchange, and such virtual international experiences look set to endure post pandemic. Students of Chinese University of Hong Kong celebrate their graduation on November 4 last year. Even as we recover from the pandemic, the virtual student exchange platform pioneered during the pandemic is likely to endure. Photo: K. Y. Cheng This has got to be a good thing for expanding access to high-quality university education and achieving one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Academic studies show that students who undertake international exchange outperform their peers in areas such as teamwork, empathy, work ethic and communication – areas essential for the future of work and economies everywhere. It is clear that, as much as we all yearn for the return of quarantine-free international travel, a simple return to physical overseas experiences would mean only those with adequate economic means can benefit from them. As the world thinks about navigating a new normal at the other side of this seemingly endless pandemic, it is fitting that Hong Kong – Asia’s World City – is blazing a new trail for the future of international education.

Written by Marc Arakaki Original post on University of Hawai’i News University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa esports has solidified its standing as one of the top 10 university esports programs in the nation. Now, five students have been chosen for an international fellowship, which will bring more experience and knowledge back to the program. The Association of Pacific Rim Universities is a consortium of 61 universities across the Pacific region, including North America, Asia, Oceania and South America. The second cohort of its esports fellowship program will bring together dozens of students from its member institutions to discuss, share and collaborate on growing opportunities in the esports industry, with a special focus on the Asia region. Students were selected based on a nomination process by their advisors. They will attend monthly meetings virtually with other participants throughout the spring semester. “I’m most looking forward to getting a more global perspective on esports,” said UH Mānoa student Kwan Ho Cheung. “I think my current perspective is all about franchising and less so about what goes on behind the scenes of an esports broadcast, and all the intricate parts required to pull off some of the international events, the pinnacle of esports.” Lana Kawauchi added, “This is such an amazing opportunity and unlike anything I have ever participated in before. I’m looking forward to networking with students from all across Asia and working with them to create healthy environments in the esports community. I’m also looking forward to being placed in jobs and internships with companies that will help us achieve these goals.” The other UH Mānoa participants are Kelsy Padilla, Alohi Tolentino and Micah Tossey. “The fellowship will provide the selected students with an understanding of how the esports industry in Asia (Hong Kong, Japan and Korea) works, with educational, networking, business and internship opportunities. I am excited by the development of the academic and curricular component of our esports program at UH Mānoa,” said Nyle Sky Kauweloa—a communication and information sciences PhD student, head of the UH Mānoa Esports Task Force in the College of Social Sciences and instructor. UH’s position within the Asia esports market is crucial as the State of Hawaiʻi is in a prime location that bridges the East and West. One of the reasons why UH was selected as a host site for the Overwatch League’s summer tournaments, playoffs and grand finals was to improve the online latency difference as teams from North America and Asia competed virtually head-to-head in real-time. Visit the UH esports team’s Twitter and Discord pages. More stories on UH’s esports program. This program is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020. More info about APRU Esports Fellowship Program 2nd Cohort

The APRU Global Health Conference 2021 was held virtually on November 16-18, hosted by the School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong. The event, which took three years of preparation due to the pandemic, focused on global urban health and featured the announcements of the student winners of the APRU Virtual Global Health Case Competition and the Global Health Student Poster Contest. Urbanization and expansion of cities are inexorable global trends. Over 55% of the world’s population now lives in urban cities, and this proportion is expected to increase to 66% by 2050. The health consequences of such population changes are increasingly recognized as a key issues for sustainable human development. Cities present opportunities and challenges, which holds the key to citizens’ health and well-being. “Cross-sectoral partnerships offer the chance to develop integrated responses connecting environment and health,” said Gabrielle Fitzgerald, the founder and CEO of US-based Panorama, a platform for visionary leaders to develop solutions and bold action for social change, in a keynote speech. “How we catalyze the coalition in a fluid system is the key to address global challenges,” she added. Keynotes and plenary speakers shared insights on the built environment and its effects on human well-being under climate change and rapid urbanization. The panels’ topics ranged from mental health among adolescents to digital technologies and from health risk behaviour to active lifestyles. The APRU Virtual Global Health Case Competition 2021 awarded the winning prize to the short-listed teams at the conference. Participating teams were challenged young talents to develop technology-driven solutions to the COVID-19 Infodemic. There is a pressing need to address the massive amount of misinformation that has quickly spread throughout the world during the pandemic, with dramatic negative personal and societal consequences. This year the competition was conceived and hosted by the APRU Global Health Program in partnership with Amazon Web Services. ‘Amazon and AWS have made an upskilling commitment, to make it easier for people to have access to the skills they need to grow their careers. The APRU Global Health Case Competition encourages young talents and future leaders to address global challenges with technologies mindful of social impact, equity of access and equality to learning. This synchronises perfectly with AWS’ commitment.’ said by Dr. Julian Sham, Head of Health Business, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS. 121 teams from 37 universities in 17 economies submitted the entries this year. The winning team is ​UP Mediasina, a team of six medical students from the University of the Philippines, who were awarded US$1,000. The two runners-up are from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Nanyang Technological University. “Although the Philippines is the social media capital of the world with 89 million active users, it lacks a dedicated information crisis response,” the UP Mediasina team said in their video introducing their Project Dinig for systemized communication strategies. “The Philippines is facing a perfect storm and our health system is under crisis, but it need not be for long, as Filipinos could benefit from social listening facilitated by Project Dinig,” they added. The global health poster contest, for its part, invited current undergraduate and graduate students to submit their works related to global health research and studies to enter the competition. The contest received 64 submissions from 27 universities across 12 economies. The winning teams of the undergraduate category and graduate category are from the University of Santo Tomas and The University of Hong Kong respectively. The two winners were each awarded US$500. Find out more about the conference and the student case competition here.

The graduation ceremony of the APRU Esports Fellowship Program 2021 and the feedback workshop of the Capstone Project were held on November 18, 2021, featuring several successful Esports pioneers who encouraged APRU students to pursue careers in this dynamic industry. Led by Tecnológico de Monterrey university in partnership with Cyberport, Hong Kong’s hub for digital technology, the APRU Esports Fellowship Program is an international network of student leaders who support the growth of vibrant Esports communities. The Capstone Project, hosted by APRU, involved university-based student teams developing action-oriented strategic growth plans to drive Esports-related initiatives forward at their respective universities. Each team worked with an advisor at their university who guided them through the process of developing the proposed plan. “During my time as a student, I have been able to gain experiences I could have never imagined and make friends that share my passion,” said Zach McKay, Co-President at UBC Esports Association. “I was given the unique opportunity to equip myself with tools to work in the Esports industry after university, and I am sure my fellow students here can appreciate and relate to my experiences,” he added. Similarly, Ray Ng, Esports Manager at Cyberport Hong Kong, explained how he started working as a part-timer in the Esports industry after graduating from university and then secured his first fulltime position after one year. That was not as easy as it seems, Ng emphasized, as he had to endure many ups and downs, with some amazing companies turning him down. “Despite these setbacks, I continued build up my connections in the industry,” Ng said. “When you are looking into the mirror, you should always think who you want to become, and then you can go ahead making a difference in the world of gaming and Esports,” he added. Sean Zhang, CEO and Co-founder at Talon Esports, shared his view that the Esports industry is going to grow quickly to eventually surpass many traditional sports. He pointed out that passion is the most important thing for anyone seeking to pursue a career in Esports. “The hours are long, there is a lot to do, but if you do your work, it will be incredibly rewarding regardless of where you are, because there are fantastic Esports teams around the world,” he added. We congratulate the 26 students who graduated from the Esports Fellowship Program 1st Cohort. They represent 5 APRU universities including: Far Eastern Federal University National University of Singapore Tecnológico de Monterrey The University of British Columbia University of Washington

In time for the upcoming COP26 meetings, 120 dedicated APRU students from across the Asia Pacific region and close on 40 expert speakers and facilitators from within and outside the APRU network contributed to and concluded the first APRU Climate Change Simulation. The 3-session is a role-playing exercise in which students formed multi-country, multi-disciplinary teams to slip intothe roles of delegates to the UN Climate Change Negotiations. The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation uses materials from Climate Interactive and the EN-ROADS simulation model developed by MIT. Live sessions and breakout room-discussions were supplemented with keynote presentations by experts from the IMF, adidas, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, short lectures from key experts across the network and other materials developed and curated by the APRU expert team. On the long list of intriguing topics were indigenous knowledge, planetary health, public health, coastal habitats, deforestation, clean energy, trading and offsets, as well as diplomacy and negotiation skills. APRU envisions the event to be the first of many activities to develop a network of committed citizens who tackle climate change head-on. “The opportunity to work across different disciplines, places and perspectives as part of this negotiation simulation wasa rare chance for students to learn about the complexities of developing solutions to urgent global challenges, the largest of which is climate change,” said Kathryn Bowen, Deputy Director of Melbourne Climate Future, University of Melbourne. Kristie Ebi, Professor at the Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, also one of the sixteen participating APRU experts actively facilitating the negotiations and discussions, added that “the APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation represented a call to taking collective action against global warming.” The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation was co-organized by the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program housed at the University of Oregon and the APRU Global Health Program housed at the University of Southern California. External partners include Adidas, Rebalance Earth, Smart Energy Connect-CLP, Tuvalu Mo Te Atua, UN Habitat and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The participating students gave their thumbs up. For instance, Annette Benger, who studies Masters of Environment at Melbourne University, shared that the event has taken her understanding to the next level. “In my lectures on Sustainability and Behaviour Change, we are discussing the role of selfishness and altruism in human nature,” Benger said. “It is so easy to see so much selfishness, until you come across something like this, and we are all planning to keep in touch in our WhatsApp group,” she added. The APRU Student Global Climate Change Simulation also impressed its facilitators, with Tze Kwan, Research Associate, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, labelling the event “super”successful. “I am honoured to be part of this and to have had the opportunity to share my interests with the participants,” Kwan said. “This event was such a valuable learning opportunity, making me hope more students will get to attend and be inspired to act in face of climate change,” she added. The APRU Partner Universities involved in the Student Global Climate Change Simulation are Monash University, Nanyang Technological University, Peking University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Auckland, The University of Melbourne, Tohoku University, Universidad San Francisco De Quito, Universiti Malaya, and University of Washington. Find out a featured article from University of Southern California, here. Find out a post-activity report from University of Oregon here. Read students’ feedback from a CUHK article here.

Global esports career development platform YESPORTS and APRU recently convened five Asia Pacific Esports leaders in webinar series to empower students, administrators, and university leaders to make the most informed decisions about participation in Esports and assist in exploring students’ career opportunities for the future. On the 3-session agenda held July 7-28 were Career Plan For Young Gamers; Esports Player Contracts: Common Clauses And Potential Legal Issues; and Marketing Strategies in Esports. The Esports Industry Requires a Multi-disciplinary Skillset Speakers at Session 1, Dr. Baro Hyun, founder of an unprecedented Esports advisory practice at KPMG Consulting, Japan; and Joe Jacko, the League of Legends Head Coach at the University of Southern California, shared their Esports career pathway and gave suggestions on personal Esports career development. Jacko recalled how he started his Esports carreer with winning over US$20,000 in sponsorships with teams he had created. “That helped me to sort out coaching positions in universities across the country, from Delaware to California,” Jacko said. “It allowed me to take a dive into all the important issues and to directly tie my academic pursuits to gaming and Esports,” he added. Inequalities in Esports and Unionization of Players Speaker at Session 2, Mathew Jessep, Senior Fellow, The University of Melbourne, and Principal Lawyer, Game Legal, informed the contractual relationship between Esports teams and players and gave an idea on how these contracts can take shape and be implemented. Jessep shared his experiences of building his own career from a sports lawyer and expanding to esports. “Seeing esports through a sports law lens, I saw many cross issues, such as sports governance and sports integrity,” Jessep said. “But I also identified some gaps, which I have since been trying to address,” he added. Jessep provided a summary of notable judgements which provide a basis for players’ rights. While the outcomes of such judgements have a long way to go with regard to adopting practice into policy reform, Jessep offered examples where governments and players’ unions and associations have opportunities to take on a bigger role in providing support and services to players across the spectrum of the industry. Marketing Strategies in Esports Session 3 focused on marketing strategies. Aiman Arabain, Founder, NAJIN ESPORTS Streamer Content Creator; and Kamilla M. Sumagui, Team Owner of The Refuge Esports and formerly PH Bandits Management of UCLA PH, spoke at Session 3, provided first-hand experiences, as industry professionals, about building careers in Esports. “When I first got into the Esports business I had been the manager of the National Federation of Cycling [of the Philippines] and found that there were a lot of hindrances in the Esports scene, such as lack of knowledge in marketing and business management,” Sumagui said in Session 3. “People saw a lot of potential in my expertise, and now I am sitting here and am happy to share my expertise with a larger international audience,” she added. Summary of the Webinar Series The Esports Webinar Series involved YESPORTS and APRU pointing out that with an average retirement age of 25 for professional gamers, a career in Esports has been long stigmatized. However, with much more robust career offerings throughout the entire ecosystem, players can now see beyond the gamer role as viable career pathway. More information about the webinar series and Revisit the webinar recordings >>

APRU is proud to have joined Solve Climate by 2030, a trailblazing global education project organized by Bard College and the Open Society University Network.    The project harnesses the power of climate-concerned universities and high schools worldwide to facilitate ambitious Green Recovery action that can put us on the way to solving climate change by 2030.  Dr. Eban Goodstein, economist and Director of the Solve Climate project at Bard College urges climate-concerned teachers at the college, university and high school level to assign the APRU university webinars as homework– either live or recorded– and then engage students in this critical dialog.   APRU contributed to the Solve Climate by 2030 project by working with 13 APRU universities to host 14 webinars. With more than 21 hours of discussion and knowledge exchange, together we engaged over 3,000 students, experts, and climate leaders.   On the long list of stakeholders engaged by APRU are 60 climate experts; national governmental offices of environment and business; two city government leaders (Tokyo and Sydney); as well as representatives of the United Nations Development Program, the Asian Development Bank, the World Green Organization, ARUP, ESI Energy, and the World Resources Institute.   “APRU is eager to mobilize its vast network of academics, students, and public leaders to strengthen Solve Climate’s virtual imprint,” said Jackie Wong, APRU’s Director (Network Programs) and organizer for Solve Climate by 2030 at APRU.  Solve Climate by 2030’s Global Dialogue on Green Recovery, Climate Solutions, and a Just Transition started on April 6 with a resounding success thanks to over 10,000 viewers tuning in. Webinars were streamed from Argentina, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, the US, and Uruguay. Solve Climate by 2030 is expected to expand well beyond webinars as COVID-19 recedes.  Why Now? Because the world’s top climate scientists have told us we have a ten-year window to make rapid reductions in the carbon pollution causing global warming. If we don’t, we will severely destabilize the global climate, leading to extreme weather, droughts, floods, and sea-level rise that will be increasingly hard for humans to manage.   APRU recommends that public leadership builds partnerships to reduce the use of water, energy, resources in the food industry. APRU calls onto students to listen and include the climate change topic in all their academic conversations, from the legal field to art. In terms of climate justice, APRU stresses the need for equal access to energy efficient equipment and infrastructure for all social groups, especially underrepresented communities.   “Universities can do a great deal to contribute to solving our global climate crisis. They will educate the leaders of tomorrow to become active community-engaged citizens who volunteer, make informed consumer choices, and energize efforts to solve climate challenges. As the powerhouses of knowledge and innovation, universities worldwide have a great deal of power to inform policies discussions which will change our lives for the foreseeable future.” Wong said.  APRU Introduction Video here More information about the event here YouTube playlist of 14 webinars from thirteen APRU member universities here

Original by Cyberport, Media OutReach Workshop Organised with APRU Teaches How to Win Heavyweight Brand Sponsorships for Esports Development HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 April 2021 – Hong Kong Cyberport and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), a consortium of 58 leading universities in the Pacific Rim region, today held the APRU Esports Fellowship Workshop on the Cyberport campus and online. Talon Esports, a Cyberport incubatee and well-known organiser of esports leagues, shared its perspective on the esports business ecosystem and how marketing and business sponsorship can benefit the industry’s development. 30 students from universities in Hong Kong and the Pacific Rim, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong (HKU SPACE) and the Open University of Hong Kong, joined the workshop and exchanged views with fellow students who share their passion for esports. Participating students conducted a mock sponsor pitch to enhance their knowledge of the esports ecosystem. Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, said, “Cyberport is committed to cultivating local young talent and providing them with diversified entrepreneurship and career opportunities. As a high-growth emerging industry, esports and digital entertainment present younger generations with a rich array of opportunities, from content development to team management and training, and from event planning to brand marketing. Through this workshop, participants learned about the esports industry’s business models and the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s esports companies. Those aspiring to a career in esports could also broaden their horizons and enjoy fruitful exchanges via the APRU network with their counterparts from other universities in the Pacific Rim.” Industry Leader Shares Tips on Winning Sponsorships According to the latest forecast from industry research institute Newzoo, the global esports market’s value will reach USD1.084 billion in 2021, representing year-on-year growth of 14.5%. Business sponsorship will account for USD641 million, close to 60% of the total value. This demonstrates that business sponsorship is the esports industry’s bread and butter. As a Cyberport incubatee, Talon Esports is well-known for its League of Legends team, PSG Talon, as well as for the successful esports events it has staged, such as the VALORANT competitions in Hong Kong and Taiwan which have attracted lucrative sponsorships from a wide variety of businesses including sportswear company Nike, KFC Thailand, Hong Kong virtual bank Mox and gaming seat developer Recaro. Today’s workshop tutor, Sean Zhang, CEO and Co-founder of Talon Esports, noted: “Everything begins with the fans. Esports fans typically represent a very valuable consumer segment for many brands, but they are also notoriously difficult to reach through traditional channels. So the most important thing for us to understand from a partnership perspective is what our partners are looking to achieve, from both a business and a branding standpoint, and then our job is to work out how we can best help them bridge that gap between them and the gaming community in a way that is authentic and adds value for our fans too.” Sponsor Pitch Simulations Each participating university, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, HKU SPACE, the Open University of Hong Kong, the Far Eastern Federal University, the National Taiwan University, the National University of Singapore, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, the University of British Columbia, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Washington, arranged for two to three representatives to join the workshop. Grouped into five teams, the students were required to conduct a sponsor pitch for a popular esports league. To enhance their knowledge of the esports ecosystem, feedback and suggestions were provided by the tutor. Organising inter-university tournaments and academic competitions Dr Christopher Tremewan, APRU Secretary General, said, “Empowering future Esports leaders in the Pacific Rim brought APRU and Cyberport together to create the APRU Esports Fellowship Program. Through Cyberport, the new generation will have access to the resources they need to develop skills and build networks for careers in the thriving Esports industry, including access to over 140 Esports start-ups. A perk of our program is that students will have the exclusive opportunity to pitch to industry leaders after learning about sponsorship relations and insider tips that cannot be found in textbooks. Going forward, we will forge ahead with this partnership and offer more opportunities for students to learn through student-led inter-university tournaments, academic competitions and fellowships.” APRU is a premier alliance of research universities, established in Los Angeles in 1997 by the presidents of UCLA, Berkeley, Caltech and the University of Southern California. It aims to foster collaboration between member universities to promote economic, scientific and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim. APRU now has a membership of more than 50 leading research universities. Organised by Cyberport in partnership with APRU and the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, the APRU Esports Fellowship Program is a one-year programme dedicated to the esports industry. Cyberport’s session in Hong Kong is the programme’s third workshop, with the first two hosted by the National University of Singapore and the University of California, Los Angeles. The next workshop is planned for May, and will be hosted by the University of British Columbia. In addition to workshops, the programme also includes competitions which aim to boost the student’s esports skills and techniques. About Cyberport Cyberport is an innovative digital community with over 1,650 start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups on their growth journey, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in the public and private sectors. For more information, please visit www.cyberport.hk.

Original from Yesports Grooming and supporting the next esports generations of all parts of the world, Yesports announces its recipient for its FIRST Yesports Esports Apprenticeship. After reviewing a pool of remarkable applications, we are thrilled to announce that Samuel He from the University of British Columbia of Canada will be awarded the USD$10,000 apprenticeship to support his college education and esports dream. He was selected out of hundreds of applicants around the world after displaying exceptional academic achievement, extra-curricular participation and passion for esports. Samuel is a former professional Starcraft2 player under the premier organization Complexity Gaming. His experience in esports spans over 8 years and has played on the top stages such as Red Bull Detroit and MLG Anaheim. Furthermore, he has trained in the Invictus Gaming team house and was also a student of Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn. He has also been sponsored by NCSoft to compete in England for the Blade and Soul World Championship Qualifiers in 2018. He is studying a Masters of Music under world-famous clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester and is a recipient of the prestigious British Columbia Graduate Scholarship. “Thanks so much to Yesports and APRU for hosting this amazing initiative! I believe that the increased involvement of esports within our educational institutions is a strong step forward in popularizing esports as an industry, legitimizing it as a career path, and integrating it as part of our modern-day culture” Samuel said. Funded by Yesports, the apprenticeship program enables youth to continue their education at the collegiate level while developing their hobbies. The organization has been actively taking part in nurturing all-rounded talents and future leaders in the blooming and dynamic esports communities. This fund helps support those who exhibit the same commitment. Applications were accepted from students who are planning to further pursue their studies in colleges and universities. “Building on that commitment, in the coming year, Samuel will be our ambassador promoting esports and our brand in his local communities and schools by holding various events and networking with different esports societies,” says Yesports’ Apprenticeship Coordinator, Ms. Ariel Chu. “He will as well show up on our social platforms a lot as he will be creating content for us.” On the other hand, the recipient will be offered a 4-6 weeks work term at Yesports office based in Hong Kong, a chance to gain invaluable exposure to the esports industry that can give him a competitive edge. “With Yesports, Samuel will get a taste of how an Asian esports company operates, as well as the chance to help organize both online and offline world-class tournaments and events,” Ms. Chu further commented. Lastly, Yesports welcome all interested students to apply our new series of the Yesports Apprenticeship 2021-2022 which is now opened for application. We want to cater to students of all aspects; therefore, we have created 5 types of scholarships targeting applicants with different talents and skills. Please visit our website for more information. We look forward to seeing more all-round students like Samuel having the opportunity to glow in the esports world. Congratulations! For more information, please visit: https://yesports.asia/ Apply for Apprenticeship: https://www.yesportstalents.com/scholarship https://www.facebook.com/yesports.asia For further enquiry, please contact: Ms. Ariel Chu [email protected] +852 6514 9262 Natalie TT Wong [email protected] +852 5622 4680     About Yesports Yesports, the global O2O hub for talents to meet and connect to international employers and sponsors for unlimited career and business opportunities. Yesports is a global “esports +” social media platform where gamers meet celebrities for fun and opportunities to show their talent! It connects game lovers to a dynamic world of resources and people. Yesports Talent showcases talents from around the world and provides a platform for connecting to the corporates to maximize marketing synergies. Additional Important Information Yesports does not guarantee any of the applications will be successful in attaining the apprenticeship grant nor does the final amount offered. As the apprenticeship grant is provided by Yesports, the recipient(s) maybe subjected to additional terms and conditions, not currently presented in this document, as implemented by Yesports. The University does not have any input nor control over any of the terms and conditions as required by Yesports. The nominated recipient(s) should independently decide his/her acceptance of the apprenticeship grant.

A 12-session virtual workshop series developed jointly by the APRU Global Health Program’s Global Health Education and Technology Working Group at the University of Southern California and the Global STEM Education Program at the University of Oregon has grown into an effective platform providing important support for higher education staff, cushioning the impact of COVID-19. The creation of a peer-to-peer learning platform to exchange ways and knowledge on teaching in virtual environments became a pressing issue, as the pandemic forced the academic community to move fully to online teaching. Launched in August 2020 and scheduled to run until June 2021, the APRU Teaching in Virtual Environments Webinar Series addresses everyday educational problems, such as how do adjust safeguards for course exams. Underlining the series’ significance, it will be highlighted as a case study in a publication expected to be published later this year by the Spring Nature. “We designed these sessions to respond to the immediate need of providing remote teaching resources to faculty within the APRU network, and they have surpassed all of my expectations with a truly global faculty community,” said Elly Vandegrift, program director for Global Science Education Initiatives in the Division of Global Engagement at the University of Oregon. “Our work together strengthens and builds resiliency within our global higher education community to respond to future educational challenges,” Vandegrift adds. The APRU webinar series, moderated and led by Prof Vandegrift are conducted in 90-minute sessions and structured around specific faculty experts sharing their evidence-based practices that they adopted to online teaching. In the webinars’ breakout rooms, participants from different regions with different technology infrastructure share how they overcome the respective challenges. In conclusion the webinars return to a full group discussion to share insights learned and best practices shared across the diverse group. “We have collectively learned how many similar challenges students and faculty have faced during the pandemic and together explored ways to adapt global solutions to our local teaching and learning contexts,” highlights Mellissa Withers, program director APRU Global Health Program at the University of Southern California. The webinars support and complement other APRU Global Health Program events. The seven sessions that have been held so far involved participants from 92 institutes representing 19 economies. For upcoming webinars in this series visit https://apru.org/our-work/pacific-rim-challenges/global-health/

Issued by the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy Announced during the APEC Women and the Economy Forum on September 24, 2021, the winner and two runners-up for the 2021 APEC Healthy Women Healthy Economies Research Prize are listed here. The winning team is co-authored by Mr. Chen-Wei Hsiang, PhD student at University College London; Dr. Ming-Jen Lin, Distinguished Professor of Economics at National Taiwan University; Dr. Kuan-Ming Chen, Post-Doctoral Fellow at the United States’ National Bureau of Economic Research. Runner-up: Dr. Ying Yang, Associate Professor at China’s National Institute for Family Planning Runner-up: Ms. Nurliyana Binte Daros, Lecturer at Nanyang Technological University Find out the news release here and more information about the prize below. Applications are now open for the 2021 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize. The prize rewards researchers who spur the creation of sex-disaggregated data and gender-based research in APEC. Launched in 2018 by President Sebastián Piñera of Chile with the support of Merck, the research prize seek for outstanding research work that will provide policymakers and business leaders with the tools they need to implement measures that improve women’s health and well-being so women can join, rise and thrive in the workforce. “Robust data and evidence are the foundation of sound policymaking,” said Renee Graham, New Zealand’s Secretary for Women and Chair of APEC’s Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy. “The gendered impacts of COVID-19 make the call for data and evidence all the more important, as we look to ensure women are fully incorporated into, and benefit from, the economic recovery from the pandemic.” Last year, the inaugural research prize was awarded to Dr Fanghui Zhao, a director at the National Cancer Center and Cancer Hospital with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, whose winning research looks at ways to make cervical cancer prevention more accessible and affordable for people in lower-middle income economies. Dr Lih Rong Wang of Chinese Taipei and Dr Dorothy Chan of Hong Kong, China were the two runners-up for the 2020 prize. Applicants to the 2021 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize can be individuals or teams with one leader listed as official participant from an APEC member economy. Applications for the 2021 research prize are due on 31 May 2020. Applicants do not need to come from academia, as long as the research is evidence-based and addresses at least one of the pillars outlined in the Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Policy Toolkit, such as: workplace health and safety health awareness and access sexual and reproductive health gender-based violence work/life balance The prize winner will receive USD 20,000 and have the opportunity to present the research to APEC gender experts in the public and private sectors on the margins of the 2021 Women and the Economy Forum, hosted by New Zealand. Two runners-up will receive USD 5,000 each. “COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequalities across a range of women’s health issues, making sex-disaggregated data and gender-based research essential for today’s policymakers,” said Liz Henderson,Regional Vice President, Merck Biopharma Asia Pacific. “To truly unlock the economic potential of women, we must first empower women by promoting policies that improve their health outcomes.” “It is important to make available sex-segregated data, especially in the services sector where women’s participation is high and which have been affected by the pandemic,” explained Dr Rebecca Sta Maria, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “Good sex-segregated data will contribute to the development of policies that are effective, equitable and beneficial.” Since established in 2015 the Healthy Women, Healthy Economies initiative aims to identify and implement policies that advance women’s health and well-being to support their economic participation. To submit your application form, click here. The deadline to submit applications is 31 May 2020. For more information, please visit the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies website or contact [email protected] with any questions. For further details, please contact: Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at [email protected] Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected]

The Asia-Pacific region lags behind other global regions with respect to women’s health and economic participation. Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved if women, who consist half of the workforce, are unable to fully participate in the economy due to health implications. Since 2014, APEC’s Healthy Women, Healthy Economies (HWHE) initiative convenes government (health, labor, gender officials), private sector, academia and other interested stakeholders to raise awareness and promote good practices to enhance women’s economic participation by improving women’s health. A virtual APEC HWHE Policy Dialogue will be held on March 2, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (EST) / March 3, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. (SGT). A number of high-level speakers from across government, academia, and the private sector will be participating as speakers in the event. The objective of this policy dialogue is to share how public and private stakeholders across the APEC region can ensure women are not left behind, especially given the impact of COVID-19, as well as to identify and discuss the long-term societal risks if we do not build back better. We hope this policy dialogue will help stakeholders – especially those who might not ordinarily consider gender in their line of work – understand why it is vital to construct a COVID-19 recovery effort that takes into consideration the unique ways women have been impacted by the pandemic.

The 4th APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) Conference and PhD Symposium held 14th-18th December 2020 received an overwhelmingly positive feedback from academics and students for serving as a highly valuable platform for the exchange of insights between peers from across the Pacific Rim. 91.7% of respondents in a recently completed survey said they would like to continue engagement with their working groups in 2021 while 75% would be interested in joining the 5th APRU-SCL Conference in Hawai’i in person in 2022. The 4th SCL Conference and PhD Symposium were held virtually, with the survey’s stellar approval rates illustrating that the new conceptualization and pioneering approaches to empower attendees to fully engage in many different formats of interactions has worked out very well. For the host institution, the Future Cities Research Hub at the School of Architecture and Planning of the University of Auckland, the event represented the first fully virtual conference of this kind and size. “The strong financial support from the senior management, faculty and school made this successful shift to an online format possible,” said Christina Schönleber, APRU’s Senior Director (Policy and Programs). “It enabled attendees to participate in live panel discussions, set up one-on-one meetings with other attendees, participate in group networking and watch keynotes from presenters, with a total of 56 funded registrations for PhD Students, Early Career Academics, Postdocs and academics from developing countries” added Paola Boarin, Conference Director. The APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program was launched to address the urgent necessity of understanding and managing the interconnection between cities and their surrounding ecology in the face of unprecedented population growth and climate change. The 4th SCL Conference was structured around eleven working groups, as well as plenaries, keynotes, interactive happy hours and virtual tours, attracting 152 participants from 21 economies. The opening keynote was given by the University of Auckland’s Associate Professor Damon Salesa, followed by keynotes and panel discussions on Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom (given by Dr Rhys Jones, Senior Lecturer in Māori Health at the University of Auckland) and on SDGs in post-pandemic cities in New Zealand and Across the Pacific (given by Bernhard Barth, Human Settlements Officer at UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific). The seven panelists — from Māori experts to policy makers — encouraged in-depth thinking on cultural traditions and methods to build back better. A two-days PhD student symposium was offered for the first time this year. The event allowed students to present their research that relates to the topics of the working groups and the SDGs. In total 24 PhD students from across the Pacific Rim were accepted in the Symposium. Yao Ji from Keio University won the best paper award for her paper titled” Remaking the rural: Alternative forms of revitalization in post-growth Japan”. Click here to know more about the conference.

HONG KONG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–APRU launches the first and largest global inter-university Esports MetaGame Conference and Fellowship Program to introduce some of the only international pilot Esports programs with curriculum for students that go beyond technical knowhow. In partnership with Cyberport, the virtual conference consists of 3 elements – gaming, policy discussions and next generation learning – creating a platform for global gamers to compete while inviting Esports scholars and industry leaders to discuss the emergence of Hong Kong in the international Esports landscape and other Esports topics, such as entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and career pathways. From gamers and industry partners to students and governments, the MetaGame Conference incorporates the full Esports ecosystem with an aim to expand the purview of the Esports landscape. With Esports’ high economic potential evidenced by its US$1.1 billion in global revenue in 2019, there is tremendous opportunity for career development. By establishing this program from the Hong Kong headquarters, APRU can facilitate the international collaboration of Esports leaders in the Pacific Rim by connecting students and communities across borders. Hong Kong is the first host city of the MetaGame Conference as an emerging regional Esports hub, future conferences will rotate so that APRU universities can demonstrate their unique capabilities within the Esports ecosystem. Chris Tremewan, Secretary General of APRU said, “Students are leaders in creating the ecosystem of Esports. It is not just a game but a new way of interacting which is changing society (like social media). Esports holds out opportunities in employment, industry development, education and personal development, public policy leadership and cutting-edge research. The Asia-Pacific region is the dynamic core of the development of a global Esports ecosystem and with APRU’s 56 member universities around the region, we can help establish a sustainable and ethical industry with spinoffs for health and social equity as well as economic productivity.” “Working with business and government, we are excited to bring a new Esports learning experience to students that not only builds a more sustainable industry but widens employment opportunities far beyond it: business and management, technology and design, performance and health, and socio-economic well-being and appropriate public policy.” Fellowship Program Tecnológico de Monterrey, APRU and Cyberport joined in partnership to launch the year-long virtual APRU Esports Fellowship Program today which will foster the growth of critical skills for future Esports leaders by contributing to outcomes for students such as internship and job placement opportunities and activities such as hackathons, pitching competitions and industry networking. The curriculum goes beyond the technical training related to Esports and focuses on ethical leadership, industry connections, community building, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness. Students will be deeply connected to the entire Esports industry – publishers, leagues, and its technological advancement – for a greater opportunity to develop their Esports skillset and career.

APRU held its annual 2020 Global Health Conference October 19-21, expanding the APRU Global Health Program’s knowledge-sharing and member-engagement through the network. The 14th APRU Global Health Conference was the first APRU program conference conducted virtually, and it also was the APRU conference with the widest reach, attracting nearly 1,500 contributors and participants from 39 APRU member universities and over 300 external partners across 53 economies. In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, the conference this year focused on the theme Universal Healthcare across the Life Course. The two keynote speeches were held by Dr Margaret Chan, Inaugural Dean of Tsinghua University’s Vanke School of Public Health and Emeritus Director General of WHO, and Alejandro Gaviria, President of Universidad de los Andes and former Minister of Health and Social Protection, Colombia. “When the WHO was founded in 1947, new diseases were rare, as people travelled internationally by ship and news travelled by telegram, but since then profound changes have occurred in the way humanity inhabits the planet,” Chan said. “Today, very few health threats are local, and climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, intensive farming practices, environmental degradation, and misuse of anti-microbios are challenges that have disrupted the micro-bio world, leading to a dramatic increase of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases around the world,” she added. The third prominent speaker was Dr Ren Minghui, the WHO’s Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage/ Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases. A panel on migration (focusing on immigration in Ecuador, wellbeing of the migrant care workers in Taiwan, and personal story sharing on human trafficking in Philippines) and women (focusing on women’s voices maternity care in the SDG era, case studies in Malawi and China, and infertility in the Asian community) also garnered much attention. The conference prominently displayed new member participation, as reflected by the Universidad de los Andes’ President Gaviria in his keynote speech endorsing further collaboration with APRU’s Global Health Program, and University of Queensland Professor Gita Mishra and Universidad San Francisco de Quito Professor Maria Amelia Viteri serving as the moderator of the life course plenary and speaker in the migration panel respectively. The other speakers on plenaries were Zhijie Zheng, University Endowed Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Wen Chen, Director, Center for Pharmacoeconomic Research and Evaluation, Fudan University, Fan Wu, Deputy Dean of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, and Michael Lu Dean of School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. Whereas in APRU’s previous global health conferences a physical polling facilitated the picking of the best video of the Global Health Student Case competition, this year an international judging panel chose seven posters (in graduate and undergraduate categories) and three videos as finalists. The panel then invited all students and faculty to log in the online conference and voted for their favorite works. The winning students have received a prize of USD 500. APRU is delighted to note that the virtual conference was able to reach to a wider range of participants. “One of the key benefits of using a virtual platform is helping to reduce disparities in access to information and best practice sharing for people in middle-income countries who would likely not be able to attend international conferences in person, “said Christopher Tremewan, APRU Secretary General.

HONG KONG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To bring international university students together by sparking creativity and sharing positivity during the pandemic, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) recently launched its Quarantunes student music competition. Attracting 108 impressive entries by students from 13 economies across Asia-Pacific, the Quarantunes competition was organised by APRU Plus, an online hub launched specifically to address challenges during COVID. The winning teams reflected an incredible breadth of international student talent, with the leading entries emerging from student teams in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico, the Philippines, California (USA), Colombia, and South Korea. With virtually no international student mobility and physical classes halted, students are facing unprecedented disruptions to their studies and university experience. A study conducted this past summer by a higher education research consortium that includes APRU member University of California, Berkeley found that 35% of undergraduate students were positive for major depressive disorder, while 39% had generalized anxiety disorder, a much higher rate than years past. With anxiety prevalent across universities worldwide, APRU Plus provides innovative opportunities for collaboration to bridge the gap created by social distancing. Conceived as a way to foster creativity and discussion around the importance of mental wellness during this challenging time, the Quarantunes competition gave students a new way to cope with isolation and come together to produce musical works that spread positivity. Each of the students’ submitted songs tells a unique COVID story that helps us see beyond the current difficulties to inspire hope for the future. “‘Get Down’ is a song that combines dancy, hopeful music and reflective lyrics about the happenings right now. We hope to present an honest yet playful version of the world, inside which people acknowledge the flaws of the society but remain optimistic for a brighter future.” – National Taiwan University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong team View highlight video and winning entries : 1st Prize (Tied) “Get Down” – National Taiwan University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong “Sonos Más” – Tecnológico de Monterrey 3rd Prize “Six Feet Apart” – University of the Philippines Special Prize “Golden Girl” – University of Southern California “Homenaje a Lucho Bermúdez” – Universidad de los Andes “We’re All Heroes” – Yonsei University To further connect students internationally, APRU also offers the APRU Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program, an exclusive opportunity to connect with peers from around the world to learn new knowledge and skills, exchange ideas and cultures, and develop connections vital for success. Visit here to learn more. Contacts APRU: Jack Ng [email protected] PLUG: Marisa Lam [email protected]

APRU Global Health Working Groups provide a platform for experts and scholars to develop joint-research and share lessons-learnt. During a webinar held in May 2020, experts brought together by the Global Health Bioethics Working Group examined ethical challenges in both research and clinical care associated with COVID-19. The inter-disciplinary and international nature of the event offered participating scholars the unique opportunity to analyze these challenges from diverse perspectives and publish the findings in the Journal of Global Health Science. View the paper here. Find out details about the authors and the webinar here.

Universities have a pivotal role to play in driving the positive and vibrant growth of the e-sports industry. They can do so by building holistic, well-developed e-sports programs on their campuses to support students and future leaders and by becoming synonymous with the future of the e-sports industry through one of these critical components:  business and management, technology and design, performance and health, and socio-economics and policy.   APRU and Yesports are working together to cultivate an international network of student leaders engaged in a next-generation learning experiences that support them in growing healthy, vibrant e-sports communities and becoming the future leaders of the esports industry. Through this apprenticeship, APRU and Yesports seek to provide financial resources to students to: Create an immediate impact on students to develop skills in the e-sports industry  Connect students and their communities across borders  Place students in internships and jobs  Build a professional network of apprenticeship alumni  Apprenticeship Format and Application Process To apply, fill out this registration form to receive an official application guideline sent by Yesports; students mush finish and submit the application by the deadline. The top applications are chosen by Yesports using criteria determined by the sponsor. Apprenticeship recipients will have a 4-6 week work period at Yesports as part of the contract. The work period will be held during term breaks.    Deadline is November 16th. More from Yesports: Apply for Apprenticeship : https://www.yesportstalents.com/scholarship Signup for Joining Global Talents Conference: https://forms.gle/n6hLmT4ftvbJ4jou7 Get ticket for Global Talents Conference: https://www.talentsconference.com/  Announcement of Apprenticeship Winners APRU and Yesports will jointly announce the scholarship winners on their respective websites and highlight the students and their expertise.  About APRU As a network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia and Australasia, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is the Voice of Knowledge and Innovation for the Asia-Pacific region. We bring together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to exchange ideas and collaborate on effective solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.  We leverage collective education and research capabilities of our members into the international public policy process. Our primary research areas include natural hazards & disaster risk reduction, women in leadership, population aging, global health, sustainable cities, artificial intelligence & the future of work, the Pacific Ocean, e-sports, and labor mobility.  About Yesports Yesports, the global O2O hub for talents to meet and connect to international employers and sponsors for unlimited career and business opportunities.   Yesports is a global “esports +” social media platform where gamers meet celebrities for fun and opportunities to show their talent! It connects game lovers to a dynamic world of resources and people.  Yesports Talent showcases talents from around the world and provides a platform for connecting to the corporates to maximise marketing synergies.  Additional Important Information APRU does not guarantee any of the applications will be successful in obtaining the apprenticeship grant nor does the final amount offered.  As the apprenticeship grant is provided by Yesports, the recipient(s) maybe subject to additional terms and conditions, not currently listed in this document, as imposed by Yesports.  APRU does not have any input nor control over any of the terms and conditions as required by Yesports.  The selected recipient(s) should independently decide his/her acceptance of the apprenticeship grant.  Contacts   Jackie Wong, Director (Network Programs), APRU [email protected]

The APRU Global Health Poster Contest 2020 just released seven finalists from total 49 submissions across 15 economies and 26 universities . A prize of USD 500 will be awarded to the winners. The winning team of the undergraduate poster is from University of Santo Thomas. The winner of the graduate poster is from Fudan University. See the posters from the seven finalists here.   Finalists Undergraduate (in an alphabetical order) University of Malawi Zaithwa Matemvu Apatsa Villiera Steve Chilmenji University of Santo Thomas (winner) Mary Kristine Pinpin Chelsea Pineda Krisalene Plazuela Biana Pollo Clare Quimson Gian Carlo Torres University of Oregon Tyra Judge   Graduate (in an alphabetical order) BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences Bikram Adhikari Fudan University (winner) Zhixi Liu Universitas Indonesia Bonardo Prayogo Hasiholan University of Tokyo Maya Fujimura   View all the submissions here.   The APRU Global Health Student Case Competition 2020 challenges young talents to develop and test a new intervention that could help improve the health system of elderly care in the Asia-Pacific. The competition seeks for teams creating cost-effective and culturally-appropriate strategies that are realistic and also creative. In this challenging time, the competition brought together 45 teams from 22 universities in 12 economies (Australia, China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and the US) to register and develop creative and evidence-based proposals to address the complex issue of elderly care. The videos of three finalist teams are (in an alphabetical order): MoreDoe from Yonsei University The Yellow Jackets from University of Indonesia Toilet Paper Hoggers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong The three runner-up teams were PH Pro (Fudan University), Team Medeavour (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), and Terps for Health (University of Maryland, College Park). The winning team is The Yellow Jackets from University of Indonesia. Total fifteen international judges were invited to review the entries. A prize of USD 500 will be awarded. Watch the finalist videos below.   MoreDoe from Yonsei University   The Yellow Jackets from University of Indonesia   Toilet Paper Hoggers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Pictures: Archive pictures of Frida Rangel and Rubén Villicaña Written by WENDY GUTIÉRREZ |MEXICO CITY CAMPUS Original post in The news site of Tecnológico de Monterrey With the song “Somos Más”, Frida Rangel and Rubén Villicaña have won first place worldwide in the Quarantunes Music Competition, a virtual event organized by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). According to the organizers, the students from Tec de Monterrey’s Mexico City campus were given the prize for the song which revealed the positivity that is needed in these uncertain times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The composition won first place in the national ‘Songs of Peace and Hope’ competition organized by the Tec and tied for the title of global champion with the song “Get Down”, by students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). “This contest consists of composing songs that express the feelings we have experienced as students, during the pandemic, but also shows how we can inspire others through our song and strengthen the hope that a better future will come,” explained Frida. The students mentioned that they felt very happy and fulfilled in getting first place. “We’re very satisfied with all the work we did and the results that we got. But, mostly, we’re extremely grateful and inspired by all the support we’ve received,” declared the winners. A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT Having reached first place in an international composition competition is a significant achievement, as it reaffirms that they are on the right track. According to the songwriters, their participation in the contest inspired them to continue looking for similar opportunities, and to keep entering more contests. “We want to make more music, and to improve more and more. We know that we still have a lot to learn and that excites us a lot,” said Frida, who’s studying Music Production. The prize was a cash sum, which they intend to invest in equipment to improve the quality of their music, and thereby generate new knowledge and opportunities for themselves. The Tec students received the invitation to participate in Quarantunes through the Leadership and Experience (LiFE) department on their campus and decided to compose a song with a positive message. The LiFE program focuses on students’ development through sports, arts, leadership, and includes their nutritional, psychological and emotional well-being.   Frida and Ruben shared that the Tec has greatly influenced both their lives and their professional careers. “We’ve both been members of the Contemporary Music Ensemble on our campus, and participated in the National Song Festival, so we’ve acquired many skills and experiences that have influenced the path we want to take both in our careers and our lives. “These experiences have deeply affected us. In fact, it was in the ensemble where we met and, thanks to that, we’ve achieved many things together”, they said. The champions thanked the department of art and culture at the Mexico City campus for all the support they were given during the two weeks of the contest. “We want to thank all the people who shared our video, and who were encouraging and supporting us. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all these people. We especially want to thank our families, who never gave up. Really, thank you for helping us share our art. You’ve inspired us to keep going,” the winners concluded. Listen to their song by clicking here.

APRU is pleased to announce the winners of the Quarantunes Student Music Competition designed to inspire hope for the future. We have received 108 impressive entries, over 400 students from 24 leading research universities and 13 economies of the Asia Pacific participated. The top winners have been selected from a shortlisted of  entries by popular vote. Top entries reflect highest responses on Facebook and the voting form. All participants were subject of review according to competition Terms and Conditions. The Quarantunes student music competition offered students a chance to inspire each other and our communities by making music. Students were challenged to help us see beyond current difficulties, come together in mutual support, and strengthen the determination and hope for the future. We thank all of the participants for sharing their talent, creativity, and collaboration which has inspired our communities across the Asia Pacific to have hope for the future even during this uncertain time. 1st Prize (tied): “Get Down” National Taiwan University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Prize: USD 2500 Team Members: Chaichon Wongkham, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Yen Wei Kuang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Tsou, Yi-Hsu, National Taiwan University Hsu Tung, National Taiwan University 1st Prize (tied): “Somos Más” Tecnológico de Monterrey Prize: USD 2500 Team Members: José Rubén Villicaña Ibargüengoytia Frida Berenice Rangel García 3rd Prize: “Six Feet Apart” University of the Philippines Manila Prize: USD 2000 Team Members: Alicia Bracamonte Victor Ablan Kyle Delfin Special Prize: “Golden Girl” University of Southern California Prize: USD 1000 Team Members: Ben Ragasa Maddie Wu Special Prize: “Homenaje a Lucho Bermúdez” Universidad de los Andes Prize: USD 1000 Team Members: Gabriel Collazos Didier González Miguel Ángel Hoyos Jhon Jerez Sergio Meneses Ian Middlenton David Pérez Manuel Pinto Santiago Prada Valeria Rocha Andrés Sabogal

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the 8th edition of APRU-IRIDeS Multi-Hazards Summer School had to be held virtually. Through a zoom platform, three sessions were held on July 15, 22, and 29 (JST). The event aimed to share the experiences and lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET), learn from the experiences in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and risk management from various stakeholders, and understand the latest international disaster science research conducted by the researchers globally. Total 842 people worldwide have attended the sessions. View the program and report here. View the speakers’ information here.

By Laura Lambert The program, part of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, is rooted in collaboration, communication and education. originally published in USC News In the shadow of the United States leaving the World Health Organization, and amid rising international tensions, the work of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Program, which is housed at USC, is a welcome meeting of the minds, rooted in collaboration and communication, education, rather than politics, sharing, rather than blame. Associate Professor Mellissa Withers of the Keck School of Medicine of USC has been the director of the APRU Global Health Program since 2013. And when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Withers realized it was the perfect time for the conversations at the heart of her program to reach a wider audience. “As this was all starting, I thought, we’re in global health — this is us,” says Withers. “To be able to disseminate the work of the network is impactful.” The pandemic as the great equalizer In May, the APRU Global Health Program hosted a webinar, bringing together five of the leading minds within the network – from Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Mexico and Ecuador – to grapple with the most pressing questions in bioethics, from how best to distribute scarce resources to the role that outdated notions of aging play in managing COVID-19. More than 1,000 members from across the Americas, Asia and Australasia signed up – far more than 350 or so members who typically take part in the group’s annual conference. The influx of new participants made a real impression on Christopher Tremewan, PhD, the APRU Secretary General, based in Hong Kong. “This first APRU Global Health webinar also highlighted a key benefit of virtual platforms in helping to reduce disparities in access to information and training for people in middle-income countries who would likely not be able to attend international conferences in person,” he said. Withers agrees, saying, “There is an interest and need.” There was a need, too, to make the webinars more than just a one-way conversation. “We allowed time for questions, versus just listening to somebody, not being able to interact,” says Withers. “We intentionally did that.” After the webinar, members in Singapore and the Philippines sent in additional guidelines for health care workers, further disseminating information in a way that reflects the collaborative nature of the APRU network. “It’s not just an opportunity to talk about bioethics,” says Withers. The webinars provide a way to practice the kind of cross-cultural work that is at the cornerstone of global health. Promoting international conversations in an increasingly global world Connecting across borders and time zones requires certain cross-cultural competencies, not to mention technical logistics – and the APRU Global Health Program webinar was not the first time members have been able to hone such skills. Since 2015, APRU Global Health has also hosted for-credit graduate-level distance education courses on the topics of leadership and ethics, where students and faculty from at least three research universities from across the Pacific Rim come together to investigate and discuss of-the-moment topics from a variety of cultural vantage points. Says Withers, “It’s building the skills they will need in the future.” For USC students who have taken part, the courses have been transformative. Louis Litsas, a lab manager in Toronto who earned his MPH from USC in May, credits the Global Health Leadership course with developing his cultural sensitivity and listening skills. “It was an evolution of my global eyes,” he says. “The COVID experience has shown me that the global perspective is what my vision has to be in the future. It can’t be local anymore.” For Bethany Deford, who took the APRU Global Health Ethics in Research and Practice course in the fall as an elective for her MPH program, the cross-cultural conversations made a huge difference when, after graduation, she returned to work as a traveling nurse in the midst of the pandemic. Ethics were always at the forefront in the ICU, Deford explains, especially as traditional hospital practices were up-ended in the midst of the health care disaster. “It was a lot of preserving dignity and patients’ rights,” she says, of the work she strove to do. And for Diana Dimapindan, who also took the ethics course, the interdisciplinary nature of the course was key. “I’m a policy student,” she explains. “There were lawyers in the class, physicians in the class, and soon-to-be public health policy makers. I think that broad range of students perspectives is what made it so meaningful. And it’s amazing, logistically, that it even works, having all those countries dialing in.” The conversation continues Bioethics was just the first of APRU Global Health Program’s coronavirus-related webinars. In June, a series of eight additional webinars, co-hosted by the APRU Global Health Program and USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, kicked off, grappling with on COVID-19 and how it intersects with, for instance, mental health, environmental health or human rights. “We can look at COVID-19 from many different aspects,” says Withers. “We need engineers, anthropologists, lawyers, psychologists. It’s not just medicine and public health professionals.” The goal of the conversation, then, is to be both international and interdisciplinary – and now, more than ever, students, researchers and faculty around the Pacific Rim are primed for this kind of conversation. “Luckily, people who weren’t paying attention to global health before are interested in what we’ve been talking about,” says Withers. “There’s a general shift in sentiment — and a new appreciation for the importance of the work we do.”

By By Peggy McInerny, Director of Communications, UCLA A group of Bruins minoring in the global health met during the APRU Global Health Student Case Competition. They are now planning careers in the field. The APRU Global Health Student Case Competition gives students an opportunity to practice critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to help solve global health challenges. The competition has brought together young and creative teams of university students to tackle many pressing global health problems with out-of-the-box ideas in helping to facilitate real changes in society.     Originally published by UCLA International Institute.   UCLA International Institute, April 9, 2020 — UCLA students today have an enviable capacity to use multiple communication methods simultaneously when collaborating on a project. It is a skill that will serve them well in the coming months, as all UCLA courses continue remotely due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.The “Gamechangers Team,” a group of global health minors who designed a social media–based health intervention and produced a video about it, have a unique view on the value of communications technology in global health. Over the course of roughly six weeks in spring 2019, six undergraduates (two of whom have since graduated) met once a week in person, exchanged ideas regularly via a smart phone chat room and shared research on project components via Google Docs.The students came together to participate in the annual Global Health Case Competition of the APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities), whose 2019 challenge was: “Social Networking Intervention to Promote Physical Activity among Young People in Urban Environments.” The team was comprised of Julia Houshmand (UCLA 2020, molecular, cell, and developmental biology), Franklin Leung (UCLA 2019, microbiology, immunology & molecular genetics), Vera Ong (UCLA 2020, psychobiology), Rene Rosas (UCLA 2019, international development studies), Wendy Tang (UCLA 2021, economics) and Sahej Verma (UCLA 2020, global studies). “I remember that [student counselors] Katie Osterkamp and Magda Yamamoto said, ‘You will be competing with medical students and Ph.D. students.’ — And I thought, ‘Great!’” said Julia Houshmand ironically. “I remember watching some of the past videos — we were very intimidated,” said Vera Ong. “But we just gave it our best shot.” That best shot won the Gamechangers team a place among the three finalists — the first time a UCLA team had placed in this APRU competition. (Bruins have won and placed in several APRU health poster competitions in the past). Building on one another’s ideas and skills The team eventually designed a campus-based intervention that would use competitions between individuals, colleges and professional schools of UCLA (and with other universities in Los Angeles) to build community, increase physical activity and encourage healthier eating. One key idea was to showcase star UCLA athletes interested in pursuing careers in fitness by livestreaming their workouts. Although the International Institute was set to cover the students’ travel costs to attend the 13th APRU Global Health Conference last November, the conference was eventually cancelled due to demonstrations in Hong Kong. In the end, the UCLA team came in third. Surprisingly, the students were remarkably upbeat about the outcome, stressing they had learned so much from the collaborative process. “We went into this not to win the competition, but because we wanted to,” said Houshmand. “It sounded like something that was fun and interesting.” “Stressful, but fun!” added Ong, noting that the team developed their case on a compressed timeline that ran into spring quarter finals. “It was interesting how we all came up with the idea. It wasn’t just one person. Honestly, it was all of us sitting on Kerckhoff Patio and using the Socratic Method, asking: ‘What about this?’ ‘No, no, no, no.’ ‘What about this?’” said Ong. As they progressed, the students divided up research and tasks such as budgeting the hypothetical funding. Franklin Leung, a runner, suggested that the intervention use a Strava application to measure physical activity. He also ended up editing the final case video. “We wanted to create an intervention where people would actually have discussions about exercising together, eating healthier foods and so on,” explained Verma. “We set it up in a competition environment so that if, for example, I and Julia were roommates, we could compete with one another to see how we are doing. The goal was to use those friendly elements to live healthier lives.” A shared interest in global health policy The team members are deeply interested in the social determinants of health, equitable access to health care and health policy. Whether pre-med students, future economists or future health activists, their educations and career goals were a great fit with the video project. Houshmand, for example, is a pre-med senior whose interest in global health was sparked by significant travel and the experience of living between France and the United States for most of her life. “The two countries have very different medical systems,” she remarked. “My classmates in both countries came from a lot of different backgrounds, including refugees and people who were undocumented, and on the other hand, people from the highest levels of society,” she continued. “So I saw a lot of these differences, not just at the level of health, but at the level of access to health care.” “Since I became interested in medicine, I’ve always seen it in a global framework,” explained Houshmand. “When I started taking classes in my global health minor, I realized that I love thinking of solutions and interventions for a health issue not just from a biological standpoint, but also taking into account the historical context, the cultural context, the political climate, etc.” Ong also has significant experience in two countries, having been born in the Philippines before moving to Silicon Valley at a young age. She subsequently traveled frequently to see family in the Philippines. “What really got me into global health was growing up watching my uncle, who is a general surgeon there, serve his community,” she remarked. “Similar to Julia [Houshmand],” she adds, “I have experience of different health care systems and have seen that same lack of access to care,” she adds. Both her interest in global health and her volunteer work in the UCLA chapter of Global Medical Training (2018–2020) deepened her intellectual engagement with health policy. For example, she joined the Health Equity Network of the Americas, where she helped organized international conferences that address topics such as universal health, gender inequality in health access and immigrant health. Doctor in provincial hospital in Bulacan, Philippines. (Photo: ILO Asia-Pacific via Flickr). CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Ong, who plans to become a doctor, eventually came to evaluate potential medical schools partly on the basis of whether they incorporated courses on global and public health in their curricula. “That is a big factor for me in choosing a medical school and in what I want to do in the future,” she said. Houshmand, who is also going to medical school, shook her head in agreement. Verma approaches health policy from a social development perspective, but with insider knowledge of health care — he comes from a family of doctors. An internship for a pharmaceutical lobbying group in Geneva, plus subsequent biotech work experience, helped him define a health policy career direction. Specifically, he seeks to combine health policy with new therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to achieve better health outcomes. To do so successfully, however, requires effective communication. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few health economists in the Fielding School of Public Health,” he said, “and I’ve seen how they work to communicate the value of therapeutics and life sciences products to different policy makers to help them devise solutions that will both improve people’s lives and health outcomes.” COVID-19 and its impacts The COVID-19 pandemic has, if anything, increased the interest of the Gamechangers team in global health policy. The race to develop a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infections, for example, directly bears on Verma’s senior thesis. The global studies senior, now an undergraduate research fellow, is researching the role of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers in developing vaccines against diseases of poverty that are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Verma may, in fact, temporarily delay plans to pursue a Ph.D. in health policy and economics so that he can work for the Indian ministry of health as it develops the regulatory infrastructure to speed the development of safe, efficacious and affordable pharmaceuticals. The pandemic is a wake-up call for the United States, said Verma. “Whether it is the inequitable distribution of materials — think therapeutic tools (vaccines), sanitary equipment (masks), life-saving infrastructure (protocols for medical staff in hospitals) or social rigidities (young people not following social distancing norms, while older folks are scared to shop for essential groceries and medicines) — America needs to rethink where its priorities lie as a society,” he continued. An image of the global pandemic in the shape of a COVID-19 molecule. (Image by Miroslava Chrienova courtesy of Pixabay.) “Post–COVID-19 will be a time not only to reconstruct infrastructure, but also to reconcile a communal attitude with productivity arguments,” he remarked. The UCLA student believes that the pandemic will lead many young people to study health policy in order “to challenge existing rationales about mechanisms of healthcare in the USA.” Ong has been struck by how much the pandemic has highlighted pre-existing flaws in public and global health policy. “It exposed just how much our current systems were unprepared for a pandemic such as this, and how much we need to improve as global and local communities,” she commented. “COVID-19 definitely shows the importance of global communication, teamwork and transparency, as well as the importance of forming pre-planned protocols to minimize potential consequences,” she said. Ong, who is currently working with the UCLA Learning Assistants Program to help professors navigate Zoom and better engage their students remotely, is seeing firsthand how time-efficient and useful such interactions can be. “With an increased focus on telemedicine, I can see similar benefits within the medical field,” she said. “By decreasing overall waiting time and providing more scheduling flexibility, telehealth could encourage patients to be more active in consulting physicians overall, increasing doctor-patient interaction and treating illnesses early.” Verma also believes that one outcome of the pandemic will be a revival of doctor-patient interaction. Yet the barriers to effective telemedicine remain significant, with equitable access to communications technologies at the top of the list. “The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the gaps in communications infrastructure, with restricted broadband speeds amid increased usage,” he pointed out. How regulators and the government support the adoption of these technologies will be the true litmus test of their efficacy in serving community health needs, insisted Verma. Ong points to additional barriers that must be addressed before telehealth can become a reality, including lack of technological literacy among physicians and patients, hacking dangers and lack of a robust protocol. As for the immediate future, Ong — like Houshmand — heads off to medical school in the fall. Verma will begin working as a research assistant at University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Expect these Bruins to make their mark on global health policy in the coming decades.   Published: Thursday, April 9, 2020  

The APEC “Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” (HWHE) has found that sex-disaggregated data and gender based research and analysis is lacking. Policy makers, business leaders and others do not have adequate data and evidence to draw from to identify gender-specific interventions appropriate for their economies and organizations. To spotlight and spur much-needed data and evidence, Chile, along with Merck’s support, has created an annual prize recognizing research that enables policy makers, business leaders, and others to identify and implement measures to improve women’s health in APEC economies so women can join and rise in the workforce. Dr. Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program, was chosen to be one of the judges of this contest in 2019. Prize The winner of the prize will win USD $20,000, while the 2 runners-up will win USD $5,000 each. If the winner or runner up is from government then the prize money will be given instead to HealthyWomen (a women’s health not-for-profit). Alternatively, the winner or runners-up may designate a not-for-profit entity to receive the prize money. Please attribute the research to all involved in its making, but only one individual may be nominated and eligible to receive the prize money and present the research. Eligibility In order to be considered for this prize, individuals must submit an original piece of research that is no older than two years of age as of January 1, 2020. All are welcome to apply; you do not require a background in academia in order to be considered. However, the research must be evidence based. Furthermore, the research must be submitted in English. If the research was not originally written in English please have it professionally translated. Application Materials  Application (**Please use this for applying. Send completed version to [email protected]**) APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Application Form APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Prize Flyer For more information, please visit the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies website. Contact [email protected] for any questions.

APRU congratulates Dr. Juhwan Oh, a long-standing member of the APRU Global Health Program’s advisory group, for the successful launch of the Journal of Global Health Science (JGHS). The open-access, peer-reviewed international online journal officially published by the Korean Society of Global Health advances research to support policy, practice, and education in the field of global health by publishing papers of high scientific quality from diverse stakeholders in the global health community. JGHS’s focus is on under-served populations in the low- and middle-income nations and marginalized groups within otherwise prosperous nations. As a reflection of the successful start, JGHS will turn to quarterly publication this year, from biannually during the inaugural year 2019. APRU sees JGHS as playing an important role. Although unparalleled improvements in living conditions, poverty reduction, and life expectancies were made in the last century, many more global challenges lie ahead, including aging, urbanization, migration, environmental degradation, rising rates of chronic diseases, as well as social and economic inequalities. “Confronting the health challenges of our modern world requires challenging conventional wisdom with new ideas that reflect the changing global landscape; the launch of JGHS is an important step in advancing global health by creating a platform to share and debate scholarly research from around the world,” said Dr. Mellissa Withers, Director, APRU Global Health Program. “I am pleased to see that the focus of the JGHS is under-served populations in low- and middle-income economies and marginalized groups in high-income economies, and I am certain that JGHS will expand the opportunity to share high quality scientific work through an open-access format,” she added. JGHS places special focus on the following topics: reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health; infectious diseases, including neglected tropical diseases; non-communicable diseases including cancer and mental health; injury; humanitarian aid; nutrition; universal health coverage; health law; global health workforce; health systems; surgery; health technologies; people centeredness; and health policy. The journal specially aims to focus on interconnecting diverse key stakeholders: community leaders; national and local members of parliament; national and local health officials; professionals from academic institutions; non-state actors; clinical and laboratory experts; and multilateral and bilateral agency officials. The scope of JGHS accommodates diverse styles of submissions including Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Short Research Notes, Editorial, Comments, and Letters from Field. Special niches within JGHS include articles on scientific program evaluation as well as any debating comments on official development aid.

APRU Global Health Program released its latest report on Workplace Wellness (WW) finding that although many universities have implemented a range of programs designed to promote employee health and well-being, these programs are often not designed in a strategic or comprehensive way. The report was initiated at the Global Health Conference 2016, a special workshop on workplace wellness was held on the first day of the conference. A Sydney Statement on Employee Health and Well-being was announced and called on our universities to fulfil the responsibility to their employee’s health and well-being. Responding to this call, the report is based on an online survey conducted by the APRU Global Health Program (GHP) and completed by 29 universities in 13 Asia-Pacific economies in 2018. The survey aimed to assess the range and scope of employee health and wellness programs at universities in the Asia-Pacific; evaluate gaps and challenges; and facilitate the crafting of recommendations. “We identified a number of innovative and successful workplace wellness programs that our member universities offer, such as fitness challenges and health screenings, but programs relating to mental health, violence, and smoking cessation are especially lacking,” Prof Mellissa Withers of USC says. “The results demonstrate that the main perceived challenge of workplace wellness programs is lack of employee participation,” she adds. The survey suggests that participation suffers from a lack of protected time for employees to engage in WW programs. It also found that few universities offered financial rewards (such as discounts for health insurance or salary bonuses) for employees who have healthy lifestyles. The report moreover cited universities’ insufficient usage of social media or mobile phone messaging to disseminate health information to employees. Among the commendable case studies highlighted are The University of Hong Kong’s Walking Challenge, which entails a goal number of steps for the HKU community to walk together. In October 2018, the challenge expanded to involve over 1,500 people from more than 17 countries and amassed 463,447,412 steps—equivalent to walking 7 times around the world. Another case study is the Domestic Violence Support Policy by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, which supports members who are directly or indirectly experiencing domestic violence, including by offering paid domestic violence leave of up to 10 days. The University of Southern California, for its part, offers an attractive reward scheme for smoking cessation, with staff and faculty who do not use tobacco or commit to enroll in a tobacco cessation program receiving a $25 reduction per month in paycheck contributions for their medical plan.   Download the report >> The APRU Global Health Program, launched in 2007, is hosted by the University of Southern California and is led by Program Director, Professor Mellissa Withers. By facilitating collaboration and enhancing regional dialogue, the APRU Global Health Program works to bridge health divides, promoting and protecting population health and meeting shared health challenges.

By the end of 2017, around 68.5 million people were forcibly displaced, about half of which were children. Of this figure, over 25 million people escape to other countries, and as a result become refugees. Most refugees do not live in camps – forced displacement is now an urban phenomenon which creates a range of challenges. To address this global challenge, the Cities and Refugee Student Design Competition was hosted by the Rapid Urbanisation Grand Challenge at UNSW Sydney, with Australian Red Cross, ARUP International Development, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the APRU – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program Hub (APRU SCL). The opening night of the APRU SCL Conference 2019 at UNSW Sydney featured a public keynote address from Brett Moore, Head of Shelter and Settlements at UNHCR. His talk titled “Cities & Refugees: Complexity and Conflict: how can we deliver inclusive and sustainable urban development in challenging contexts?” served as a prelude for the announcement of the competition winners. Twenty-eight entries from fifteen economies took the challenge. We thank all judges for the incredibly difficult task of choosing the winners.   Prize winners 1st place (AUS$5000) Merapatkan Selayang: A Bridging Intervention for Social Integration Yale-NUS College Lucy Madeline Davis, Sharan Kaur Sambhi, Ernest Tan Sze Shen, and Nguyen Ngoc Luu Ly Physical Sciences (Chemistry), Anthropology, Urban Studies, and Urban Studies 2nd place (AUS$2500) Welcome to the Agora Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Bordeaux & Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Strasbourg Cécile Elbel & Ipek Erker 3rd place (AUS$1000) Threshold Conditions UNSW Sydney Samuel Jones Masters of Architecture Honorable mentions University of Auckland Dennis Byun, Angela Lai, Harry Tse, Todd Min, Sungoh Choi, John Woo, Scott Ma, and Jingyuan Huang Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) representing Portal Studio Project title: Train-sition Shahid Beheshti University Solmaz Arzhangi, Sara Arzhangi, and Narges Rajaeipour Post-disaster reconstruction in architecture and urban study, Master of Architectural engineering and Master of Architectural engineering Project title: Towards a New Life University of Technology Sydney Allan Soo Project title: Case Study: Sydney

The inaugural APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize is now accepting applications for outstanding research that strives to improve women’s health, economic well being, and inclusive growth. The winning entry will receive USD $20,000 and two runners-up will receive USD $5,000 each. Theme The prize aims to highlight and spur the creation of sex-disaggregated data and gender-based research that will help decision-makers make more evidence-based policies to improve the lives of women and strengthen the regional economy. Based on The Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Policy Toolkit, the five research topics are: workplace health and safety health awareness and access sexual and reproductive health gender-based violence work/ life balance Requirement Individuals must submit an original piece of research that is no older than two years as of January 1, 2019. Applicants may be individuals or teams (with one leader listed) who are from an APEC economy. No academic background required. The research must be evidence-based and addresses at least one of the topics outlined in the toolkit. The research must be submitted in English. Find out the full list of requirements. Must be an APEC member economy. Submission & Deadline To submit your application form, click here. The deadline to submit applications is July 5, 2019. Prize The winner of the prize will win USD $20,000, while the 2 runners-up will win USD $5,000 each. If the winner or runner up is from government then the prize money will be given instead to NGOs. See details here. The top three finalists will have the opportunity to present their research to members of the APEC Women and the Economy Forum in La Serena, Chile. The prize winner will be announced at the annual Women Leaders’ APEC Roundtable during the 2019 APEC CEO Summit in Santiago, Chile in November 2019. APEC CEO Summit is Asia-Pacific’s most influential meeting of business and government leaders. Contact Contact [email protected] with any questions.  

Thirteen selected international students from APRU’s member universities participated in a two-week design field school in Indonesia led by HKU faculty staff and local partners, from August 27 to September 9, prior to the commencement of 2018 APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference. The school explored the uncertain landscape complexities, caused by urbanization, through examining a recent study that focused on the rapid modernization of landscapes and communities in East Java. A group presentation was given by the students during the conference’s dinner, addressing topics on eco-tourism, Gundih village, and marine debris in Indonesia. See travel blogs from Stuart and Mayeesha who just came back from the trip. Find out more about the field school here.  

APRU provided valuable recommendations to shape APEC’s health-related agenda at the third Senior Official Meetings (SOM3) held in mid-August in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. At the APEC “Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” workshop,” Mellissa Withers, Director of the APRU Global Health Program and Associate Professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, presented on the assessment of workplace wellness programs implemented by universities in the Asia-Pacific region with a specific focus on gender. The assessment is based on a recent survey of APRU members, who represent collectively more than 140,000 staff and approx. 2 million students, regarding their range and scope of employee health and wellness programs. Withers pointed out that the survey showed the top priority was chronic diseases, with violence prevention being last priority. Among the other findings cited were low employee engagement in programs, lack of budget, and programs often being regarded as low priority. Many programs were “token” as opposed to comprehensively or strategically designed, and data is not being routinely collected. “We recommend regular, in-depth, mandatory sexual harassment trainings and more formal protocols for handling complaints,” Withers said. “Universities should implement specific, written policies on discrimination, and workplace culture should be more supportive of women and less tolerant of violence and abuse,” she added. Withers went on to represent the APRU Global Health Program at the 8th APEC High Level Meeting on Health and the Economy (APEC HLM8). Her presentation at APEC HLM8 addressed the wide-reaching consequences when primary health care does not adequately support women with a focus on economic loss. Among Withers’ recommendations were routine screenings, more victims services, shelters and hotlines, as well as the establishment of sexual violence units in police, hospitals and primary care facilities. “The availability of counseling and support services with collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams must be ensured, and there should be workplace support programs for women experiencing intimate partner violence,” Withers urged. “There also is a need for more relevant national policy and formal legislation with designated budget,” she added. The APEC HLM8’s keynote addresses were held by Honorable Sir Dr. Puka Temu, Minister of Health and Chair-APEC HLM8, Papua New Guinea, and Dr. Shin Young-soo, Regional Director, World Health Organization – Western Pacific Region. A ministerial panel on putting people at the center of health care through primary health care included panelists: Honorable Michiyo Takagi, State Minister of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan; Honorable Shih-Chung Chen, Minister of Health and Welfare, Chinese Taipei; and Honorable Dr. Puka Temu. APRU’s contributions to the SOM3 reflects its strong commitment to continue actively feeding into APEC’s health-related agenda. The aim is to inform policy makers and collaborate on activities supporting economic development of the region.

The winners of the APRU Global Health Program Conference Student Poster Contest 2018 emerged from 36 excellent submissions from students from 10 economies. They were judged by APRU Global Health Advisory Group members. The winners are: UNDERGRADUATE 1st Place: Anak Agung Diyananda Paramita (Warmadewa University) 2nd Place: Bonardo Hasiholan (University of Indonesia) 3rd Place: Megan Ren, Jason Zhang, Rishi Makkar, Nicolas Gonzalez, Mili Patel (University of California, Los Angeles)   GRADUATE 1st Place: Mengge Han (Fudan University) 2nd Place: Jocelyn Dracakis (The University of Sydney) 3rd Place: Sarah Lawrence, Betty Nguyen, Jacqueline Pei (University of California, Los Angeles)   The 1st prize winners in each category will receive a USD$100 gift card during the awards ceremony at the annual APRU Global Health conference 2018 which is going to be hosted by University of Malaya on October 28-30, 2018. All student posters will also be presented at the conference.

For this year’s inaugural APRU Global Health Program Case Competition student teams were encouraged to consider a balance of innovative yet realistic, evidence-based solutions for the competition challenge Preparing Pacific Rim Countries for Natural Disasters’. The plot created for this case study is fictional and bears no direct reflection to any existing organisation or individual and was created exclusively for use in the 2016 APRU Global Health Case Competition. Any reuse, reproduction, or distribution of this case material must be approved by the USC Institute for Global Health or APRU. For questions, please contact Mellissa Withers at [email protected]. Here are the videos of the winning team, Our Lady of Fatima University and the finalist teams from Tohoku University and Kyoto University: Winning Team: Our Lady of Fatima University Finalist Teams: Tohoku University and Kyoto University (L-R)