The APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) 2026, hosted by the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) School of Design in Shenzhen, China, has successfully concluded, bringing together 58 students from 23 universities across 14 economies under the theme “Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics.” Building on APRU’s long-standing commitment to developing globally minded leaders, the program provided participants with an immersive exploration of social robotics, artificial intelligence, Idesign, innovation, and leadership.
Over ten intensive days, students engaged in lectures, workshops, company visits, cultural activities, and a collaborative capstone project designed by SUSTech School of Design using project-based and experiential learning approaches. Learning extended beyond the classroom, exposing participants to Shenzhen’s unique innovation ecosystem and enabling them to explore how emerging technologies are shaping society and the future of work.
A key feature of this year’s program was its emphasis on understanding AI and robotics through a human-centered lens. Faculty members and experts from diverse disciplines challenged participants to consider not only technological possibilities but also questions of ethics, design, human experience, and social impact.
Reflecting on the program, Dr. Li Xu, Vice Dean for Administration of the SUSTech School of Design, noted:
“The multidisciplinary faculty body of the School, the vibrant local industries and the entrepreneurship communities formed the education resources. Learning took place in the classrooms and on the streets through lectures, observations, dialogues, teamwork and reflections… We hope this collective exploratory experience will contribute to the formation of answers shared by world citizens of the future.”
Participants also took part in the APEC Shenzhen, Advancing with AI 2026 International Youth Event, where they joined young leaders from around the world in discussions on technology, innovation, and international cooperation. Through keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and technology tours, students explored how AI can be leveraged to address global challenges while strengthening cross-cultural understanding.
One of the event’s featured workshops, Cross-Cultural Cooperation in the Digital Age, was led by Dr. David Huerta from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Through an engaging and highly interactive session, students explored the leadership skills needed to work effectively across cultures in an increasingly digital world.
Reflecting on the workshop, Dr. Huerta noted:
“Cross-cultural collaboration was highlighted as a vital leadership competency for young people. It was a highly interactive session where hands-on learning and reflection were key. Students learned from one another how to strengthen empathy and create shared value, advancing the skills they need to lead across cultures.”
The ULP 2026 culminated in team-based capstone presentations that challenged students to develop innovative responses to contemporary social and technological issues. Working across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives, participants presented projects ranging from augmented reality solutions for human connection to technologies supporting agricultural communities and social wellbeing. Several teams received awards recognizing excellence in design, innovation, and social impact.
Beyond the academic experience, students consistently highlighted the relationships they built as one of the program’s most valuable outcomes. Participants formed friendships across borders, exchanged perspectives on shared global challenges, and strengthened international networks that will continue long after the program’s conclusion.
As Parmida Jafarian from The University of Auckland reflected, “Meeting students from such different countries and backgrounds, and discovering how much we had in common—the same passions, the same challenges, and the same excitement about what the future holds—was what stood out to me most.”
By combining academic learning, cultural exchange, industry engagement, and collaborative problem-solving, the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2026 demonstrated the importance of preparing future leaders who can navigate technological transformation while remaining grounded in human values.
APRU extends its sincere appreciation to SUSTech, the School of Design, SUSTech Global, faculty members, mentors, speakers, and student volunteers whose dedication made this milestone edition of the program possible.
Stay tuned for more information about the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2027, which will be hosted by Universitas Indonesia.