The APRU Annual Report 2025, titled Diplomacy and Determination, captures a pivotal year of innovation, resilience, and global collaboration across the Pacific Rim. As higher education faces mounting geopolitical, environmental, and technological challenges, APRU continues to lead with purpose—uniting 62 member universities from 18 economies to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected future. This year’s report highlights APRU’s role as a platform for multilateral academic diplomacy, showcasing impactful programs in: Artificial Intelligence & Data for Social Good Global Health & Pandemic Resilience Biodiversity, Sustainability & Climate Action Disaster Risk Reduction & Multi-Hazards Preparedness Gender Equity & Indigenous Knowledges Student Leadership & Virtual Exchange From the Annual Presidents’ Meeting in Auckland to the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting in Tokyo and the Vice Presidents for Research Meeting in Hefei, APRU convened thought leaders to address shared challenges and co-create solutions. The report also celebrates the expansion of student programs, including the Global Climate Change Simulation, SDG Education for Global Citizenship, and the Undergraduate Leaders’ Program. With over 6,000 participants and 41 international events, and growing partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, APEC, Microsoft, and data.org, APRU continues to amplify its global impact through diplomacy, determination, and academic excellence. Read the report now >>  

   

This high-level dialogue between CEOs, policy leaders, university presidents and top researchers aims to play an influential international role in Investing in Tomorrow’s Biodiversity.

On the sidelines of the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference, hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), an APRU delegation led by Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, conducted leadership visits to Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University on May 21–22. The delegation also included Joey Chu, Senior Manager, Events, and Benjamin Zhou, Manager, Programs. Celebrating 130 Years of Shanghai Jiao Tong University   On May 22, the APRU delegation met with senior leadership at Shanghai Jiao Tong University at its Minhang Campus. The meeting was hosted by Ding Kuiling, President of SJTU, and Liu Weidong, Vice President, alongside representatives from the Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange, the School of Design, and the China–UK Low Carbon College. President Ding welcomed the delegation and highlighted that 2026 marks the 130th anniversary of SJTU, noting the university’s evolution from an engineering‑focused academy into a comprehensive, innovative, and internationally engaged institution. He emphasized the value of multilateral platforms such as APRU in enabling universities to collaborate more effectively amid global geopolitical uncertainty and expressed SJTU’s interest in deepening engagement across APRU initiatives, including APRU’s work on solving Asia-Pacific challenges. Thomas Schneider thanked SJTU for its long‑standing and active participation in APRU. He underscored APRU’s strategic focus on generating tangible impact through collaboration, expanding student development opportunities, and sustaining dialogue across diverse contexts in a rapidly changing global environment. He encouraged SJTU to further engage in APRU working groups and extended invitations to participate in upcoming APRU leadership forums. Both sides agreed on the importance of leveraging APRU as a platform to advance interdisciplinary research collaboration, particularly in areas addressing regional and global challenges such as sustainability and climate action. A warm welcome and vibrant exchange at Tongji University, shaping future collaboration   The APRU delegation also visited Tongji University, where they met with President Yang Jinlong and senior leadership, including Vice President Lyu Peiming and representatives from the International Affairs Office, School of Medicine, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, and College of Ocean and Earth Science. President Yang outlined Tongji University’s strong institutional focus on environmental sustainability, data science and artificial intelligence, design and architecture, and the digital humanities. He highlighted the strategic importance of APRU’s multilateral platforms, particularly the Annual Presidents’ Meeting (APM), Vice Presidents’ Research Meeting (VPRM), and Senior International Leaders’ Meeting (SILM), in advancing international collaboration, and expressed Tongji’s commitment to expanding its engagement with APRU following its relatively recent membership. Vice President Lyu Peiming shared Tongji’s commitment to research and collaboration in sustainability. Discussions also explored opportunities for long‑term student exchange, APRU student programs, and potential collaboration in areas such as smart cities, population aging, health and medical education, and marine and ocean sciences. The meeting also noted Tongji University’s upcoming 120th anniversary in 2027, opening excellent opportunities for collaboration. Advancing APRU’s mission in the Pacific Rim The leadership visits to Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University underscored APRU’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships in China and across the Pacific Rim. Through sustained dialogue, shared priorities, and collaborative platforms, APRU continues to support its member universities in addressing pressing global challenges through research, education, and innovation.

A visionary leader in higher education, global engagement, and women’s leadership APRU mourns the passing of Dr Yong Zulina Zubairi, a distinguished academic, visionary leader, and deeply respected colleague whose life’s work left an enduring mark on higher education in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Her passing is a profound loss to Universiti Malaya, to the APRU community, and to the many students, scholars, and leaders whose lives she shaped through her intellect, generosity, and steadfast commitment to global engagement. With more than three decades of service in higher education, Dr Yong built a remarkable career grounded in academic excellence and purposeful leadership. Trained as a statistician, her scholarly contributions extended far beyond disciplinary boundaries. She supervised numerous postgraduate students, published widely in refereed journals, secured national and international research grants, and cultivated a global network of collaborators. Her academic rigor was matched with special attention for the social dimensions of development, reflected in her research interests spanning graduate employability, poverty, ageing and social protection, women’s leadership, and talent management. Dr Yong’s influence was especially evident through her senior leadership roles at Universiti Malaya (UM). As Director of the International Relations Office and later as Associate Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagements), she provided strategic direction to UM’s internationalization agenda, integrating global engagement across research, academic programs, community initiatives, and the student experience. Her approach was holistic and values-driven, ensuring that internationalization served not only institutional ambitions but also societal needs. Dr Yong served as Registrar, where she led talent management initiatives and was invested in developing people and systems. She remained active as a senior research fellow at the Social Well-Being Research Centre and was attached to the Institute for Advanced Studies, continuing to contribute meaningfully to research and mentorship. Dr Yong was a steadfast and highly valued member of the APRU community. As a Senior International Leader, she actively participated in APRU governance meetings, including the Senior International Leaders (SILs) meeting in Mexico in 2017, and played a key role in hosting APRU events at Universiti Malaya. UM’s hosting of the APRU Undergraduate Leadership Program (ULP) in 2015 reflected the university’s strong engagement with APRU during her tenure in international leadership. Her commitment to women’s leadership and capacity building was particularly impactful. Dr Yong was part of the Core Group of the APRU Women in Leadership (APWiL) initiative from its inception, helping to shape its vision and direction. In 2024, she was a core contributor to drafting the Terms of Reference for the APWiL program, and she generously gave her time as a mentor and workshop facilitator for early-career academics at Universiti Malaya. Most recently, she served as a mentor in APRU’s SDG Education for Global Citizenship program, in the 2025 cohort, where her guidance, warmth, and insight were deeply appreciated by participants. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr Yong will be remembered for her professionalism, empathy, and kindness. She was a trusted mentor, a thoughtful leader, and a colleague who listened with care and acted with purpose. Her presence brought calm, clarity, and encouragement, especially to those navigating early or challenging stages of their careers. APRU extends its deepest condolences to Dr Yong Zulina Zubairi’s family, friends, and colleagues at Universiti Malaya. Her legacy lives on through the institutions she strengthened, the initiatives she helped build, and the many individuals she inspired. She will be remembered with profound respect, gratitude, and affection by the APRU community and by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

In early May 2026, an APRU delegation led by Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive and joined by Adriana Rojas, Senior Director, APRU Programs, Joey Chu, Senior Manager, Events, and Vini Damayanti, Communications and Administrative Officer undertook a series of new member onboarding and courtesy and collaboration visits across Southeast Asia. The visits reinforced APRU’s commitment to deepening engagement in the region and welcoming new members into the network, while advancing shared priorities in sustainability, global health, Indigenous knowledges, student leadership, and mobility. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Brunei Darussalam (new APRU member) The APRU delegation visited Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on May 5, 2026 for high‑level discussions with the university’s senior leadership and academic community. Conversations focused on sustainability, student enrichment, mental health, lifelong learning, and research collaboration, with particular interest in APRU initiatives such as FELLI, micro‑credentials, and Indigenous Knowledges programs. Located in one of the world’s most pristinely forested countries, UBD has built global expertise around tropical forest ecosystems and biodiversity, supported by its forest field research stations and the Botanical Research Centre. This unique living laboratory positions UBD as a natural leader in biodiversity, conservation science, and sustainability research within the APRU network. Delegates from Universiti Brunei Darussalam Hazri bin Hj Kifle, Vice-Chancellor and President Hj Abdul Hanif bin DP Hj Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research, Innovation & Sustainability) Dr Hj Noor Azam bin OKMB Hj Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Global Engagement) Masairol bin Hj Masri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, (Industry Engagement & Enterprise Development) Hjh Maudena binti Hj Abdul Hamid, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, (University Life & Governance) Basilios Tsikouras, Director of Research, OAVCRIS Pg Dr. Emeroylarriffion bin Pg Hj Abas, Director of Innovation, OAVCRIS Wardah Hakimah binti Hj Sumardi, Director of Sustainability, OAVCRIS Hjh Asiyah Az-Zahra binti Hj Ahmad Kumpoh, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Science Deeni Rudita bin Idris, Deputy Director of UniHEALTH UBD Lim Lee Hoon, Dean of Faculty of Science Hussein bin Hj Taha, Director of Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) AP Dr. Rahayu Sukmaria binti Hj Sukri, Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) AP Dr. Malai Haniti binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid, Director of Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences (CAMES) Dr Jose Hernandez Santos, Director of Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) Juliana binti Hj Zaini, Dean of Faculty of Integrated Technology Liyanage Chandratilak De Silva, Dean of School of Digital Science (SDS) Universitas Indonesia (UI), Indonesia (Member since 1997) On May 6, 2026, APRU conducted a courtesy visit to Universitas Indonesia (UI), meeting with key leaders to explore renewed collaboration following changes in the university’s leadership team. Discussions highlighted shared interests in sustainability, mental health, global health, Indigenous Knowledges, and internationalisation, with UI expressing strong interest in hosting APRU programs and contributing more actively across the network. With sustained leadership in population aging and health, disaster research, and forests and biodiversity, UI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing APRU priorities. Its strong ecosystem of research institutes integrates education, research, and community engagement, and emphasizes UI’s leadership in modelling how a large, comprehensive university can translate sustainability and resilience research into meaningful regional and global collaboration. UI will host the Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) 2027. Delegates from Universitas Indonesia Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Ahmad Gamal S.Ars., M.Si., MUP., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Strategic Plan, Finance and Human Resources Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director, Internationalization of Education Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU, Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development, Directorate for Internationalization of Education Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum, Section Head, International Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education Devie Rahmawati, M.Hum., CICS, Associate Professor, Public Relations Program Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, SKM., M.K.K.K, Dean of The Faculty of Public Health Dr. Besral, S.K.M., M.Sc, Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs of The Faculty of Public Health Prof. Dr. Budi Hartono, S.Si., M.K.M., Manager of Collaboration and Venture of The Faculty of Public Health Prof. Rizka Maulida, S.K.M., M.H.Sc., Ph.D, Manager of Research and Community Engagement of The Faculty of Public Health VinUniversity (VinUni), Vietnam (new APRU member) The APRU delegation concluded its visits on May 8, 2026 at VinUniversity (VinUni), engaging with the university’s leadership to discuss strategic alignment, leadership development, and regional visibility. VinUni expressed strong interest in APRU platforms, including the Asia‑Pacific University Leaders Forum (AULF), women’s leadership initiatives, Sustainable Cities and Landscapes, AI education, and global health programs. As a rapidly emerging flagship private university with a national mandate, VinUni is positioning Vietnam on the global higher education map. Backed by strong industry and government connections, the university is advancing ambitious agendas in sustainable cities and food security, aligning closely with APRU’s mission. Delegates from VinUniversity Dr. Le Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup, President of VinUniversity Prof. Tan Yap Peng, Provost Prof. Laurent El Ghaoui, Vice Provost of Research & Innovation, Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science Prof. Sunmee Choi, Vice Provost of External Engagement Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education, Chief Scientific Officer, Center for AI Research Prof. John Evans, Dean, College of Business & Management Associate Prof. Le Cu Linh, Executive Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences Assistant Prof. Phung Thi Viet Bac, Director of Research Management Office Mikhail Spektor, Program Director, Psychology Program, College of Arts and Sciences Assistant Prof. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, College of Health Sciences Tam Truong Donnelly, College of Health Sciences Le Tong Giang, Chief Operations Officer, Center of Innovation in Health Sciences Associate Prof. Lisa Lim, Director of Engagement and Development, UNESCO Chair Nguyen Hoang Viet, Head of Campus Services Development Hanh Bui, Director of Global Engagement Looking ahead These visits underscore APRU’s growing engagement in Southeast Asia and the strong contributions of both established and new members. The addition of members from Vietnam and Brunei brings two new economies into the APRU network, expanding APRU’s regional presence and opening new pathways for future partnerships. Together, these institutions contribute diverse strengths ranging from rainforest research and biodiversity to living laboratories and next‑generation flagship universities shaping national and regional futures. APRU looks forward to translating these conversations into concrete collaborations that advance impact across the Asia Pacific.  

APRU is delighted to announce the expansion of our network to 64 members across 20 economies, with three distinguished universities joining: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and VinUniversity (VinUni). This marks APRU’s first members from Brunei Darussalam and Viet Nam, further strengthening our reach and diversity across the Asia-Pacific. Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice Chancellor, The University of Auckland and APRU Chair said, “We are delighted to welcome three outstanding institutions to the APRU network from Mexico, Viet Nam, and Brunei Darussalam. UNAM brings unparalleled depth as one of Latin America’s leading research universities, VinUniversity adds fresh energy with its innovative approach to global education, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam contributes unique expertise rooted in sustainability and cultural diversity. Together, they expand our reach into two new economies and strengthen our collective capacity to tackle the Asia Pacific’s most urgent challenges. Their addition reflects our commitment to building a network that is not only diverse, but also dynamic in its leadership and vision.” Together, these institutions will contribute to APRU’s mission to foster collaboration among leading universities in the Americas, Asia, and Australasia, advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) unam.mx     Founded in 1910 as the successor to the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (1551), UNAM is Mexico’s leading public university and one of the most influential institutions in Ibero‑America. As a comprehensive university with a mission to educate, conduct research, and disseminate culture, it offers extensive high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs and leads a significant share of Mexico’s national research. UNAM houses major national collections and services, maintains a UNESCO‑recognized main campus, and operates sites across Mexico and worldwide. Its vast academic community plays a defining role in the country’s cultural and scientific development. Rector Dr. Leonardo Lomeli Vanegas says, “UNAM is proud to be a part of APRU. We believe that fostering and maintaining international collaborations and cooperation is crucial for the future of our societies, and engaging with the Pacific Rim is vital if we are to face and resolve the current environmental, economic, technological, and educational challenges. We are excited to offer UNAM’s capabilities in this joint endeavor within the framework of APRU.”   Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) ubd.edu.bn     Established in 1985, UBD is Brunei Darussalam’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. Evolving into a research-intensive university in Brunei Darussalam, UBD advances strengths in biodiversity and environmental research, energy transition, health and bio-innovation, and digital futures. Sustainability is a defining priority, embedded across education, operations, and engagement through its Sustainability Masterplan. UBD is also pioneering innovative education frameworks such as the GenBESTARI curriculum (launching in 2026), building on its signature Discovery Year programme that integrates experiential learning into every degree. Dr. Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor and President is optimistic about joining the association, he said, “This new venture with APRU opens doors to elite opportunities for UBD researchers to achieve greater international impact, while advancing UBD’s internalisation strategy and commitment to addressing Asia-Pacific priorities.”   VinUniversity (VinUni) vinuni.edu.vn     Founded in 2019 by Vingroup – the largest conglomerate in Vietnam, VinUniversity is Vietnam’s first private, not-for-profit university. Despite its young age, VinUni has achieved remarkable milestones: a QS 5 Star overall rating (2024), appointment as the first UNESCO University Chair (2024), and institutional accreditation by FIBAA (2025). With strategic collaborations with Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Nanyang Technological University, VinUni is now transitioning into a research and innovation-oriented university with the ambitious vision of joining the world’s top 100 universities. Dr. Le Mai Lan, President of VinUniversity,  stated “VinUniversity is deeply honored to join the prestigious APRU. Founded by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, VinUniversity was created with the ambition to pioneer a bold, innovative model of higher education for the future. As the first APRU member from Vietnam, a dynamic country known for its warmth, resilience, and immense potential, we look forward to partnering with fellow APRU members to foster research, academic exchange, and meaningful impact across the Pacific Rim and the world.”   Amplifying Collaboration Across the Asia Pacific and Beyond With the addition of UNAM, UBD, and VinUniversity, APRU continues to broaden its global academic alliance, fostering collaboration among university leaders, researchers, and students to address the pressing challenges of our time. APRU Chief Executive, Professor Thomas Schneider said, “We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding universities into the APRU community. Each brings unique strengths, new perspectives and reach, and deepening commitments to excellence that will enrich our collaborative work and amplify our collective impact.”

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted HKU Partner Day 2026 on February 22–23, a dynamic two-day event serving as a prelude to the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference. The event brought together over 400 higher education leaders, institutional partners, and scholars from around the world to strengthen global collaboration and explore emerging trends shaping the future of education. APRU contributed to the success of the two-day event by preparing an in-depth discussion titled, “Building Resilient and Inclusive Higher Education Systems” featuring Professor Cindy Fan, Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Prof. Erik Lithander, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement), The University of Auckland. Opening the session, Professor Thomas Schneider, APRU Chief Executive, placed APRU in a long arc of cross‑border collaboration, emphasizing how a 64‑member network can operate as a “super connector” between universities, governments, industry and civil society, particularly when geopolitical or technological shocks test campus systems. He challenged participants to interrogate what “resilience” and “inclusion” actually mean across different Asia-Pacific contexts and argued that diversity of perspectives, such as biodiversity in nature, strengthens institutional ecosystems: “Nature is always a good example… hubs of biodiversity are more beneficial than monocultures; diversity is always beneficial.” The discussion would treat resilience not simply as “weathering a storm,” but as responsiveness grounded in mission; and inclusion not as a set of siloed equity programs, but as a whole‑of‑institution orientation supported by transparent leadership and international partnerships. What Resilience Looks Like on Campus Professor Cindy Fan, UCLA described resilience in practice as pursuing two concurrent goals during crises: (1) academic continuity (keeping teaching and research going despite disruptions) and (2) strengthening community (using crises to rebuild trust and connection). She shared UCLA initiatives such as Dialogue Across Difference and targeted efforts to combat antisemitism, designed to “reset the table” for listening across profound disagreements. Her metaphor: resilient universities are like palm trees, “You might see branches coming down, but they don’t really break… universities that have deep roots, in mission clarity, bend with the winds but don’t snap.” She later tied inclusivity to the concept of inclusive excellence: diversity and excellence are “two sides of the same coin.” Resilience must be built before the next crisis through trust, transparency, and connectivity (e.g., frequent senior‑leadership briefings; open communication about decisions and budgets). Fan shared a new framing of DEI as inclusive excellence, embedding it into academic standards rather than treating it as an add‑on.     Resilience Without Responsiveness Is Stubbornness Professor Erik Lithander, University of Auckland cautioned against the “dark side of resilience”: “When you have resilience without responsiveness, that’s stubbornness.” He argued that while universities admirably protect core missions during shocks, the sector has been slow to adapt a centuries‑old instructional model and has “lost social licence” with publics, media and governments by failing to articulate value beyond teaching and research headlines. The task ahead is to “recapture the imagination and the support of our constituents” through consistent engagement, diversified revenue, and coalitions of external partners, including international associations like APRU. He also emphasized that resilience is not only internal capacity; it also depends on external legitimacy. Universities need systematic outreach to rebuild relationships with government, media, business and alumni, to communicate tangible societal contributions, not just institutional needs. Inclusivity: Holistic Vision, Practical Delivery The panel contrasted holistic inclusion with group‑by‑group approaches. Lithander noted Auckland’s Māori‑informed values (relationship‑building, kinship, generosity) as a compass for creating a campus climate that is inclusive for everyone, while acknowledging the continued need for targeted services (e.g., disability support) in the near term. Fan offered LA‑grounded metaphors (“salad bowl” over “melting pot”) and examples (heritage graduations that are open to all), underscoring that inclusion honors difference without reverting to silos: “The only way to achieve excellence is to encourage and embrace diverse viewpoints.”  A model which builds a pervasive culture of inclusive excellence and maintains practical supports for groups with specific needs is necessary so the philosophy and the infrastructure reinforce each other. AI, Futures, and the Skills That Endure In audience Q&A, speakers explored AI’s uncertain effects on student demand, disciplinary enrollment, and academic integrity. Lithander flagged the strategic risk to programs if careers are perceived as “in the firing line.” Fan argued universities should focus on foundational competencies, such as critical thinking, analysis, communication, teamwork, and mindset development so graduates can navigate job markets that don’t yet exist: “How do we help students acquire skills and resilience to be competitive in a job market that is always changing?” While the technology trajectory is unclear, a mission‑anchored skills core remains the most reliable hedge. Institutions should also collaborate through APRU on shared AI challenges (policy, pedagogy, integrity). Lessons on Building Resilient and Inclusive Higher Education Systems Anchor in mission; design for responsiveness. Resilience equals continuity and the capacity to adapt, not a return to the status quo. Rebuild social licence. Proactive, long‑horizon engagement with external stakeholders is essential to sustain support. Make inclusion systemic. Treat inclusive excellence as core to academic quality while retaining targeted services that meet concrete needs. Leverage the network. Use APRU as a platform for coalitions and co‑design (e.g., APWiL, Indigenous Knowledges, AI in Higher Education initiatives) that translate principles into scalable practice.

APRU at APAIE 2026 APRU was delighted to contribute to APAIE 2026 with a series of panel sessions showcasing how our network’s collective expertise is shaping the future of international higher education across the Asia Pacific. This article is one of four in a special APRU series sharing insights from our conversations at APAIE 2026. APAIE 2026—the premier gathering of international higher‑education leaders, policy makers, and industry professionals—hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong convened from February 23–27 under the theme Asia‑Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good. This year’s conference brought together 3,592 participants from 72 regions, featured 600+ organisations in the exhibition, welcomed 570 delegates to pre‑conference workshops, delivered 120 presentations and 3 plenaries. Session Report Voices of Inclusion explored how universities can critically evaluate partnerships to ensure they are equitable, accessible, and designed to empower students across diverse contexts. Chaired by Patricia Montaño, Director of Innovation and International Networks, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico the session featured three case studies from the APRU network. Speakers shared programs spanning sustainability, Indigenous knowledges, and global health collaboration. Waste and the City — NTU Singapore Wanda Preiser, Head, Office of International Engagement, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore highlighted NTU’s flagship sustainability course, jointly taught with partner universities across multiple time zones, integrating speakers from Google, Procter & Gamble, and the Alliance on Plastic Waste. Highlighting the partnership value to the program, Preiser said, “Partnership is based on neutrality, equity, and common ground… if everyone at the table can’t see value, it doesn’t last.” Indigenous & First Nations Knowledges Network — APRU APRU’s Indigenous Knowledges initiative, co-founded with The University of Melbourne and Tecnológico de Monterrey, was presented as an evolving model for inclusive research collaboration, showcasing annual summits and the “Roots and Bridges” webinar series. Adriana Rojas, Senior Director, APRU Programs, highlighted the importance of building trust and reciprocity, she said, “We started with good intentions, then listened, with empathy. The magic began when scholars could finally come together and co‑create.”     Global Climate Change Simulation — USC & University of Oregon Professor Mellissa Withers, Program Director, APRU Global Health Program and Professor of clinical preventive medicine, Dept of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California spoke about the program’s growth to 26+ universities and its new assessment framework measuring leadership and diplomacy competencies. She highlighted the importance of committing to the process and refining key aspects of the program as it develops, she reporting on a key measurement tool, “We asked: how are we measuring leadership and global citizenship? … We built a survey from the literature and we’re seeing very high gains across the board.”     Key insights from the discussion: Design for equity up front. NTU’s course is intentionally structured for inclusion and reciprocity: cross‑time‑zone synchronous teaching, curated small‑group case discussions, multi‑disciplinary faculty teams, and a blend of industry and NGO speakers. Partners jointly shape content while students receive NTU credit and a UNITAR‑endorsed certificate, recognition that matters for career value. Broaden who’s “at the table.” APRU’s Indigenous Knowledges initiative began with a listening posture, and it grew into an annual summit and public webinar series (Roots and Bridges), and is now building a mentoring stream and student opportunities which are open to scholars within and beyond APRU to ensure breadth and reciprocity. Measure leadership and global citizenship—not just content knowledge. The climate simulation expanded from a one‑day exercise into a month‑long, multi‑university learning experience that now uses validated instruments to track changes in students’ self‑efficacy, diplomacy, and cross‑cultural skills. Inclusion is operationalized via fee differentials for lower‑income contexts and active recruitment of Pacific Island perspectives. This session demonstrated how APRU institutions are pushing beyond traditional models toward inclusive, equitable, and globally connected education. As universities continue to address climate change, social inequity, and global mobility disruptions, these partnership models offer a roadmap for collective action that is both ambitious and grounded in evidence.  

APRU at APAIE 2026 APRU was delighted to contribute to APAIE 2026 with a series of panel sessions showcasing how our network’s collective expertise is shaping the future of international higher education across the Asia Pacific. This article is one of four in a special APRU series sharing insights from our conversations at APAIE 2026. APAIE 2026—the premier gathering of international higher‑education leaders, policy makers, and industry professionals—hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong convened from February 23–27 under the theme Asia‑Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good. This year’s conference brought together 3,592 participants from 72 regions, featured 600+ organisations in the exhibition, welcomed 570 delegates to pre‑conference workshops, delivered 120 presentations and 3 plenaries. Session Report Chaired by Professor Cindy Fan, Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the session explored how mentorship (formal and informal) accelerates women’s leadership and how institutions can embed supportive structures. Panelists traced personal journeys that evolved into campus‑wide and national initiatives, drawing on the APWiL (Asia‑Pacific Women in Leadership) Mentoring Program as a catalyst for change across the region. Mentoring as Both Practice and Mindset Professor Cindy Fan described how mentorship, especially when it starts early and unexpectedly, becomes a lifelong accelerator for leadership. Throughout her career, mentors pushed her into roles she did not initially feel ready for, such as organizing professional conference sessions as a graduate student, chairing a department as a junior faculty member, and contributing to senior leadership councils where she learned to speak with confidence. Public sponsorship, such as nominations for competitive opportunities, coupled with repeated “practice moments” cultivated visibility, resilience, and a habit of stepping forward even amid uncertainty. Fan underscored that effective mentorship is more than skills transfer; it’s structured exposure to decision‑making spaces where leadership must be exercised again and again. As she put it, “Practice makes perfect… mentors pushed me to practice, organize sessions, chair departments and find my voice.”     Collective Networks Transform Individuals into Leaders Professor Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean, Global Affairs University of California, Davis (UC Davis) offered a reflective narrative on how her leadership was shaped by the “collective power” of many mentors across life stages. Early experiences cultivated empathy and a readiness to take risks; later, learning flowed reciprocally with students, colleagues, and even family members, reminding her that mentorship is rarely linear and never one‑way. Regulska emphasized the empowering force of solidarity, from intimate scholarly communities to large‑scale civic mobilization such as the Polish Women’s Congress, which transforms individuals into confident leaders. Her message: sustainable leadership pathways for women depend on shared strength, intentional practice, and the courage to give back as others did for us. She said, “There was a collective power of many, many, many people over my life… taking risks is scary, but we rely on others, and later we must give back to those who come after us.” APWiL: From Personal Growth to Institutional Change Professor Yvonne Lim, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Malaya showed how participation in APWiL can evolve from individual mentor–mentee growth to institution‑wide infrastructure and even national‑level impact. At Universiti Malaya (UM), sustained engagement created a “critical pool” of mentors and mentees spanning 11 faculties (23 participants across five cohorts). UM then formalized that momentum into YouMentor, a campus program housed under the Registrar to ensure governance, continuity, and scale. The same network energy enabled UM to host its first university‑wide International Women’s Day event with senior leadership visibility and to co‑create She Leads, a national women’s leadership initiative in partnership with Malaysia’s Higher Education Leadership Academy. The through‑line: use APWiL to seed cross‑faculty communities, formalize ownership within the institution, and leverage that platform to co‑create policy‑aligned programs beyond campus. Mentorship Through Opportunity, Service, and Shared Growth Professor Mai Har Sham, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), The Chinese University of Hong Kong reflected on how mentors encouraged her to seize opportunities that did not always map neatly onto traditional reward systems but proved foundational for leadership. Early in her career, senior colleagues invited her to take on medical curriculum reform, student well‑being initiatives, and admissions leadership through high‑effort roles that deepened her understanding of institutional change. She stressed that mentoring is multidirectional: she has learned as much from research students and postdoctoral fellows as they have from her, and their scientific curiosity has strengthened her resolve to lead with humility and openness. Sham’s guidance to emerging leaders is to embrace unplanned opportunities and build leadership through service and shared learning, she said, “Opportunities are always there, but you have to step up and grab them… even when they don’t seem comfortable at first.” Key Insights Across four perspectives, the session underscored a common insight: mentorship is both personal and structural. Personal stories of risk‑taking and reciprocity intersect with institutional scaffolding, just like APWiL‑inspired programs, that convert individual growth into community capacity and national pipelines. Partnerships across borders help members translate lessons into campus policies and scalable initiatives, strengthening leadership ecosystems across the Asia Pacific.  

APRU at APAIE 2026 APRU was delighted to contribute to APAIE 2026 with a series of panel sessions showcasing how our network’s collective expertise is shaping the future of international higher education across the Asia Pacific. This article is one of four in a special APRU series sharing insights from our conversations at APAIE 2026. APAIE 2026—the premier gathering of international higher‑education leaders, policy makers, and industry professionals—convened in Hong Kong from February 23–27 under the theme Asia‑Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good. This year’s conference brought together 3,592 participants from 72 regions, featured 600+ organisations, welcomed 570 delegates to pre‑conference workshops, and delivered 120 presentations and 3 plenaries. Session Report Chaired by David Quimbayo, Program Manager, APRU, this panel explored three student‑centered models that blend virtual exchange, facilitated dialogue, and on‑site immersion to develop diplomacy, empathy, and problem‑solving at scale: Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Asia Pacific Open Dialogues, the University of Oregon/USC Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership, and Chulalongkorn University’s SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC). Facilitated Dialogue as a Design Principle Dr. David Huerta, International Experiences and Models Director, Tecnológico de Monterrey outlined Asia Pacific Open Dialogues, a COIL‑style initiative structured around intentional, professionally facilitated small‑group conversations. The design sequence: asynchronous preparation → synchronous dialogue → guided reflection, ensures that every student’s voice is heard. Cohorts now run in English and Spanish, with students co‑selecting timely topics (e.g., AI ethics, mental health). Early outcomes point to stronger active listening, empathy, and leadership readiness; staff facilitators also build internationalization capacity. “Dialogue must be intentional and facilitated so every student has a voice.” Climate Diplomacy in Practice Eleanor Vandegrift, Director Global Studies Institute and Assistant Vice Provost for Global Partnerships, University of Oregon presented the Certificate in Global Climate Change Leadership (with USC/APRU), a month‑long, UN‑style negotiation using the MIT‑developed C‑ROADS model. Multidisciplinary, multi‑university delegations engage with 30+ global speakers; fee differentials and targeted outreach widen access. The team now uses pre/post instruments to track growth in diplomacy, cross‑cultural awareness, and leadership, with ~700 alumni to date and another ~250 planned for 2026. Vandegrift said, “It wasn’t just climate science. It was diplomacy, equity, economics, and leadership… climate action felt achievable, if we work together.”     Immersion for Identity and Impact Professor Taninee Sahakitrungruang, MD, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University introduced SDG4GC, a three‑month hybrid program that combines six weeks online, two weeks of on‑site immersion in Thailand or Malaysia, and four weeks of prototyping culminating in a social‑innovation pitch. Students work alongside UN agencies, policymakers, social enterprises, and grassroots NGOs; participation grew from 60 (2023) to 78 students from 17 universities (2025). Next step: a seed fund to move promising ideas from PowerPoint to pilot. Reporting on student feedback, she said, “This program made me feel more human… not just knowledge acquisition, but identity formation.” Conclusion — What APRU Can Take Forward Across dialogue, simulation, and community immersion, Programs with Purpose demonstrated how design choices make inclusion tangible and learning measurable. Design for voice and equity: Use trained facilitation, multilingual cohorts, and differential fees to expand who participates and who is heard. Measure what matters: Pair experiential formats with pre/post instruments to track leadership, diplomacy, and cross‑cultural growth. Build bridges beyond the classroom: Engage UN agencies, NGOs, and community partners so students grapple with real constraints and stakeholders. Together these models are ready for APRU institutions seeking scalable, purpose‑driven global learning, and preparing students not only for international careers, but for global stewardship.  

Institutional Engagement Summary — February 2026 APRU representatives Thomas Schneider (Chief Executive) and Jackie Wong (Senior Director, Communications and Engagement) completed a week‑long series of visits to member universities across California, Hawai‘i, and Washington, meeting with senior leaders to deepen collaboration in AI, sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, global health, food systems, student mobility, and the future of the university. The following high‑level summaries capture the focus areas, APRU alignment, and participating leaders at each institution.   UC Irvine (February 2, 2026) Participants: Chancellor Howard Gillman; Dr. Lars Walton (Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff); Dr. Aileen Anderson (Vice Chancellor for Research), Dr. Lily Wu (Chief Global Affairs Officer & Faculty Liaison to the Chancellor ); Dr. Hye‑Won Shin (Grace) (Director of Korea Relations). Highlights: UCI presented robust Asia Pacific engagement—especially with partners in Korea and Taiwan—alongside active undergraduate research mobility and language/cultural programming that supports STEM internationalization. UCI’s expanding work in artificial intelligence (AI literacy, ethics, and applied academic uses) offers strong alignment with APRU initiatives focused on responsible and innovative AI in higher education.     UC Riverside (February 2, 2026) Participants: Chancellor Jack Hu; Dr. Marko Princevac (Vice Provost); Dr. Rodolfo Torres (Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Economic Development); Dr. Peter Atkinson (Dean of College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences); Dr. Patricia Springer (Divisional Dean of College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences). Highlights: UCR is building deeper ties with APRU around comparative agriculture, food systems, and environmental studies. The university’s diverse research landscapes—from Coachella Valley to mountain reserves—create rich opportunities for field‑based learning, viticulture and crop science engagement, and program development with partners across the Asia Pacific. Planning discussions included a future food security initiative and potential field school components connected to APRU’s regional priorities.     University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (February 3–4, 2026) Participants: President Wendy Hensel; Dr. Vassilis Syrmos (Interim Provost); Dr. Bob Wright (Interim Vice President for Research); Dr. Denise Konan (Dean of College of Social Sciences); Dr. Ivy Mu (Acting Chief Global Officer). Highlights: UH Mānoa emphasized strengths in earth and environmental sciences, Asia Pacific studies, and Indigenous knowledge. With world‑class astronomy assets in Hawai‘i and strong links to observatories in Chile, UH is well placed to collaborate on space‑related programming. The team also noted opportunities to advance One Health/One Pacific, Indigenous leadership, and big‑data initiatives in ways that align with APRU’s networkwide agenda and UH’s strategic planning.   UCLA (February 5, 2026) Participants: Cindy Fan (Vice Provost for International Studies & Global Engagement); Kathryn Paul (Director for International Collaborations); Darnell Hunt (Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost); Roger Wakimoto (Vice Chancellor for Research & Creative Activities); Michael Gravbeal (Chief of Staff); Tim McDonald (Strategic Advisor & Research); Mick Deluca (Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus Life, UCLA Student Affairs); Felicia Marie Knaul (Associate of the Chancellor). Highlights: UCLA showcased broad interdisciplinary engagement across APWiL, global health, Sustainable Cities & Landscapes, archives/digitization, and anti‑Asian hate scholarship. The new Dialogue Across Difference (DAD) initiative complements APRU’s Open Dialogues methodology. Looking ahead to Los Angeles’ Olympic context, UCLA is keen to build a multi‑university collaboration (e.g., Melbourne, Waseda, Keio) that connects sport, culture, research, and inclusive excellence across the APRU network.     University of Southern California (February 5, 2026) Participants: President Beong‑Soo Kim; Anthony Bailey (Vice President for Global and Online Initiatives); Paulo Rodrigues (Senior Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement). Highlights: USC outlined an institution‑wide AI direction centered on literacy, ethics, and community‑wide engagement. The university encouraged APRU to curate and share faculty case studies on transformative AI uses in teaching and research. USC also indicated interest in playing a significant role in APRU’s 30th anniversary activities and expressed intent to host the APM in 2030, aligning with USC’s 150th anniversary.     UC Santa Cruz (February 6, 2026) Participants: Chancellor Cynthia Larive; John MacMillan (Vice Chancellor for Research); Alice Michel (Executive Director of Global Mobility); and Glynis Kincaid (Global Learning Advisor). Highlights: UCSC identified collaboration opportunities in environmental visualization, coastal resilience, and natural‑reserve‑based research and training. The university’s work on modelling climate impacts and communicating science to the public aligns well with APRU’s hazards, coastal, and sustainability themes. UCSC also showcased efforts in international recruitment, faculty mobility, and 2+2 program development with Asia Pacific partners.     UC Davis (February 6, 2026) Participants: Chancellor Gary May; Professor Michael Lazzara (Associate Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Partnerships); Simon Atkinson (Vice Chancellor for Research); Molly McKinney (Chief of Staff, Grand Challenges); and Marcel Holyoak (Associate Dean of Environmental Sciences – College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) Highlights: UC Davis outlined strong alignment with APRU in food systems, agritech, biodiversity, and AI‑enabled agriculture. With extensive research centers and natural reserves, the university contributes significantly to field‑based training and comparative environmental studies. UC Davis confirmed continued engagement in APRU governance and strategic planning discussions, including participation in steering committee matters.     University of Washington (February 9, 2026) Participants: President Robert Jones; Tricia R. Serio (Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs); Ahmad M. Ezzeddine (Vice Provost for Global Affairs); Ken Yocom (Dean, College of Built Environments); Heidi van Rooyen (Chair, Global Health); and additional leaders from the College of the Environment and Global Affairs. Highlights: UW emphasized institutional strengths in AI, climate predictability, global health, fisheries, and sustainability, and expressed interest in deeper participation in APRU’s steering and working groups. The university is expanding global learning through COIL and faculty‑led pathways and suggested hosting a future APRU Hazards Symposium (targeting 2028). Discussions also covered scaling experiential learning, strengthening two‑way mobility, and creating new partnership models with industry connectors in Seattle.     UC Santa Barbara (February 10, 2026) Participants: Chancellor Dennis Assanis; David Marshall (Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost); Rachel Segalman (Vice Chancellor for Research). Highlights: UCSB signaled strong interest in participating more actively in APRU, particularly in environmental humanities, wildfire/climate research, sustainability, and global studies. As the UC system’s leading campus for outbound study abroad, UCSB aims to expand its Asia Pacific footprint through research collaborations, internships, and student‑centered programming. The university also proposed an APRU research mentorship concept pairing faculty with students across the network.   Next Steps APRU will coordinate targeted follow‑ups with each institution to connect thematic interests with ongoing programs and working groups, explore event hosting opportunities, and surface collaborative research and student mobility pathways that advance shared priorities across the network.  

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) mourns the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, an extraordinary leader, pioneering marine ecologist, and dear friend to our network. Emma’s intellectual energy and commitment to advancing higher education and research were truly inspiring. She was a staunch supporter of APRU, and we were privileged to work with her during her time at UNSW Sydney, The University of Sydney, and most recently at The University of Melbourne, where we had begun exploring new avenues of collaboration. Her contributions to APRU were significant and memorable. We recall her keynote address at the APRU Presidents’ Meeting Gala Dinner in 2017 and her engagement at the APRU APEC University Leaders’ Forum, where she spoke passionately about investing in tomorrow’s biodiversity. As she reminded us then: “There once was a simpler time, when land was protected from the sea at any cost. Every waterlogged salt marsh was drained and channelized; every port was fortified; and shellfish reefs were harvested and replaced with hard rocks and lots of concrete, but now times are more complicated. Thanks to the research of many universities, community groups, industries, and governments, we have recognized that through this conventional approach, we have lost many crucial ecosystem services, such as storm protection, food production, water purification, biodiversity, and habitat provision.” Emma also brought her passion for nature and science to APRU gatherings in unique ways. At the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting in 2023, she opened the program by leading delegates on the Coogee-Bondi coastal walk in Sydney. As she said: “A walk like this is a great way to connect with each other, and with the ecosystems we depend upon. We were able to share important understandings of our local biology, including sharks, whales, and seaweeds, and our local geomorphology, including beaches, sandstone, and rip currents.” Her words and actions continue to guide our efforts in fostering global partnerships for a sustainable future. Emma’s vibrant presence and leadership will remain in our hearts, and we will honor her legacy by continuing to pursue the shared vision of higher education and research that she championed. Our thoughts are with her family, her close friends, and our colleagues at The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, and UNSW Sydney who share in this unfathomable loss.

The 2025 edition of Roots and Bridges: APRU Indigenous Connections Seminar Series came to a meaningful close this December, marking the second consecutive year that APRU’s Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network brought together students, scholars, community leaders, and practitioners from across the Pacific Rim. Held from May to December, and moderated by Emeritus Prof. David Romo from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, this six-part virtual series created a space for Indigenous voices to lead the conversation on culture, identity, and the future of knowledge-driven collaboration. This year’s program featured six speakers representing diverse sectors and geographies: universities including The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of British Columbia, and Universidad San Francisco de Quito; nonprofit and civil organizations such as Antsetik ts’unun and the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC); the corporate sector through Movistar; and global governance via the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Together, they spanned four economies: New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and Ecuador; each contributing perspectives shaped by local experience and global commitment. While the 2024 inaugural series focused largely on academic and institutional exchange, the 2025 edition broadens perspectives by highlighting the personal journeys of Indigenous leaders. The sessions explored topics such as building Indigenous cultural frameworks within institutions, the symbolic and linguistic dimensions of Indigenous food systems, the Mayan worldview of “Buen Vivir”, pathways from shyness to empowerment for Indigenous women in corporate spaces, the evolution of Indigenous diplomacy, and community-based solutions to climate change.   “There should be a kind of humility over the supremacy of the lens in which we view other languages and other cultures and try to take the position of the learner instead of taking the position of the one who’s going to either teach or improve things.” – Dr. Celina G. Solís B.   Across these sessions, participants engaged, not only, with academic insight but with lived experiences: stories of resilience, identity, and the ongoing work of advancing Indigenous rights and knowledges. This personal dimension enriched the learning experience and reinforced the importance of Indigenous-led narratives in shaping more equitable and sustainable futures. The series also continued to grow its community. With a total audience of more than 600 participants across multiple regions and disciplines, Roots and Bridges has solidified itself as one of APRU’s platforms for exchange, collaboration, and collective reflection.   “I would like to see a lot of girls and a lot of boys from indigenous communities to access to the higher education, to graduate from the best universities. I would like to see a lot of, women writing their own history of life. For that reason, I’m in this space telling my story, telling my experiences in the professional and academic life. I would like to have more indigenous women in this kind of space, sharing their dreams and their objectives. That’s my dream.” – Beliza Coro   As 2025 concludes, the Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network celebrates the connections formed, the knowledge shared, and the momentum generated. The success of this year’s edition reaffirms the value of centering Indigenous worldviews within higher education and global dialogue. With enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose, the series will return in 2026 and remains committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and expanding cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Pacific Rim.

  On October 30, APRU hosted the 5th cohort of Open Dialogues, an initiative designed to foster meaningful conversations among students across the Asia-Pacific. This Spanish edition followed the same theme as the 4th Cohort, “Breaking Stereotypes: Navigating Cultural Differences in the Global Workplace”. Led by Prof. Daniela González Iza, Director of the International Relations Program at the School of Social Sciences and Government, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Dr. David Huerta, Director of International Experiences and Models, Tecnológico de Monterrey, the program brought together 93 students, 11 moderators, and representatives from 6 universities across 6 economies. The steady growth of Open Dialogues since its inception reflects its relevance in preparing future leaders for global challenges. The dialogues encouraged participants to examine how cultural differences shape professional environments and how stereotypes influence interactions. Students learned that stereotypes could serve as both a starting point and an obstacle, and that questioning them is essential to avoid prejudice and foster collaboration. Through guided discussions, participants identified key skills for effective intercultural communication, including active listening, respecting silence, adjusting tone, and showing empathy. These competencies are increasingly critical in a world that is more connected yet often less understood. The program’s impact was evident in the feedback: 90% of students reported being satisfied or very satisfied, and a similar percentage considered the topic highly relevant to their future careers. Students expressed feeling valued and enriched by the interactions, highlighting that the format created an inclusive space for meaningful learning. Daniela González Iza summarized the essence of the experience: “APRU Open Dialogues allowed our students not only to understand the dynamics that will shape their professional future, but also the importance of empathizing in a world increasingly connected yet less understood. New generations must learn to navigate interculturality, and this exercise allowed them to do just that.” As workplaces become more global, the ability to communicate across cultures is no longer optional; it is essential. By creating spaces for dialogue and reflection, APRU Open Dialogues helps students develop the mindset and skills needed to lead in diverse environments. To learn more about APRU Open Dialogues, visit its official page here.

In October 2025, APRU’s Chief Executive, Thomas Schneider and David Quimbayo, Program Manager, embarked on a visit to Chile, a nation whose poetic soul is eternally linked to Pablo Neruda. The voyage of a diplomat-poet who understood that discovery is not just about crossing oceans, but about bridging worlds, served as a powerful inspiration for the visit. Neruda’s work stands as “at once a chronicle of tumultuous times and the intimate diary of a nomad,” a journey that mirrors the modern university’s own “voyage of awakening to the responsibility of the intellectual to society and to history.” Guided by this spirit, APRU reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships in Latin America, focusing on deep collaboration and shared purpose. Charting New Collaborations at Universidad de Concepción The visit commenced on October 9 at Universidad de Concepción, where APRU Chief Executive Thomas Schneider and Program Manager David Quimbayo engaged in a series of high-level strategic meetings. After an official welcome from Rector Carlos Saavedra and his vice presidents, discussions with the Vice Presidency of Research and the International Affairs Office focused on internationalization and student mobility. A dedicated session on research and innovation with the directors of the university’s research centres proved highly productive, with both parties sharing key initiatives and identifying fertile ground for joint research projects. The delegation also gained a deeper appreciation for the university’s cultural heritage through a guided tour of the Pinacoteca Art Gallery, home to its iconic Mexican-Chilean mural. The conversations consistently returned to shared priorities, with a strong focus on enhancing global citizenship programs, expanding Indigenous Knowledge networks, and advancing Women in Leadership initiatives.   the mural Presencia de América Latina (Presence of Latin America) by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarena   Addressing Global Challenges at Universidad de Chile     The visit to Chile began earlier, on October 7, at Universidad de Chile, where APRU participated in the university’s International Week. Before a packed auditorium of faculty, students, and international delegates, Prof Thomas Schneider delivered a keynote address titled, “The Role of International University Networks in Addressing Global Challenges in Times of Geopolitical Turbulence.” The speech set the stage for a productive follow-up meeting with Rector Rosa Devés and her senior leadership team. Building on the momentum, they laid concrete plans for future collaboration, with a particular focus on the upcoming Indigenous Knowledges Summit scheduled for 2026. The day concluded with a networking dinner, fostering deeper connections among academic leaders.       Amplifying the Message: APRU as a Catalyst for Change The themes of the Chile visit were echoed in a commentary piece by Thomas Schneider published in University World News. In his opinion piece, “Transnational HE Networks Can be Catalysts of Change,” he elaborated on the unique role of consortia like APRU, describing them as “meta-universities” that amplify knowledge creation, enhance multilateral diplomacy, and build value-based global communities. This vision underscores APRU’s crucial work in fostering justice, dignity, and resilience worldwide. The visit to Chile successfully strengthened the foundation of APRU’s partnerships in the region, setting a clear and ambitious agenda for collective action in the years to come—a true continuation of the intellectual and humanitarian voyage that defines both Neruda’s legacy and the mission of global higher education.

Introduction   APRU Senior International Leaders have convened at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), October 15-17 for the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting (SILM). The annual gathering of senior international leaders focused on the theme “Global range, local change: educational diplomacy and social impact.” The meeting not only inspires collaboration, shares best practices, and explores new strategies to enhance the transformative impact of universities across the Asia-Pacific region, but also positions these efforts as vital pathways for the internationalization of higher education. This 2025 event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and the International Advisory Committee meeting, alongside invaluable networking opportunities. With over 30 Senior International Leaders and 15 universities from 11 economies the convening encouraged global engagement, cross-border academic partnerships, and the development of a student and faculty network with a truly international outlook.     Opening Ceremony     Prof. Diego Quiroga, President of Universidad San Francisco de Quito welcomed participants to Quito, “Now more than ever, universities must take an active role in building bridges across regions, cultures, and disciplines. Hosting this gathering of academic leaders reaffirms USFQ’s commitment to internationalization, sustainability, research connections that foster innovation, and the education of global citizens who will positively transform our societies.” Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU opened the meeting with gratitude, “APRU is deeply grateful to Universidad San Francisco de Quito for hosting the 2025 Senior International Leaders’ Meeting in the historic city of Quito. Their commitment to educational diplomacy and sustainability reflects the spirit of APRU, and their generosity has created a truly inspiring setting for global leaders to collaborate on locally impactful solutions.” With the theme focused on educational diplomacy and social impact, Prof. Schneider brought attention to the important role that universities have within society to overcome challenges to global connectivity, “The mission of APRU as a mechanism of educational diplomacy is more urgent than ever. Our network fosters transnational collaboration and dialogue, driving social transformation through locally tailored solutions.” Prof. Schneider outlined three key abilities of APRU: amplifying knowledge creation, enhancing transnational connectivity through educational diplomacy, and building a cohesive global community. He shared the concept of a “Meta University” to describe APRU’s collective research power and its role in fostering collaboration among member institutions.     The keynote speaker, Prof. Andrea Encalada, Provost, USFQ shared her perspective on  the importance of collaboration in research, particularly in sustainable cities, global health, and indigenous knowledge, while introducing ongoing research on the Amazon River Basin. As a researcher in freshwater ecology and biodiversity, Prof. Encalada’s research emphasizes the ecological significance of the region and the threats it faces from environmental degradation due to activities like mining and deforestation. USFQ has been actively engaging in several international projects aimed at addressing challenges in the Amazon. One prominent initiative is the Science Panel for the Amazon, where USFQ collaborates with scientists across various countries to synthesize research and propose solutions for the basin’s environmental issues. Additionally, the Tiputini Biodiversity Station serves as a research hub in partnership with international institutions, focusing on monitoring biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. USFQ also participates in the Amazon Waters Alliance, which comprises over 30 organizations dedicated to sustainable water management and conservation strategies.     Reimagining Global Engagement: Higher Education’s Changing Horizon     In the interactive workshop “Reimagining Global Engagement: Higher Education’s Changing Horizon,” by Prof. Cindy Fan of UCLA facilitated the discussion to rethink the evolving definition of global engagement in higher education amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. The session featured a thought-provoking presentation by Vinitha Gengatharan from Simon Fraser University, who outlined how the meaning of internationalization is being redefined across diverse geographies and economies. In Vinitha’s speech, she urged institutions to integrate global engagement with their strategic imperatives, moving beyond transactional agreements to focus on transformational partnerships that address shared global challenges like climate change and health. She called for universities to lead with intention, integrity, and responsibility, ensuring that their contributions are meaningful and relevant to both local and global communities. Discussants Prof. Lum Sau Kim (National University of Singapore), Prof. Alexandra Velasco (USFQ), and Prof. Fan herself contributed insights on institutional strategies for fostering inclusive and resilient global partnerships. Through open dialogue and shared best practices, the workshop emphasized the importance of adaptability, innovation, and collaboration in sustaining meaningful international engagement in higher education.     Enhancing Trans-Pacific Cohesion: Education Diplomacy through APRU Programs     The panel moderated by Prof. Michael Lazzara (UC Davis) brought together distinguished speakers, Prof. Adrian Little (The University of Melbourne), Prof. Toshiya Ueki (Tohoku University), Prof. Dennis Galvan (University of Oregon), and Prof. Mellissa Withers (University of Southern California), to explore how universities serve as diplomatic actors. Through the lens of four flagship APRU initiatives, the Indigenous Knowledges Program, Multi-Hazards Program, Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program, and Global Health Program, panelists shared examples of how transnational collaboration can resist isolationism, foster intercultural understanding, and navigate political and institutional sensitivities. The session emphasized the power of networks such as APRU to build trust, resilience, and cohesion across borders, and offered practical strategies for advancing internal diplomacy within institutions. Table discussions and reflections further enriched the dialogue, reinforcing APRU’s role as a vital platform for educational diplomacy and global engagement.     Celebration of 5 years of the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Mentoring Program     A special ceremony was held to celebrate five years of the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWIL) Mentoring Program, a flagship initiative of APRU that empowers emerging women leaders across the region. The session honored the visionary leadership of Prof. Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs of UC Davis and Prof. Yvonne Lim, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) of Universiti Malaya, whose dedication has shaped the program’s success and impact. The celebration featured a presentation by Prof. Joanna Regulska, a commemorative video including remarks from Prof. Yvonne Lim, and a tribute speech by Prof. Thomas Schneider recognizing their contributions. The ceremony also welcomed the incoming Co-Directors of the APWIL Program, Karla Urrolia, National Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Tecnológico de Monterrey and Prof. Dimitria Groutsis, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of The University of Sydney Business School who shared reflections on the program’s transformative influence. This milestone underscores APRU’s commitment to advancing gender equity and leadership development across its network.     Creating Impact for Tomorrow: How to Educate, How to Strategize?     In the third and final workshop of the SILM, the session brought together international education leaders to explore how APRU programs and global initiatives are shaping student learning and institutional strategy. Moderated by Mr. Mirko Varano of Tecnológico de Monterrey, the session featured insights from Patricia Montaño (Tecnológico de Monterrey), Cheryl Dumaresq (University of British Columbia), Prof. Takako Izumi (Tohoku University), Carlos Rilling (Universidad de Chile), and Prof. Jaime López (USFQ). Panelists discussed the transformative impact of programs such as the APRU Multi-Hazards initiative and international design workshops, emphasizing the importance of strategic collaboration, innovation, and resilience in global education. The session highlighted successful consortium models and offered practical approaches for institutions to enhance student mobility , foster cross-border partnerships, and prepare learners for the complexities of tomorrow’s world.     USFQ Research Stations     As part of the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting, participants embarked on immersive field excursions to three of Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s premier research stations, each offering a unique lens into Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity and USFQ’s leadership in environmental research. In the Amazon Rainforest, delegates visited the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, a remote facility within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, where they experienced firsthand the richness of primary lowland rainforest and engaged with research on ecological resilience. In the Galápagos Islands, the group explored the Galápagos Science Center on San Cristóbal Island, a hub for international collaboration in conservation science, located steps from Playa Mann’s vibrant marine life. An optional tour before the meeting began included a journey into the Andean Cloud Forest, where the Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station, nestled in the UNESCO-recognized Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, showcased emblematic species such as the spectacled bear and the black-breasted puffleg. These excursions highlighted USFQ’s commitment to field-based learning and its role in advancing global understanding of ecosystem interconnectedness and sustainability. SILM 2025 Photos Please find photos of the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting 2025 on APRU Flickr.

This article was featured on University World News on October 17, 2025 and written by Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU. There are currently 15 active war zones on our planet and approximately 25 other regions of civil unrest or violence, highlighting the failure of political crisis-solving. Many other forms of geopolitical turbulence are widespread; society is highly politicised and divided. Higher education is not exempt from such turbulence, with assaults on science and internationalisation multiplying, not the least in the United States. I wish to call to my rescue – and inspiration – Pablo Neruda, Chile’s poetic beacon and humanitarian advocate. The poet’s work, as a literary scholar has stated, is “at once a chronicle of tumultuous times and the intimate diary of a nomad”, “the voyage of awakening to the responsibility of the intellectual to society and to history”. After relating this arduous voyage in his Nobel lecture of 13 December 1971, under the title “Towards the Splendid City”, Neruda evokes the vision of the splendid city – a future of humanity in justice, dignity and equality. He concludes: “Lastly, I wish to say to the people of good will, to the workers, to the poets, that the whole future has been expressed in this line by Rimbaud: ‘only with a burning patience can we conquer the Splendid City which will give light, justice and dignity to all mankind. In this way the poetry will not be sung in vain’.” How can university networks pursue the same goal, to conquer the splendid city with a burning patience? How can we make sure that our poetry – the poetry of higher education – will not be sung in vain? 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. Transnational networks At a time when most geopolitical turbulence occurs among nation states and their claims to territory and resources, focusing on universities’ ‘transnational’ networks emphasises their capability to operate outside, be effective beyond the limitations of nation states or interstate relations and prioritise broader humanitarian and planetary issues. Developments such as the massification of higher education, human-driven climate change, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Industry 5.0, the shift to virtual communications, the rise of social media and financial and health crises have brought a lot of change. Higher education, too, has undergone significant structural transformations, including increasing professionalisation, the emergence of more market-driven models, the questioning of its role in society and a focus on sustainability. This has been mirrored by the establishment of a new type of specialised university alliance which prioritises social and environmental issues, marking a new kind of global university engagement. In contrast with conventional partnerships that tend to be defined by geographical and political terms, we are seeing the emergence of transnational partnerships, and maybe at some point in the future, transnational universities. The power of transnational networks The broad shift of higher education towards civic engagement has also reshaped comprehensive global networks such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Established in 1997, APRU today comprises 63 member universities across 18 economies of the Asia-Pacific. Using this example, I will demonstrate how university consortia can address global challenges in times of geopolitical turbulence. They can do so through a threefold ability: the ability to amplify the creation of knowledge in research and education; transnational connectivity as an agent of multilateral diplomacy; and cohesion within a value-based, planetary community. I designate the three areas by the terms ‘meta-university’, ‘multi-connector’ and ‘macro-community’; you may imagine them as the three vertices of one triangle. ‘Meta-universities’ In 2007, former Massachusetts Institute of Technology president Charles Vest coined the term ‘meta-university’ for distributed and decentralised university networks. Such meta-universities would share scholarship, increase access to education and create societal impact. Recent assessments of the concept have described meta-universities through the lens of a ‘value net’, picturing market relationships between the centre of a network (the meta-university) and other stakeholders. They have emphasised their role as a catalyst for new systems thinking – integrating different perspectives into a higher, general level of understanding of complex systems. APRU presents the key characteristics of a meta-university thus: “The combined research power of our 63 member universities translates into 12% of the annual global research output. If we were treated as a country, APRU would rank third globally – after China and the United States – in terms of research production. “As a transnational platform of collaboration, we co-create knowledge and advance technological innovation in all fields of human inquiry. “Our signature research-informed programmes focus on the big challenges of the Pacific in the areas of health, hazards, sustainability, food, biodiversity and technology. We facilitate research, train students, and create policy frameworks through our annual research summits, workshops and competitions. “Through our member institutions, APRU has a combined enrolment of 2.5 million students and employs more than 200,000 professors, offering through its institutions an estimated 10,000 degree programmes and 300,000 annual courses. “On a network level, APRU offers a comprehensive range of programmes (some of them for credit or as a certificate), informed by multiple academic disciplines, including health sciences, natural sciences, the social sciences and cultural studies. APRU expands access to education through a wide variety of programmes, builds professional capacity and enhances student engagement and the development of global citizenship.” In summary, APRU has the capacity to leverage the vast collective research power, the extensive resources in education and culture, and the profound socio-economic impact of its member institutions towards the further development of higher education and the solution of planetary challenges. Multi-connectors Transnational university networks fulfil a crucial second objective – by functioning as a multi-connector among universities and between universities and other segments of society (the government, NGOs and the corporate sector), they pursue educational diplomacy as a deliberate means to bypass geopolitical tensions. Beyond its past, rather narrow political definition and the sphere of interstate relations, diplomacy is nowadays a preserve of multiple actors. It has extended to specialised fields of diplomatic engagement such as trade diplomacy or climate diplomacy. Over the past three decades, APRU has established itself as an important multilateral actor of educational diplomacy, a role embedded in APRU’s constitutional mission. At APRU’s inaugural meeting in 1997, J Stapleton Roy, US ambassador to Indonesia after previously serving as US ambassador to Singapore and China, made the following remarks of unabated relevance: “Expanding cooperation among Pacific Rim universities is desirable for a variety of educational, cultural and social reasons. “But it is also necessary to help ensure that the accelerated flow of information across and on both sides of the Pacific contributes to knowledge, mutual understanding and appreciation of our common values. “Equally important, such cooperation can reinforce the efforts of diplomats, academicians, the business community and good citizens everywhere to make the next century – the Pacific century – a peaceful, prosperous and enlightened one.” Today, the need for such multilateral diplomacy is even more essential in a world characterised by contrary tendencies of development. On the one hand, the current globe is hyperconnected through trade, finance, modern communication and a mobility of people unseen in earlier phases of history. The unprecedented and ubiquitous pace of technological development calls into question the very foundations of how life will be lived in the future. Simultaneously, the globe is politically increasingly fragmented. We have witnessed a global diffusion of power to new national and institutional stakeholders, further exacerbated by demographic shifts, environmental degradation and socio-economic inequality, in addition to political and military conflicts. In recent months, the enforced termination of joint US-Chinese institutes by the US administration and the request for payments of up to US$1 billion for the release of federal funding – like in the case of Harvard University and UCLA – have been illustrative of political threats to the global mission and the international nature of higher education. APRU’s diplomacy appears thus more urgent in 2025 than before. A transnational framework apt to overcome political divisions and to build purpose-based trust is offered by the concept of planetarism. It moves beyond the limitations of internationalism by centring on the sustainability of human civilisation and the well-being of the entire planet, rather than the interests of sovereign nations. Moving beyond the nation-state as the primary political unit, this framework promotes a new understanding of human interdependence with planetary systems, suggesting that a consciousness and collective responsibility for planetary issues is necessary to address the challenges of the Anthropocene. This past summer, the University of Chile hosted one of our key events featuring educational diplomacy – the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Programme. Held for the first time in South America, the event convened 72 students from 13 economies. The programme’s activities – including an international seminar on the future of democracy (attended by the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, and featuring world-renowned speakers such as Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and economist Ha-Joon Chang) – are entirely about educating a new generation of global leaders: leaders who will champion a visionary future form of leadership that is ethical, collaborative and transformative. As University of Chile Rector Rosa Devés emphasised in her opening address: “[The world’s] complex, interconnected challenges… cannot be tackled in isolation. They demand cooperation, empathy and collective intelligence, especially from the new generations who will forge the future… “It speaks to the ethical responsibility to act in a global context, to recognise the interconnection of our realities and to affirm that the dignity of every person, regardless of origin, is a shared obligation… 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.” Macro-communities Finally, a key purpose of transnational university networks is their power to help form a cohesive global community underpinned by the same values and priorities, a ‘planetary polity’. This is particularly true for university networks with a high degree of density per region of the globe, such as APRU in the Asia-Pacific. When APRU was established in 1997, this happened purposefully and against the growing profile of the Asia-Pacific as a global economic superpower. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) had just been founded in 1989, in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the emergence of regional trade blocs in other parts of the world. The mastermind behind the creation of APRU – Steven B Sample, president of the University of Southern California – intended APRU to be “analogous to, and supportive of, the efforts of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) leaders to stimulate the creation of a community of Pacific nations”. He invoked the social imaginary of such a community as APRU’s mission, namely “to help these institutions become more effective contributors to an increasingly integrated Pacific Rim community”. As a purpose-driven model community of scholars, administrators, teachers and students from across the Pacific Ocean numbering close to three million people, APRU is thus a supporting architect of the Asia Pacific macro-community. We mirror the diversity of the Asia Pacific through all our activities, to mention only our network on Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges. We enhance the representation of female leaders through our Asia Pacific Women in Leadership programme. We pursue the search for scientific truth and the fair and equitable implementation of solutions in our research-informed programmes on the region’s grand challenges – multi-hazards, global health, biodiversity, sustainability, food security and artificial intelligence. We foster global citizenship – understanding, empathy and respect for the complexity of the globe and the very different local identities and contexts. Like in each community, civic participation is a key responsibility of global citizenship – one that we build through student leadership programmes, summer schools and student competitions. Considering unprecedented global challenges and persistent global turbulence, it is vital to reaffirm for the mission of university networks – with the words spoken by Pablo Neruda – that “only with a burning patience can we conquer the Splendid City which will give light, justice and dignity to all mankind”. Thomas Schneider is the chief executive of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. This is an abridged version of his recent keynote speech – “The role of transnational university networks in addressing global challenges in times of geopolitical turbulence” – at the opening of the University of Chile’s International Week. This article is a commentary. Commentary articles are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.

On September 19, 2025, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) proudly hosted the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Secretariat for a dynamic and inspiring onboarding session, marking a significant milestone in SUSTech’s journey as a new member of the prestigious APRU network. Held at the heart of SUSTech’s campus in Shenzhen, the session brought together senior leaders from both institutions, including SUSTech President Prof. Qikun Xue and APRU Chief Executive Prof. Thomas Schneider. The day was filled with engaging discussions, strategic exchanges, and a shared vision for future collaboration across the Pacific Rim.     The agenda featured a comprehensive introduction to APRU’s mission and impact, led by Prof. Schneider, highlighting the consortium’s role in uniting 62 leading research universities across 18 economies. APRU’s programs span critical areas such as global health, climate change, AI and big data, and sustainable cities—offering SUSTech a powerful platform to amplify its global engagement. SUSTech’s leadership, including Vice President Prof. Li Jin expressed strong enthusiasm for joining APRU’s vibrant community. The meeting explored key areas for collaboration, with student mobility and entrepreneurship emerging as top priorities. These align closely with SUSTech’s commitment to nurturing globally-minded, innovative talent. One of the most exciting announcements was that SUSTech will host the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program in 2026, a flagship initiative that empowers students to tackle regional challenges through cross-cultural dialogue and leadership development. This opportunity positions SUSTech as a hub for future changemakers across the Pacific Rim.     The onboarding session concluded with a campus tour, a celebratory lunch hosted by President Xue, and a symbolic gift exchange—underscoring the spirit of partnership and mutual respect. The energy and optimism throughout the day reflected a shared belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful impact. As SUSTech embarks on this new chapter with APRU, the university is poised to contribute to and benefit from a global network of excellence. From joint research and student exchanges to leadership programs and innovation initiatives, the possibilities are vast—and the future is bright. The association warmly welcomes SUSTech to APRU. Together, we unleash the power of the Pacific Rim.  

Earlier this month, APRU Chief Executive, Prof. Thomas Schneider and Chief Strategy Officer, Christina Schönleber visited six leading Australian universities to deepen institutional partnerships, explore new areas of collaboration, and enhance student engagement across the Pacific Rim. The University of Melbourne – September 1, 2025   Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emma Johnston hosted the APRU delegation, which emphasized Melbourne’s leadership in the Indigenous Knowledges Network, forestry research at the Creswick Campus, and research. The strategic focus on Research Accelerators in climate, biodiversity, health, IK, and cybersecurity aligns closely with APRU’s mission.  The University of Sydney – September 2, 2025 Hosted by Prof. Annamarie Jagose, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, and her team, the visit focused on student engagement in APRU initiatives such as Open Dialogues and the Global Health Program. APRU thanks University of Sydney for their continued commitment to the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) program and dedication to advancing women’s leadership in higher education. UNSW Sydney – September 2, 2025 Prof. Colin Grant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, welcomed the APRU team to discuss UNSW’s evolving international strategy aligned with the “Progress for All” vision. Topics included Global Launchpad Awards, student mobility, and UNSW’s expanding policy footprint through the Health Translation Hub, focusing on global challenges such as climate change and human rights. The Australian National University (ANU) – September 3, 2025 The APRU delegation met Former Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell the previous day and continued the conversation with Director Jonathan Dampney and colleagues from the College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) to discuss ANU’s strategic engagement. Topics included the Year in Asia program, independent study shell courses, and potential collaboration with the Department of Pacific Affairs on climate change leadership. The University of Adelaide – September 4, 2025 Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Høj AC, PVC Prof. Michael Goodsite, and Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) highlighted Adelaide’s strengths in AI, food security, entrepreneurship, and forest ecosystems. The visit also explored the university’s transition process to Adelaide University and the innovative “students as partners” initiative, which empowers 500 student ambassadors. The visit reinforced The University of Adelaide’s alignment with APRU’s goals and opened discussions on future collaboration in areas such as health innovation, regional development, and student mobility. The University of Queensland – September 5, 2025 Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deborah Terry AC, DVC Rongyu Li, and PVC Brett Lovegrove engaged in discussions around biodiversity and marine research, food security at UQ Gatton, and AI in education. The delegates explored new areas of collaboration and strategies to enhance student engagement. These visits reaffirmed the strong alignment between APRU’s mission and the strategic priorities of our member universities in Australia. We are excited to build on these foundations and continue fostering impactful collaboration across the region.

This article is written by Nathan M Greenfield and originally published on University World News at: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250701093512466    Rapidly ageing populations in countries around the Pacific Rim are causing universities in the region to reorientate what and to whom they teach and are driving their research agendas in public health, diagnostics and development of treatments. But these major shifts are also occurring against the backdrop of research funding uncertainty. Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Julio Frenk, told university leaders at the annual meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) held at the University of California, San Diego, last month, that they were meeting “at the moment of greatest challenge to higher education in living memory”. The sentiment was echoed by several speakers at the 22 to 24 June meeting of 28 university presidents and 110 delegates from 46 universities in Asia and the Pacific, North America and Latin America at the conference on ‘human longevity in a changing world’. 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.   Frenk, a former minister of health in Mexico, said: “What’s being challenged is the compact that was entered into between the federal government and universities after World War II for the conduct of research and the way in which basic research will be translated into technological innovation.” Philanthropy and business partnerships featured prominently in what APRU’s Chief Executive Thomas Schneider outlined as a new paradigm necessitated by the funding crisis triggered by cuts to federal research funding in the United States – a move that has had ripple effects, undermining global collaboration and slowing progress far beyond US borders. New ways of funding research will have to be found, university leaders acknowledged. Frenk said: “We are going to have to develop, in the funding of research and technological innovation, including biotechnology, a model where universities and private investors and philanthropists meet earlier in the process to come in to fund and take the high risk that is entailed by basic research.” But it also requires greater cross-border collaboration to reduce dependence on any one funding system. UC San Diego’s Chancellor Pradeep Khosla pointed to the “rapidly evolving role of higher education in an era marked by demographic change, technological acceleration and global uncertainty. “With higher education systems undergoing significant shifts – especially in the United States – our shared insights are more vital than ever and reinforce our shared commitment to higher education that is responsive, resilient and ready for the future”. Khosla noted: “Institutions across the Pacific Rim face challenges that demand courageous leadership and bold collaboration.” UC San Diego’s Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Corinne Peek-Asa, said: “With increasing divisions among nations, global partnerships are more crucial than ever for driving innovation and advancing research that addresses the complex challenges we face worldwide.” Cross-border multidisciplinary approach required Issues such as ageing and longevity – the theme of the conference – require a cross-border as well as multidisciplinary approach that includes the role of higher education and social and economic policy in dealing with ageing populations and engaging higher education leaders and scholars in ensuring sustainable, resilient and equitable solutions to ageing, the conference heard. Diego Quiroga, rector, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador, noted: “We need to find ways of using science, social science, humanities, relations between different universities and different sectors to ensure that old people don’t feel as if their existence is a punishment.” The Sau Po Centre on Ageing (SPCoA) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one example of an institute which combines various specialities to further psychological and social aspects and improve the quality of life of individuals over 60. HKU President Xiang Zhang explained the centre’s aim is to prepare future engineers, doctors, social workers and others to understand the elderly and help form a social “safety net” to protect them. The centre brings together students from legal studies, arts, science and engineering to “debate and discuss how this ageing problem now looks from [the point of view] of the younger generation,” he added. Multidisciplinary studies is also part of what Joy Johnson, President of Simon Fraser University (SFU), British Columbia, Canada, referred to as the “social determinants of health”. Pointing, for example, to high levels of poverty among Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, Johnson underscored how financial means undergird the social determinant of health: “It is good food. It is our access to a good income,” she said. Additionally, SFU’s School of Gerontology is working with the city government on how to create cities in which elderly people can more easily find their own way around. Feeding into public policy Yet, discussions around quality of life for the elderly could not be divorced from politics and national policy. In Singapore, testing for diseases begins at the age of 40, according to Professor Teck-Hua Ho, President of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. When interviewed a few weeks before the conference, President Teck-Hua Ho told University World News that NTU’s College of Engineering is designing an AI game – to be played on a stationary bicycle with the aim of catching an animal. The game improves decision-making, steering, navigation and locomotion abilities which can help delay neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and treat dementia. In South Korea, medical check-ups occur every three years, which, in addition to having an obvious benefit for individuals, produce a “vast amount of data” for public health that the government has made available for researchers, explained Sung-Min Park, vice-president for external affairs at South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).   What constitutes healthy ageing? Rob Knight, professor of paediatrics, and affiliate professor of computer science and engineering, UC San Diego, noted the search for the causes of unhealthy ageing, requires an “incredibly complex” multidisciplinary approach. He pointed to the Human Microbiome Project at the Center for Microbiome Innovation at UCSD that he directs and which has discovered that while 99.99% of each individual human’s genome is identical, the microbial genes in our digestive tract mostly differ from person to person. Determining how these genes function in a healthy person is important because the microbiome is linked to many typical diseases of the elderly – heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and even certain ADHD behaviours. Other diseases associated with the microbiome – Crohn’s, multiple sclerosis, one type of diabetes and asthma – have been triggered or cured in animal-based models by changing the microbiome. “Think about the potential if we could take control of that process [changes in the microbiome] and figure out how to keep these microbial genes healthy for our whole lives,” Knight said. Dennis Lo, vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), spoke about the intersection of biotechnology and healthy ageing with particular emphasis on dead cells and the havoc their DNA wreaks when released into the bloodstream after cell walls disintegrate. At least one type of new cancer is known to be caused by such stray DNA. However, Lo explained: “[A] few years ago, we invented a test that has now been commercialised. This test can test for many types of cancer and can tell us where the cancer is.” CUHK is also examining what role, if any, the microbiome plays in other cancers, cognitive function and inflammatory diseases.   Musculoskeletal research Lo also highlighted research into the musculoskeletal system, which becomes weaker and more dysfunctional as individuals age, resulting in a significant degrading of lifestyles. “One of the teams at CUHK is looking at how we can help regenerate that [system] and to try to have even better drugs and prostheses,” he said. John Karl Scholz, president of the University of Oregon, also spoke about musculoskeletal research and the impact of technology. Scientists at the Knight Campus, a research campus in Eugene, Oregon, have shown via miniature sensors implanted in rats that resistance training can significantly improve femur injuries. The healthier rat population in the labs provides “a window into the mechanical properties of the bone, giving scientists detailed ongoing data about the process of healing. “If someday applied to humans, these sensors could allow doctors to better tailor a rehabilitation plan to an individual patient, monitor their progress and adjust their exercises along the way”, Scholz said.   New research funding models Yet funding has become an issue at the forefront of such complex, multidisciplinary research during the current environment of research funding cuts. Summing up the conference in concluding remarks, Quiroga said: “We also face a funding crisis for many of our scientific goals. In the US, agencies like USAID, NIH (National Institutes of Health), NSF (The National Science Foundation) are seeing cuts that affect all of us. This may impel us to further increase collaboration with industry and venture capital to build ecosystems. But, as we turn more to industry and get closer to venture capitalists, we must remain attentive to challenges like allocation of (intellectual) property rights,” he warned. Knight added: the “microbiome teaches us something profound. We are never truly alone; our health, our ageing, even our minds are shaped by trillions of invisible partners. “In a way the same is true of science. We’re all part of something larger than ourselves. The choices we make now about what we fund, what we regulate, and what we sell will shape how long we live and how well we live together”.

This article was featured on University World News on June 26, 2025 and written by Nathan M Greenfield. “Our DNA is not our destiny,” according to Dr Kiana Aran, who spoke at a session of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) presidents’ annual meeting held at the University of California (UC) San Diego this week, which addressed innovation and education on the topic of “human longevity in a changing world”. Had she been speaking in 1900, noted Aran, an associate professor of bioengineering and medicine and co-director of the Center for Technologies for Healthy Aging at the Institute of Engineering in Medicine at UC San Diego, her audience would have been a lot younger: at that time the average human lifespan was just 37 years. The three-day conference, held from 22 to 24 June, brought together 28 university presidents and 110 delegates from 46 universities from across the Pacific Rim, including Asia and the Pacific, North America and Latin America, to look at global challenges related to human longevity – such as healthcare innovation, socio-economic inequality, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on trust, which is crucial to AI research and development. 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. Shifting gears, Aran told university leaders at the session titled “AI and Longevity: Global Challenges and International Research Collaboration” that had the US Food and Drug Administration not banned the sale of young human blood plasma, “we all would have become vampires”. The two points – about increased human lifespan and the possibilities for human blood plasma – are related, Aran added, as manifestations of science and of applications of technology that have increased longevity. For example, birthing mothers’ mortality has been drastically reduced by sterilisation and scientific birth control measures, while vaccinations and other measures combatting disease reduced childhood mortality. An example of technology to enhance longevity involves the use of plasma bags – each fetching US$8,000. As part of the new science of rejuvenation, experiments started at UC Berkeley a decade ago. Young blood injected into older animals had a significant impact, rejuvenating older animals’ hearts, muscles and cognitive responses, Aran explained. Certain molecules filtered from human blood have shown promise in this regard. Today, some believe gene editing techniques may make it possible to switch off the creation of the inhibitory molecule in bone marrow (where blood is made) and switch on the gene that makes the rejuvenated molecule, Aran said. Huge amounts of data But she noted that any project that hopes to “intervene in ageing” by rewiring genes requires a huge amount of data from large longitudinal studies, including genomic, RNA, protein and imaging data, to see how the human anatomy is changing. In addition: “We need to monitor our behaviour and our cognitive responses, our muscle and bone density,” she said. The amount and variations in types of data are so large and would include real-time data from smartwatches and glucose metres that no human could make the necessary correlations. Only AI has the power to do the calculations and make the necessary predictions, explained Aran. In fact, “human involvement creates a lot of false data that could impact the AI predictive analysis”, she said. And scientists will have to gather the data from many sources, including geographically, as well as from different institutions and agencies. But data sharing – particularly of biomedical and genetic data and the use of AI – requires considerable trust, which may be eroded by non-ethical uses of AI, IP problems and geopolitical tensions, the conference heard. Quality of life for all Dr Nancy Ip, president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and an expert on neurodegenerative diseases, pointed to wearable sensors that detect falls and the technology (that now exists) to allow a smartphone “to detect the atrial fibrillation” associated with strokes. AI and the biological sciences must be accessible to underserved communities, she told the conference, noting the great expense of, for example, wearable technologies. “We have to ensure that in using AI we are not expanding the inequities [or] exacerbating them,” Ip said. “We have to ensure that going forward with AI-driven longevity solutions, we’re actually providing or enhancing the quality of life for all,” she said. Current geopolitical tensions were a complicating factor, she said, without specifying the international actors involved. But she pointed to the “complexities of intellectual property arrangements”, leaving no doubt she was referring to geopolitical-intellectual property tensions between the United States and China. Ip nonetheless believes that “we can work to overcome” the challenges. “We built this environment, full of trust and openness and a shared goal” of leveraging AI “not just to extend our lifespan, but also to enhance the quality of life for all,” she said. Resource disparities Ip challenged her fellow university presidents to “address the resource disparity” between regions, which results in universities not having access to resources. “We can go further to set up capacity-building programmes to help train the researchers from these underserved communities.” Lin Chi-Hung, president of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, told University World News a few weeks before attending the conference that current China-US relations and issues around licensing of intellectual property impact Taiwan mostly in increased licence costs. He sketched out two distinct directions for data sharing. The first, more restrictive, is spurred by fears that if a researcher puts all their data into the public domain, a company may scoop it up and make a profit from it before the researcher and their university can monetise it. This could have a serious knock-on effect of degrading data sets that are in the public domain. “We know that there is a lot of misinformation in databases. “If authentic data suppliers are holding back, what you will have, probably, is more or a higher percentage of data that is contaminated or biased. You can imagine what kind of analysis you can draw from that set of data,” said Lin. The second direction, which he associated with tech companies like Nvidia, Google and Amazon, is to have large databases but with the analysis of such data geared towards the needs of the companies, rather than the common good. Data for public health Because Taiwan, like other places in East Asia, is transitioning to a “super-aged” society, Lin said Taiwan is especially interested in using AI for public health. In addition to collecting data about the human genome and diseases, data must be collected and fed into AI systems about the environment people live in and other aspects. As much as 50% of diseases may be due to environmental and other conditions and behaviours such as overeating. “You need to collect all this data from all these different perspectives,” he said. In Taiwan, as is the case elsewhere, this is not easy because data is not only stored in hospital records. It can be in the department of health records, local or central government records, insurance companies and other health care providers. Lin is also concerned about the overall representativeness of data being fed into public health AI in Taiwan. Though 95% of Taiwanese claim to be descendants of the Han Chinese people, that still leaves 1.6 million people who are Aboriginal people from the island of Taiwan. Public health data does not accurately include these people. Nor does it include an accurate ratio of the demographics of older people, who make up a disproportionate percentage of Taiwanese, he said. Like Ip and Aran, Lin is especially hopeful about AI providing a way to individualise healthcare by providing individuals with guidance on what to eat and about exercise, for example. AI monitoring can, he says, serve as a way of curbing mistreatment of the elderly by carers. Broader perspectives in gathering data Most of the discussion by university leaders at the conference focused on research and practices that can improve public health or healthcare delivery and what to expect in the near future. But with education central to university presidents’ remit, Ip discussed how HKUST is using AI to assist the learning process. “When ChatGPT first came out, our university was the first university in Hong Kong to embrace it. We helped our students and our faculty to learn about the power of AI. We launched workshops. We have a centre for education and innovation that has a very important role to play because AI will stay with us,” Ip said. APRU, with some 61 research-orientated universities across the Pacific Rim, has an important role to play in dealing with the problems engendered by different regulatory guidelines in the US and European Union, and as a higher education organisation can help establish “a set of standardised agreements … in line with the different regulatory requirements in different countries”, Ip noted. Ip also called for a new AI Longevity hub within APRU. “By forming the AI longevity hub under APRU, I think we can share resources, share our data sets cross borders… and push forward to have this future where, in terms of longevity, we are not just adding years to our lives, but we are adding life to our years,” she stated.

On May 29, the 2025 edition of the Roots and Bridges: APRU Indigenous Connections Seminar Series officially launched, hosted by APRU’s Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network. Following the success of its 2024 debut, the series returns this year to continue providing a platform for scholars and students from APRU member universities, as well as invited institutions, to share ongoing research, exchange ideas and strategies, and explore key topics related to Indigenous peoples and communities across the Asia-Pacific region. In his opening remarks, Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU, emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous and First Nations communities and their traditional knowledge as vital sources of sustainable solutions, particularly in a time when addressing global challenges is a pressing priority. He also noted that universities across the APRU network are increasingly adopting this perspective through dedicated academic programs that center Indigenous knowledges. “Should we not consider whether traditional knowledge that for thousands of years has offered a harmonious relationship between humanity and the planet, might offer more sustainable approaches to the planetary problems than the modern framework in which we are caught up?” –Prof. Thomas Schneider The first seminar of the series featured Michael Steedman, Kaiarataki Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori) from The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. His talk focused on Waipapa Toitū, a cultural framework implemented at The University of Auckland, aimed at reshaping the institutional narrative through a Māori perspective. The initiative seeks to create spaces and paradigms that elevate Māori voices and knowledge within the university setting. Steedman explored the core components of this framework, highlighting the use of autoethnography as a key methodological tool. He also emphasized the role of Kapa Haka (traditional Māori performing arts) as a foundational structural element of the Waipapa Toitū approach. Additionally, he underscored other essential paradigms, including mātauranga-ā-iwi (knowledge derived from the people) and mātauranga-ā-whenua (knowledge that comes from the land), as guiding principles in the pursuit of excellence. To conclude his seminar, Steedman illustrated how this Indigenous-centered methodology offers a path for navigating and reconciling the ongoing tensions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews within the Institution. “I think it’s an important part of our multicultural, as it is with other cultures around the world, to try and find some way of connection into place. And so, in order to do that too, you need to have some knowledge of your own place and people.” –Michael Steedman This seminar series, which is moderated by Emeritus Prof. David Romo from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, will host five additional seminars throughout the year until November. The next seminar will take place on June 27 (Hong Kong Time) and will feature Dr. Celina G. Solis from the University of British Columbia. Her presentation will explore how Indigenous languages, and the cultural symbolism of food play a critical role in confronting food colonialism, restoring sovereignty, and addressing food inequities within Indigenous communities. To learn more about the Roots and Bridges: APRU Indigenous Connections Seminar Series 2025 and the upcoming talks click here.

Tecnológico de Monterrey in collaboration with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), hosted the APRU Open Dialogues 4th Cohort on May 8th. This edition marked the largest to date, gathering over 150 students and 11 moderators from 21 universities across 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s session focused on discussing and reflecting on an increasingly relevant theme: the role of cultural stereotypes in shaping teamwork and leadership. The event was led by Professor Norma Cerros, a published author, and a gender equality advocate, and Mr. David Quimbayo, Programs Manager from APRU. They were joined by a team of expert moderators from Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador, who facilitated a dynamic and reflective dialogue process for the students. Professor Cerros emphasized the importance of gaining awareness of our own stereotypes, prejudices, and biases, how they can hinder our decision-making, and prevent us from taking into consideration valuable ideas.    “Sooner rather than later, you’re going to be in front of a team, and there’s a chance you may be the leader. And there’s a chance that based upon what you have learned, the values that you have been taught, you might not be taking into consideration all of the talent that people have to offer.” -Norma Cerros, Lead Professor. The focus of these dialogues is very relevant to today’s world. As the global workplace becomes more interconnected, collaboration across cultures is both vital and complex. Recognizing how stereotypes influence communication and group dynamics is key to building stronger, more inclusive teams. During his opening remarks, Dr. David Huerta, Director of International Experiences and Models at Tecnológico de Monterrey, emphasized the growing need for cultural adaptability in today’s remote and global work environments. He highlighted how cultural awareness, adaptability, and clear communication are critical in avoiding misunderstandings rooted in assumptions. “I see multicultural teams like navigating in a river with many currents. We cannot assume everyone rows in the same direction. If we do, we might end up going in circles or even hitting rocks. But when we listen, we adjust, and we learn each other’s rhythm, we move forward, together, faster, and stronger.” -Dr. David Huerta Throughout the session, the dialogue offered participants valuable insights into multicultural collaboration, emphasizing the importance of trust, empathy, and human connection. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own biases and experiences, leading to a more profound understanding of global diversity. The atmosphere fostered authentic conversations, allowing students to share openly and challenge their own perspectives. This not only enhanced their cultural competence but also supported their personal growth.   “My take on this meeting is that it’s really a crucial thing to build rapport and bond first, in order to achieve the desired goals everyone has.” -Student from the Philippines   “It’s interesting that while we were discussing a scenario, we were part of a simulation as well. It was lovely meeting different people with new perspectives, it has expanded my lenses.” -Student from Ecuador   To close the event, guest speaker Rocío Rodríguez shared reflections from her experience working on global projects and collaborating with international teams. She underscored the importance of empathy and open-mindedness in developing successful intercultural relationships. In conclusion, as today’s students prepare to become tomorrow’s global leaders, initiatives like the APRU Open Dialogues keep playing a vital role in cultivating the intercultural awareness needed to thrive in a diverse world. By creating safe spaces for honest reflection and meaningful exchange, these open dialogues help break down barriers and build bridges across cultures.  

APRU is proud to introduce the Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network (IFNKN) Presidential Champions, a network led by The University of Melbourne and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. The IFNKN aims to foster research, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among APRU members, with a focus on Indigenous and First Nations studies. It also seeks to strengthen connections to enhance the network’s impact. The Presidential Champion plays a key role in advocating for Indigenous and First Nations knowledge on a global stage. This involves participating in international forums to promote the recognition, preservation, and integration of traditional knowledge systems. Through diplomacy, education, and strategic partnerships, the Presidential Champion ensures that Indigenous perspectives are valued and included in discussions on cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and global development, among others. Meet Our New Presidential Champions.   Rector Rosa Devés Rosa Devés holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Chile and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario. She has had a distinguished career in teaching and research in cellular physiology, earning international recognition. As the first director of the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Chile, she played a crucial role in shaping biomedical education within the institution. In university leadership, she has served as Director of Graduate and Postgraduate Studies, Provost, and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. She has championed equity and inclusion initiatives, including the Priority Admission System for Educational Equity. She is also a strong advocate for science education, co-founding the Inquiry-Based Science Education Program (ECBI) and collaborating with international organizations on educational innovation. On May 12, 2022, she made history as the first woman to be elected Rector of the Universidad de Chile.   President Angelo Jimenez Angelo Jimenez is a labor lawyer and expert in global worker migration. He has played a key role in shaping labor policies across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and was instrumental in the creation of the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers. His experience includes serving as Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and as Labor Attaché in Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq, where he worked to protect Filipino workers during crises. A lecturer and researcher specializing in migrant protection and labor policies, Jimenez holds a Master in Public Management degree from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and was a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow at the Harvard School of Government. A University of the Philippines Diliman graduate, he was Chairperson of the University Student Council then served twice on the UP Board of Regents. He is the first UP President from Mindanao and a proud member of the Manobo tribe. He envisions UP as a globally engaged university dedicated to solving real-world challenges and producing transformative leaders. Rector Devés and President Jimenez were invited to become the IFNKN Presidential Champions after their strong support and participation in the 3rd Indigenous Knowledges In-person meeting hosted by Universidad de Chile in Santiago. To learn more about the Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network, its in-person meetings, and other initiatives click here.

President Aiji Tanaka (Waseda University) with Prof. Thomas Schneider APRU Chief Executive Prof. Thomas Schneider met with Prof. Aiji Tanaka, President of Waseda University, and on another occasion, with Prof. Kohei Itoh, President of Keio University. These discussions focused on advancing APRU’s strategic vision, exploring new opportunities to enhance APRU programming and activities, and addressing the role of the APRU Steering Committee in navigating geopolitical challenges.  The meetings underscored the importance of collaboration among APRU member universities in promoting education, research, and innovation across the Pacific Rim. Prof. Schneider expressed his gratitude to Waseda University and Keio University for their continued support and partnership in driving APRU’s mission forward.  These visits highlight APRU’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and creating impactful initiatives that benefit the region and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to strengthen our network and work together toward a brighter future.    President Kohei Itoh (Keio University) with Professor Thomas Schneider  

APRU Chief Executive Professor Thomas Schneider and APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber visited the University of Michigan (U-M) for a range of insightful exchanges on December 13. The visit was perfectly timed, given that the APRU delegation witnessed the Global Engagement Celebration in honor of U-M recently being ranked as the U.S.’s top-ranked public university when it comes to studying abroad in the annual Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education, a New York-based nonprofit. “The APRU network is inspired by the University of Michigan’s tireless promotion of the benefits of international experiences and support for students through transformational journeys,” Prof. Schneider said. The APRU delegation received a warm welcome from Professor Valeria Bertacco, Vice Provost for Engaged Learning and Amy Carey, Assistant Vice Provost for International Engagement. Their visit was packed with engaging introductions to U-M’s global engagement priorities, including: Education Abroad Directors from U-M’s 19 Schools & Colleges College of Engineering International Travel Health and Safety Team Center for Global Health Equity School for Environment and Sustainability Institute for Energy Solutions Center for Social Solutions Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society International Institute in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts The visit highlighted U-M’s commitment to global engagement and innovation across various disciplines. This may include U-M’s involvement in the development of an APRU Orchestra, alongside Professor Nasir Hashim, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts at Universiti Malaya, who is leading the project.   The visit wrapped up with a meeting with U-M President Prof. Santa J. Ono.

The inaugural meeting of the APRU Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative (FELLI), hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver from December 9 to 12, brought together six partner universities to set the agenda for this ambitious project. This gathering aimed to establish a shared foundation for the realization of FELLI and to develop a forward-looking vision for its future. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing critical issues related to forest ecosystems, with a focus on creating tangible and measurable outcomes that will drive sustainable forest management and conservation. The APRU network partners are University of British Columbia Vancouver, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Kyushu University, National Taiwan University, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Universiti Malaya. “The launch of APRU FELLI reflects the extreme importance of forests for ecosystem services that are imperative for our health and well-being, as well as for the health of our planet,” said APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber. “It sets the stage for proposal development resulting in tangible and measurable outcomes.” The meeting’s sessions were moderated by Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the University of British Colombia’s Faculty of Forestry, and Juan Manuel Guayasamín Ernest, Vice Dean and Professor of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s College of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Hélène Marcoux, Manager of the University of British Columbia’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, led a forest walk to the old growth forest. Close to 20 participants discussed and identified priorities for the project’s research component and determined the next steps, including: Amplify the Initiative’s Reach: Propel FELLI into the spotlight across the APRU network and its community of partners. This includes the creation of a dedicated webpage that not only disseminates comprehensive information about the project but also showcases groundbreaking research papers, fostering a hub of knowledge and innovation. Empower Student Engagement and Education: Ignite a passion for forest ecosystems among students by developing a unified introductory course that serves as a cornerstone of their education. Establish a vibrant network of forestry students, creating a dynamic community that collaborates, learns, and leads the way in sustainable forest management. Pioneer Project Development and Research: Chart a course for pioneering research by identifying key focus areas and securing essential funding sources. This strategic approach will drive the development of impactful projects that push the boundaries of our understanding and management of forest ecosystems. Inform Policy through University Forest Challenges: Leverage the unique challenges faced by university forests to inform and shape policy on forest protection. By addressing these challenges, we can develop informed, evidence-based policies that safeguard our forests and ensure their health and resilience for future generations.  

APRU Chief Executive, Prof. Thomas Schneider, and APRU Chief Strategy Officer, Christina Schönleber, visited the University of Alberta (U of A) for a dynamic new member on-boarding workshop on December 9, 2024. Despite the snowy embrace of winter, the enthusiasm of the University of Alberta to contribute to the association and collaborate with other APRU members was palpable. Facilitated by the participation of U of A’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Flanagan, in APRU’s Annual President’s Meeting in June 2024, the meetings underscored exciting programs and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as Global Health, Multi-Hazards, Biodiversity, Indigenous Knowledges, AI in Higher Education, and Sustainability. The priorities for the meetings were to discuss how U of A can make the most out of its APRU membership and explore ways that the Association can continue work with the U of A in an impactful way. High on the agenda was U of A’s interest in working with APRU members on the topic of energy transition. “APRU wants to provide value to its members’ students and energy transition fits well into this,” said APRU Chief Executive Prof. Schneider. Dr. David Bressler, Special Advisor to the U of A President, shared his view that transportation, both marine shipping and inter-city, is one key topic for the region that could present a unifying opportunity for future projects. Prof. Schneider weighted in that since many APRU members are located on ports, the network could potentially get many port authorities engaged. APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber noted that Kyushu University’s hydrogen-focused energy initiative also attracted lots of interest across the network. Dr. Aminah Robinson-Fayek, U of A’s Vice-President (Research & Innovation), expressed interest in APRU’s Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) mentoring program. Dr. Robinson-Fayek shared that she has personally benefited from mentorship and would like to pass this valuable experience on to others. A particularly promising project for APRU network cooperation with U of A’s Continuing Education department is the launch of a new microcredential for entrepreneurship, which could potentially involve having students go abroad. APRU looks forward to continuing to explore opportunities to work together and enhance the global connectivity between universities and partners.  

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Rocky Tuan has been appointed as the newest APRU Ambassador as of January 8, 2025! In this role, Prof. Tuan will represent APRU’s mission and values at international forums and other key events. His exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to higher education and research make him an excellent addition to the roster of prestigious APRU Ambassadors. The APRU Ambassador is a distinguished role of APRU and is typically held by a highly respected academic or leader who has made significant contributions to higher education and research. The ambassador’s primary responsibilities include: Serving as a representative of APRU at various international forums and events, promoting the organization’s mission and values. Advocating for the importance of higher education and research collaboration across the Pacific Rim, and fostering partnerships between member universities. Providing strategic guidance and insights to APRU’s initiatives, helping to shape the organization’s direction and impact. Engaging with stakeholders, including university leaders, policymakers, and researchers, to enhance collaboration and address global challenges. Prof. Tuan has served on the APRU Steering Committee since 2019, as vice-chair during November 2021-August 2023,  and as the APRU Chair since August 2023. We thank Prof. Tuan for his deep commitment to higher education and to APRU as he steps down as President and Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), a role he has held since 2018. His tenure at CUHK has been marked by significant achievements, including the university’s rise in international rankings and the establishment of a medical school at CUHK-Shenzhen. APRU Interim Chair, Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland, praised Prof. Tuan’s impact, upon presenting the ambassador appointment and applauded his expertise and vision for the importance of higher education and research collaboration across the Pacific Rim. Prof. Tuan’s strategic guidance and insights will help shape APRU’s initiatives, enhance collaboration, and address global challenges. His dedication to advancing higher education and research is truly inspiring. As we congratulate Prof. Tuan on his retirement, we also celebrate his profound impact on higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Join us in welcoming Prof. Rocky Tuan as APRU’s newest Ambassador and in thanking him for his outstanding service and leadership!  

(L-R): Mrs. Vigneshree King (Director of Strategic Global Alliances Division); Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU; Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman; Prof. Yvonne Lim (Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & International) APRU Chief Executive Thomas Schneider visited Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur in late-November for a set of inspiring meetings with UM Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Prof. Yvonne Lim (Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & International), Mrs. Vigneshree King (Director of Strategic Global Alliances Division), as well as deans and faculty.   With regard to the near future, the APRU-UM meetings focused on the Forest Ecosystems Living Labs Initiative (FELLI), of which UM is one of six initiators; the 18th APRU Global Health Conference, which UM’s Faculty of Medicine will be hosting in November 2025; and the Asia Pacific Data Capacity Accelerator initiative that APRU is launching in Southeast Asia in partnership with data.org. “Over the past years, Universiti Malaya has been one of APRU’s most engaged members, and I trust the latest meetings will result in new collaborative projects and enhanced engagement,” Prof. Schneider said. Professor Thomas Schneider and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman UM has a long track record of serving as a key player in the APRU network, with regular representation on the Steering Committee and the International Advisory Committee, as well as at the Annual Presidents’ Meeting and the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting.   Since 2022, Prof. Lim has been the co-director of the Asia-Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) program, an APRU flagship initiative. UM administrators and faculty members have served on the core and advisory groups for APRU SDG Education for Global Citizenship, Biodiversity, Global Health, Indigenous Knowledges, and Sustainable Waste Management. UM faculty and students have participated in multiple programs.    

From November 4 to 8, Universidad de Chile hosted representatives from various Indigenous groups and local national universities in Chile, along with Indigenous experts and scholars from Auckland, Melbourne, Hawai’i, Adelaide, Quito, Oregon, Monterrey, Sydney, and Manila. The inauguration was led by Dr. Rosa Deves, Rector of the Universidad de Chile, who stated at the Casa Central: “We are excited and committed to recognizing that, through the APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network, spaces are being created for dialogue and collaboration among the communities of our universities and our territories across different parts of the world. This is the invaluable contribution APRU makes in various fields of knowledge, acting as an agent of peace and understanding… Today, we kick off this 3rd Workshop of the APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network, whose members have travelled the world united by the Pacific. In previous years, they have journeyed to Mexico, Australia, and now Chile, gathering knowledge and committing to collaboration.” The Workshop was titled “Indigenous Sciences/Indigenous Knowledges: Discussions and Contributions for a Common Future”. Over four days, participants had the opportunity to reflect on issues related to the role of science and wisdom in academia and research to find solutions to humanity’s problems. Topics such as intersectionality and Indigenous knowledge, the strengthening of Indigenous languages, the challenges of institutionalizing Indigenous knowledge, and climate change were discussed, among others. “Today we are making history,” said Prof. Veronica Figueroa, coordinator of the event, “because this meeting opens new pathways where ancestral ties from different territories strengthen the construction of better life, some distant like Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, and others closer like the United States, Canada, Hawai’i, Mexico, or Ecuador, and of course from Chile.” Prof. Veronica Figueroa emphasized, “History is filled with untold events by Indigenous peoples. In fact, we have rarely had the opportunity to be the protagonists, to tell our story in our own words, from our memory. We have a long history, and we have learned from the voices of our grandparents, who have found new paths to advance, new spaces to flourish… For those of us in universities, we know we have a responsibility to Indigenous peoples, to our identity, to honor our past, but also our future.” Throughout the meeting, the voices of the Indigenous peoples of Chile were heard, and there were keynote speeches such as that of master Eduardo Rapiman, who spoke about Mapuche art as a way to express knowledge. He also kindly donated his work “Trawün” as the event’s image. During the event, participants experienced various ancestral ceremonies of the Indigenous peoples of Chile. The event concluded with the keynote lecture “Wenumapu, Mapuche Astronomy and Cosmology”. At the conclusion of the event, Adriana Rojas, Director of Networks at APRU, thanked Universidad de Chile and all participants, referencing the welcome message from the Aymara leader: “We are here together, which is not a coincidence. We are here to accomplish a mission together, and we are also here to represent our ancestors who wanted us to be together. It is not a coincidence that our paths are crossing this land at this time. Let’s honor this mission because one day, we will also become ancestors, and we will have to continue the mission, guiding, from there, the humans who will be here.” The Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network aims to bring together the work of APRU members in multilateral collaborations to share knowledge, build connections between researchers, and enhance teaching programs in Indigenous and First Nations studies. For more information about the network, visit its website here.

(L-R):  Associate Professor Dr. Palanee Ammaranond (Acting Vice President for International Affairs and Global Network); President Wilert Puriwat; Professor Thomas Schneider (Chief Executive, APRU); Ms. Michiko Yoshida (Director, Global Networking and Engagement Division, Office of International Affairs and Global Network)   APRU Chief Executive, Professor Thomas Schneider, visited President Wilert Puriwat of the Chulalongkorn University in November to discuss APRU’s and Chulalongkorn University’s current engagement and future strategic priorities, including new data.org collaboration with the goal to train big data professionals in Southeast Asia. Chulalongkorn University has the intention to provide students with a value-based education and to ensure that universities maintain a key role as guarantors of societal cohesion. Additional discussions with Associate Professor Chanchai Sithipan (Dean of Faculty of Medicine), Professor Kiat Ruxrungtham, M.D. (Director, School of Global Health, MDCU), Professor Suttipong Wacharasindhu, M.D. (Strategic Leader, School of Global Health, MDCU), Sompon Kamonsiripíchaiphon (Assistant Professor), Professor Taninee Sahakitrungruang (Department of Pediatrics) as well as Associate Professor Dr. Palanee Ammaranond (Acting Vice President for International Affairs and Global Network) and Ms. Michiko Yoshida (Director, Global Networking and Engagement Division, Office of International Affairs and Global Network) highlighted Chulalongkorn University’s interest to  take on an even more active and engaged role within APRU. Chulalongkorn University – particularly the School of Global Health in the Faculty of Medicine – has successfully hosted the APRU Global Health Conference 2024 from November 4-6. Situating human health within the wider context of planetary health, the conference shed light on the close nexus between the environment and its impact on the well-being of societies, highlighting also the promise that artificial intelligence and digital transformation holds for solutions to human health challenges and sustainability. APRU had fruitful discussions with Chulalongkorn University APRU Global Health Conference 2024

An APRU delegation with Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive and Jackie Wong, Director, Communications & Engagement, visited Peking University (PKU), Tsinghua University, and University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in October to explore significant opportunities for collaboration and the strategic role of APRU in fostering academic and cultural exchanges. They also visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore opportunities for collaboration.  Peking University  APRU and PKU revisited the 2019 crisis management initiative which was established among several universities in the APRU network. With the many ongoing and continuous crises confronting the region including global health epidemics, effects of climate change, and other human-made disasters, the discussion considered the opportunity to continue the project, including activities such as symposia and student exchanges. The APRU delegation has learned that PKU sees ample opportunities to leverage the APRU platform for a range of key initiatives, including interdisciplinarity in academic cooperation, data science and AI for sustainable development, as well as China-US collaboration through various forums.    Pictured (R-L): Professor FANG Fang, Vice President, Peking University and Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU Tsinghua University On a visit to APRU member Tsinghua University the delegation introduced the idea of APRU serving as a platform facilitating and promoting collaboration across the Asia Pacific Rim. Prof. Schneider also shared more information about the strategic vision and opportunities for Tsinghua University to participate and take advantage of the network. As Tsinghua University hosts a nationally recognized museum and is currently under construction of a new science museum, Prof Schneider recommends that Tsinghua University take a leading role in the APRU Museums Working Group. Tsinghua University President Li Luming expects APRU to serve as a platform for all students from the Asia Pacific to participate get a global education and gain a cultural understanding.     President LI Luming and Professor Thomas Schneider Tsinghua University Art Museum     University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences  Also on October 15, the APRU delegation was hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). The delegation learned that UCAS looks to APRU to help facilitating international collaborations for Chinese graduate students. UCAS provides numerous opportunities for graduate students, including an international graduate student research forum, which involves seven universities from the Americas, the UK, Australia, and Japan. The APRU-UCAS meeting highlighted a suggestion for APRU to organize an international graduate student research forum on various topics such as longevity or other medical fields.    Prof LIN Xiao, Vice President, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Prof LIN Xiao, Vice President Dr. Wu Xuan, Senior Program Coordinator, Int’l Affairs Office Dr. Huang Dingcheng, Deputy Director, Int’l Affairs Office Dr. Gu Pan, Senior Administrator, President’s office Ms. Hu Menglin, Program Coordinator, Int’l Affairs Office   Exploring Collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences   An APRU delegation visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on October 15, presenting a range of ideas for collaboration. The CAS plays a significant role in higher education through its two universities: the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). CAS’s International Partnerships Program encourages international scientists to co-produce projects. APRU is looking forward to further exploring areas of collaboration, in particular, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Conference at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on November 11 will serve as an opportunity.    LIU Weidong (Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation), HUI Sun (Division of International Organization Programs), LI Wei, Liaison Department of Education

In early October an APRU delegation visited APRU’s new member National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Hsinchu, Taiwan, for fruitful exchanges and introductory discussions resulting in new insights and ideas about collaborating on Asia-Pacific challenges. NYCU showed interest in participating in APRU programs related to Artificial Intelligence, Biodiversity, Global Health, Multi-Hazards, Population Aging, Sustainable Cities & Landscapes, Sustainable Waste Management, Asia Pacific Women in Leadership, and Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network. APRU presented the new member orientation and took many interesting questions and suggestions from deans, faculty leads, and departmental heads who, in return, lauded APRU for serving as an excellent tool to extend the faculty and student international experience.   In a briefing with NYCU President Prof. Chi-Hung Lin, the APRU delegation learned that the merger between the National Chiao Tung University and National Yang-Ming University serves as exemplary case study, with NYCU now offering to share its lessons learned with other universities. As a lead in semiconductor research and innovation, NYCU is taking a leading role in cultivating the future workforce through the establishment of new research facilities, providing hands-on training and support for start-up companies. The visit also served as a platform to identify opportunities for the APRU network to support the quality of undergraduate courses and build capacity for universities to better prepare the younger generation for the workforce of the future. Dr. Wen-Syang Hsu (徐文祥), Vice President for International Affairs and Professor Thomas Schneider, APRU Chief Executive APRU Introduction with NYCU leaders      

The Vice-Rectorate for Internationalization, through the Directorate of Transversal Models, and the Vice-Presidency for Inclusion, Social Impact and Sustainability, through the Center for the Recognition of Human Dignity of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, in collaboration with the consortium of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), held the APRU Open Dialogues 3rd Cohort on October 23. The theme of this edition sought to generate a space in which students could become aware of and reflect on partner violence in the university context. More than 50 students from 4 universities (Tecnológico de Monterrey, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, University of Chile and UCASAL) and 24 moderators participated. In this edition, the team of moderators was not only made up of the academic team of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, but also included the participation of Alejandra Parra from the Universidad de San Francisco de Quito and Osvaldo Guzmán from the Universidad de Chile, who, thanks to their universities participation in previous cohorts, had the opportunity to be certified in the Dialogue Moderation of the Sustained Dialogue Institutes, offered by the Tecnológico de Monterrey. But why talk about partner violence in the university context? According to UN Women, various studies and research at a global level have revealed alarming statistics on gender violence. It is estimated that, worldwide, 736 million women – almost one in three – have been victims of physical or sexual violence by their partner, sexual violence outside the couple, or both, at least once in their lives. Although most studies on partner violence include only the female population, there are figures that indicate that both sexes may be susceptible to suffering it. Furthermore, we cannot forget that heteronormativity persists in society, making people in the LGBTIQA+ community more vulnerable due to external stress factors, such as discrimination and violence against this community. Knowing the impact at a global level is crucial to understand the magnitude of the problem and take measures to prevent it. Educational institutions play a very important role in the learning process about gender relations and how these relations are fundamental to the origin of violence. In addition, universities are spaces where we can reflect, make these realities visible and raise awareness among people who in the future will be able to formulate effective policies and programs to prevent violence. As part of the learning generated in the dialogue tables, the students who participated in the exercise recognized that “the session was a calm space, with freedom to talk about all the issues,” and that “listening to the experiences of other people can help us propose solutions to these problems,” stating that “we are contributing our grain of sand to generate change.” Finally, they invited the team to “generate more international spaces where we can learn to listen different perspectives and bring them to our own context to generate change.” At the end of the activity, Adriana Rojas, Senior Director of Programs at APRU, said “We thank all the people who participated in this exercise of international dialogue today. These spaces contribute not only to reflection on difficult issues, but also make us sensitive to international contexts.” For her part, Perla Salinas, Director of Training in Human Dignity at the Center for Recognition of Human Dignity at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, commented that “these spaces promote the recognition of all people and their diversity, and also help us imagine ways of inhabiting the world more peacefully, renewing hope in complex times.” These types of efforts not only provide students with opportunities to enrich their international experience but also allow them to understand the importance of connecting with people with different perspectives fostering safe and violence-free spaces. We look forward to having you at the APRU Open Dialogues 4th Cohort Author. Natalia Moreno Barbosa, Management and Engagement Leader, Center for the Recognition of Human Dignity at Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Illustrating strong interest in topics related to Indigenous Peoples and communities from the Asia-Pacific region, the “Roots and Bridges: APRU Indigenous Connections Seminar Series” recorded over 100 participants from across the Pacific Rim in its first two events. Held in May, the seminars featured network researchers from a broad range of academic fields who presented their fieldwork, insights, and findings. The initiative aims to share knowledge among APRU member universities, staff and students while encouraging collaboration and amplifying Indigenous voices and visions. “We set out to learn about what Maori people valued about Kapa Haka [Maori Performing Arts], and we ended up learning about the value of all things Maori,” said The University of Auckland’s Prof. Linda Waimarie Nikora, who, in the seminar shared how she and her colleagues explored the value and wellness contributions made by Kapa Haka to performers, audiences, and communities. Prof. Eldon Yellowhorn of Simon Fraser University shared that when he started his academic career in the 1990s, only about a dozen Indigenous people across Canada held a faculty position and that he was the first Indigenous person in Canada to complete a Ph.D. in archaeology. “Since then, we have researched various milestones in bringing an Indigenous route to the university; we now have 13 Indigenous faculty who teach courses with strong focusses on environmental knowledge, arts and literature, public policy and governments, and language preservation,” Prof. Yellowhorn said. For her part, Prof. Te Kawehau Hoskins of The University of Auckland explained that rather than wanting to be just another pressure group making rights claims, the Maori seek to dig into the idea of indigeneity to identify suitable ideas, logic, and practices for making changes. “There is a lot of productive potential in the way that we Maori approach political problems, questions and relationships…we are very good at breaching polarising positions, we are good at diplomacy, and we have got a lot of things that our nation and the world needs.” Prof. Hoskins said. The remaining six seminars will run until November, with the next one scheduled for June 28, 2024, 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Hong Kong/Philippines Time: UTC/GMT +8 hours). Prof. Raymundo Rovillos, University of the Philippines, will narrate, as well as reflect, on his experience as one of the leaders of the institutionalization of the Indigenous Studies Program (ISP) of the University of the Philippines Baguio. The seminars are led and moderated by Emeritus Prof. David Romo, Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Prof. Romo directed the Program of Ethnic Diversity and was responsible for including over 700 indigenous and Afroecuadorian students to USFQ. Learn more about the ‘Roots and Bridges: APRU Indigenous Connections Seminar Series’ and the upcoming talks here.

APRU is delighted to report that our network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia, and Australasia has recently grown to 61 members with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (Chinese Taipei), University of Alberta (Canada), and the University of Michigan (USA) joining the ranks. Each of the three universities will be bringing their own wide scope of collaboration in Asia. “We are welcoming these exceptionally strong universities to the network with their active engagement, expertise, and long-standing investment in Asia to invigorate the collaborative work of APRU,” said Chief Executive, Professor Thomas Schneider. Each university brings unique new perspectives to the APRU network and we look forward to expanding our impact and collaborating on current and new initiatives that benefit our community of university leaders, experts, and students.     As a university rooted in electronic and biomedical research, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University looks forward to bringing its expertise to cultivate internationalized public health professionals across the network. The global demand for advanced semiconductor technology underscores the need to train students in technical skills, innovation, and problem-solving. The International College of Semiconductor Technology provides comprehensive training, and hopes to cultivate professional talents to serve society and promote the development of semiconductor fields. “NYCU was founded on the principle that a great university fosters collaboration across disciplines to solve real-world problems. Collaborating with the APRU academic alliance, we create opportunities to advance these interdisciplinary endeavors, particularly in fields such as engineering and digital medicine. Together with APRU, we are committed to cultivating  a versatile and innovative generation.” Said Dr. Chi-Hung Lin, President, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.     The University of Alberta for example, has comprehensive and long-standing collaborations with APRU’s member universities, including 27 formal partnerships and over 16,200 historical joint research publications that have been cited over half a million times. U of A is home to The China Institute—Canada’s only established, multi-disciplinary think tank and research centre focusing solely on China studies; the Prince Takamado Japan Centre for Teaching and Research, which is supported by the Imperial Family, elite members of Japanese society and business, and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and a dynamic Korean Language Program that boasts the largest enrolment among those of its kind in Canada. “Our vision is to inspire the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community, building one of the world’s great universities for the public good. Our commitment to excellence in research, education, and engagement on a global scale aligns well with the strategic priorities identified by APRU.” said Professor Bill Flanagan, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Alberta. Since 2006 the University of Michigan has worked in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to host the UM-SJTU Joint Institute. The joint institute is the result of a strategic partnership between two top universities in the U.S. and China and aims to build a world-class institute in China for nurturing future leaders with a global vision. For over 15 years, the Joint Institute has built a strong foundation of excellence in global education. Through the constant quest for internationalization, interdisciplinary, innovative education, research, and our commitment to quality, the Joint Institute has won many awards for higher education, including the Model of International Education in Shanghai, the Model of China’s Higher Education, and the prestigious Andrew Heiskell Award. With long-standing and new collaborations in the Asia Pacific, the University of Michigan is optimistic about being inducted into the APRU network. “We are profoundly honored to join the APRU, given our proud tradition and identity as an international university,” said Santa Ono, President of the University of Michigan, “But even more, we’re truly excited about the opportunities to deepen our relationships and strengthen our connections with leading universities across the Americas, Asia and Australasia, together finding innovative solutions for the greatest challenges facing our society.”   Please find more information below about the new members of APRU.    National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University President, Dr. Chi-Hung Lin Senior International Leader: Dr. Wen-Syang Hsu, Dean of International Affairs National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University was created in 2021 through the merger of two universities: National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University. Yang Ming, which focused on biomedical research, and Chiao Tung, which focused on electronic communication research, were both top-tier universities in Taiwan. NYCU was founded on the idea that, in a great university, people work across disciplines to solve real-world problems. At NYCU, putting this idea into practice requires contributing to fields located at the intersection of different research areas, for example, digital medicine and bioinformatics. NYCU has 19 colleges and 74 university/college-level research centers, encompassing a collective of 1,100 teachers and 20,000 students collaborating to create the next generation that will develop and further Taiwan’s emerging smart industry. Faculties include biological science and technology, computer science, dentistry, humanity and social science, medicine, management and beyond. To supplement medical studies, there’s also a university hospital based in Yilan, offering practical teaching experience within various departments outside the classroom.   University of Alberta President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Flanagan Senior International Leader: Dr. Cen Huang, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is a Top 4 Canadian university and one of the Top 100 in the world, with a reputation of global excellence in energy & environment, artificial intelligence, and health & well-being. The U of A ranks seventh in the world and second in Canada for its ongoing efforts to tackle the critical sustainability challenges facing civilization today, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023. Located on five campuses in and around Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, the U of A is both in the heart of the largest northernmost metropolis in North America and in the rural prairie communities that surround it. Its 17 faculties, delivering 200+ undergraduate programs and 500+ graduate programs, welcome over 44,000 students from 156 countries and attract more than CAD 620 million in annual research funding. The U of A has extensive partnerships across Asia Pacific, including 21,800+ joint publications with over 2,100 organizations, particularly in China, Australia, Japan, India and South Korea. University of Michigan President, Santa J. Ono Senior International Leader: Professor Valeria Maria Bertacco, Vice Provost for Engaged Learning The University of Michigan is a proudly public university, founded in 1817 to serve the public good; committed to excellence in research and scholarship; and dedicated to the development of students and leaders who will make an impact on our world and address the great challenges of our time.  U-M has three campuses – Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint, and its total enrolment in Ann Arbor includes more than 52,000 students, including almost 34,000 undergraduates and more than 18,000 graduate and professional students.  U-M’s achievements and capabilities span nearly every field of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and the arts and humanities. Its nearly US$2.0 billion in research volume is leading to critical advances in areas ranging from microelectronics to global infectious diseases to artificial intelligence.  With 19 nationally recognized schools and colleges, and 14 undergraduate schools and colleges with more than 280 degree options, U-M is consistently ranked as one of the world’s great universities. Its interdisciplinary strengths range from its Center for Global Health Equity to its Life Sciences Institute to its Institute for Social Research, with U-M aspiring to become even more interconnected and interdisciplinary. U-M is also a proudly international university. This past academic year, it was joined by nearly than 9,000 international students, along with 3,000 staff and faculty, representing 124 countries. The U-M has a Center for Japanese Studies: founded in 1947, CJS is the oldest interdisciplinary center in the United States devoted exclusively to Japanese Studies.  

After successfully completing the APRU Open Dialogues Pilot in 2023, on May 10th, the APRU Open Dialogues 2nd cohort took place on the topic “What is the right to higher education?”. This topic was selected based on the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which exposes the right to higher education as part of the fundamental right to education. Sixty-five undergraduate students (59% female, 39% male, and other 2%) from 10 universities, nine economies, and 18 nationalities participated in the open dialogue. The participating universities were the National University of Singapore, Osaka University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of British Columbia, The University of Melbourne, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, the University of Alberta and Universidad Católica de Salta*. A team of experts and 14 moderators guided the dialogue exercise. Overall, the discussions highlighted the importance of global collaboration and advocacy in addressing educational inequalities and fostering inclusive higher education systems. Perla Salinas, Director of Human Dignity training at Tecnologico de Monterrey, started the conversation by declaring that Dialogue is not debating. In dialogue, people do not fight to win but to seek meeting points where ideas can be built. She added that the dialogue does not intend to change a point of view that does not want to be changed; its primary function is to find ways for people to talk about their ideas from their perspective and reach agreements where all parties are satisfied. She said “I invite you to listen to the person next to you, understand their story, find your voice, and speak out because everyone wants to listen to you.” In this online exercise, students had the chance to engage in candid conversations with peers from around the globe. Participants identified common challenges, such as economic hardship. However, they also learned about other barriers to accessing and remaining in college, such as distance, accessibility when having a disability, food insecurity, debt, and emotional burden, to name but a few. Mariana Echaniz, lecturer, and undergraduate program director of International Relations at Tecnologico de Monterrey, expressed: “This was a unique experience for everyone. After the dialogue, students were impressed with some of the stories they had heard.  Some had never realised how students from remote areas or war-torn countries struggle to access higher education. This was also an enriching experience for me as an instructor of the “Diversity in a Globalized World” class. We truly had the chance to be in a “global” environment exchanging ideas, views, and aspirations”.  In conclusion, some of the central learnings were: Economic barriers, cultural norms, and societal challenges affect access to education in various countries. Exchanging experiences with students from different backgrounds enriches understanding and empathy. Gender norms and societal expectations can also impact access to education, particularly for women. Refugee status and displacement present unique challenges in maintaining educational continuity. Encouraging awareness of available scholarships and advocating for inclusive policies are common solutions discussed. Recognizing the privilege of higher education and advocating for equitable access is a shared responsibility. David Huerta, Director of international experiences at Tecnológico de Monterrey concluded that nowadays, when many young people’s lives are affected by someone with sizable social media followers, we can use technology to connect students differently, through dialogue, is about moving beyond being “interesting” to becoming “interested” in the views, cultural perspectives, opinions, and life stories of students around the world… in a way, I want students to experience what Bob Burg once said: “Sometimes the most influential thing we can do is listen.”    The Asia Pacific Open Dialogues aims to develop a collaborative model for promoting open dialogues among the consortium universities in the Pacific Rim, to create empathy and awareness on current shared topics, and to develop responsible leadership skills. More information here: https://www.apru.org/programs/student-leadership/open-dialogues/ *Special guest non APRU University

Universidad de Chile showcased the APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program at the recent 49th plenary meeting of APEC’s Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) in Arequipa, Peru. During the 49th plenary session themed “Building the bridge from the informal to the formal economy: promoting investment in inclusive and equitable human resources development in the Asia-Pacific region”, Prof. Andrés Dockendorff, a Professor of Political Science at Universidad de Chile’s Institute of International Studies, introduced joint research projects emphasizing inclusivity in education and the workforce. He further explained how the university uses its role in APRU to advocate for policies that assist underserved populations across the Pacific Rim. Dockendorff noted that this cooperation has benefitted 300 participants from Chile alone in the past four years. Universidad de Chile is one of the original members of APRU and the first and only institution of higher education representing Chile in the Association. Dockendorff emphasized the significance of academic networks like APRU in offering students from vulnerable backgrounds the chance to connect with students from other countries, thereby overcoming physical distance and social barriers. In this regard, Prof. Dockendorff pointed out that students from rural remote communities in Australia, indigenous students in New Zealand, and Chilean students from distant locations all face similar obstacles when accessing quality education. Equipping staff and academics with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve access and inclusion is crucial. “We regularly conduct workshops and seminars, often in collaboration with other APRU members, to train educators and administrative staff on best practices for inclusivity in education,” said Prof. Dockendorff. “This comes after the pandemic transformed the approach to education and human resources training programs in Latin America, as long-term and structural problems of the region, such as poverty, were met with new opportunities associated with the rise of virtual exchanges.” Prof. Dockendorf went on to share insights into a digital education campaign in Islands off the coast of Chile, as an example on how virtual education and exchanges can be conceived as a first step to prepare the ground for future physical exchanges. As it stands, the campaign serves as an example of Chile striving for equity in access to education and the significant impact that digital education can have in remote and hard-to-reach communities. The APRU virtual student exchange program is a shining example of international education that promotes collaboration and cultural exchange among universities in the Pacific Rim. It is clear that initiatives like this are essential in shaping the future of education and preparing students for the globalized world. The 49th HRDWG plenary meeting culminated in the 21 APEC member economies endorsing the “APEC HRDWG Arequipa Goals”, which aims to bolster cooperation among APEC member economies in advancing policies that empower people with disabilities for sustainable and inclusive growth. The goals seek to increase the percentage of qualified special education teachers in rural areas, as well as improve vocational training programs and the participation of people with disabilities in these programs by 2030. The APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program is an initiative that enables students from member universities to engage in international learning experiences and research projects without having to leave their home country. It seeks to promote collaboration and mutual learning among students through the use of digital technology.

APRU Chief Executive Prof. Thomas Schneider and APRU Senior Manager, Events Joey Chu visited APRU members; Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, and Fudan University in late-April, gathering a wealth of forward-looking input on the three universities’ quests to nurture international engagement and deepen participation in the APRU network. Nanjing University President Tan Zhemin highlighted that a total of 200 students and faculty have expanded their horizons through participation in APRU online seminars, exchange programs, and summer activities. The latest meeting with the APRU delegation also set the stage for a close look into overlapping topics in the realms of global health, sustainability, and climate change to facilitate future joint projects. Prof. Hui Zhu, Vice Chairperson of the Zhejiang University Council, shared the university’s experiences in students’ development and participation in world-class international competition. Zhejiang University has a particularly strong focus in APRU’s virtual student exchange (VSE) program, over 733 overseas students have participated in its VSE courses. Fudan University President Prof. Jin Li, for his part, expressed keen interest to explore increased mobility of faculty and students and recruitment of international students. Fudan is interested also in population aging, which is a field it has been exploring together with the APRU network. Prof. Schneider in his respective speeches lauded the three Chinese APRU members’ strong research achievements and highlighted many examples of fruitful and forward-looking joint projects.

The recent International Women’s Day served as a timely opportunity for Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program (APWiL) participants, alumni and guests to gather and participate in the webinar “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges” organized by the Universiti Malaya. With the participation of Dato’ Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Monash University in Malaysia and former dean of Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Prof. Kyoko Ohara from the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University, and moderated by Prof. Stefanie Pillai from the Universiti Malaya, the theme highlighted the significance of gender equity and the diverse roles of women in society. It also emphasized the overcoming of prejudices and barriers that have impeded the advancement of women in higher education institutions in the Pacific Rim.     The conversation started by mentioning the many competing priorities that women juggle when advancing in leadership roles. Both speakers highlighted the importance of recognising that women of all epochs often are balancing working and family responsibilities at the same time. “When women are in a period of intense study and training, it may conflict with our plan to start a family, so it is a huge need to have policies and investments to provide early childcare as well as ageing care to support women who by and large are still expected to do both of this” mentioned Prof. Kamarulzaman. Prof. Ohara said it is an important topic not just for this time but for all generations, and that this emphasizes the importance of mentoring programs, where participants can listen and share in safe spaces. “We often feel alone, so mentoring is beneficial for both sides, not just learning from mentors but also from mentees”, added Prof. Stefanie Pillai, the programme’s moderator from Universiti Malaya. Once again, awareness and imposter syndrome came up in the conversation as a critical barrier to women’s career advancement. Prof. Kamarulzaman has observed that women are less likely to put themselves forward for promotions in leadership committees. “Often, we think we’re not good enough. I sometimes doubt whether to be in the highest committees, so I try to be part of the conversations and not just keep sitting back.” Prof. Yvonne Lim, APWiL co-chair and Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Malaya (UM), said “We have so many roles to play, which pushes us to become more collaborative”. Prof. Ohara shared her experiences creating a global leadership seminar and a global leadership exchange program. “Nobody taught us how to be leaders. In academia, at least in Japan, we were told to do an excellent job in research and education, but nobody has talked about women being leaders. That is why the importance of keeping closer, having conversations, and developing a human side with soft skills for the global leaders”. Prof. Kamarulzaman also commented on the importance of listening with an open mind, trusting and communicating with diplomacy as a critical factor to solve problems. Building bridges represents cooperation, cohesion, and interdependence. The theme also emphasised the significance of establishing partnerships in gender equity. The platform fostered a culture that supports lifelong learning and personal growth by promoting the sharing of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge among women leaders.     Prof. Lim concluded by reminding and encouraging the audience that, regarding the mistakes we may make, we must believe in ourselves, and if we are given a chance, we should grab it and go!   “A charming woman… doesn’t follow the crowd. She is herself.” Loretta Young   The event was organized by Universiti Malaya, led by Dr. Yong Adilah Binti Shamsul Harul, Dr. Charity Lee Chin Ai, Miss Nuzul Fatihin Izatil Binti Azman and APWiL. Click here to watch the full International Women’s Day 2024 APWiL webinar. The APWiL Mentoring Program is a year-long commitment that matches a mentor with a mentee from participating APRU member universities, to provide mentoring and intercultural opportunities for the empowerment of aspiring women leaders.

The APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology, and Innovation (PPSTI) Meeting in Lima, Peru, on February 29 constituted a perfect platform for Professor Ery Odette Fukushima of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito to share her insights on STI’s crucial role in contributing to the development of resilient solutions in the face of current global challenges, such as biodiversity. As a delegate of APRU and representative of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Prof. Fukushima presented on a panel titled “Innovation Ecosystems for Resilience Solutions.” Prof. Fukushima illustrated how STI can enhance ecosystem resilience through habitat restoration, conservation biology, and genetic diversity. Citing examples conducted at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station and the Galápagos Science Center, Fukushima emphasized the importance of international and multidisciplinary collaboration to foster innovation to develop effective solutions to sustainability and resilience challenges. Fukushima also showed that biodiversity underpins everything that economies do by providing essential services and resources and STI fosters sustainable industries and jobs. Prof. Fukushima delved into advances in genetics and genomics, remote sensing, and data analytics. She presented data showing that STI-driven support for biodiversity for Ecuador has created 3,200 job offers and over 2,500 agreements for internships, with 50 foreign students coming to Ecuador for internships. “STI has supported young innovators engaged around the topic of biodiversity, including those from groups with untapped economic potential, through mentorship, funding, and resources for sustainable solutions,” Prof. Fukushima said. The PPSTI Afternoon Policy Dialogue was held in the context of the First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM 1) and chaired by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science, Technology and Space Affairs, Rahima Kandahari at APEC Perú 2024 who was also key contributor at APRU’s APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2023 in San Francisco, CA. It welcomed speakers from academia, government, and industry to discuss successful examples of resiliency solutions developed through STI. The panels closely aligned with the priorities of the PPSTI and the APEC host economy.

An APRU delegation comprised of APRU Chief Executive Prof. Thomas Schneider and APRU Senior Director, Network and Student Programs Adriana Rojas spent the last week of January touring APRU’s four member universities in Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia to discuss their current and future engagement with APRU. Tecnológico de Monterrey shared its interest in working with APRU on addressing key topics related to AI and new technology in education, diversity equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Professor David Garza, Rector, Tecnológico de Monterrey was especially interested in an APRU Metaverse project. The Universidad de Chile under the leadership of Rector Rosa Devés, wishes to deepen engagement with APRU particularly with the Museums of the Pacific, Biodiversity, and Multi-hazards programs, as well as new areas such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives. The university’s internationalization strategy includes an expansion of virtual mobility. “APRU opens spaces for academics and students from different disciplines to expand their networks and project their academic work,” said Prof. Devés. “Important opportunities are offered to promote the development of professional teams that today contribute substantively to a wide range of areas of our university.” At Universidad de Los Andes, Vice-President for Research and Creation, Jimena Hurtado and her colleagues discussed with APRU engagement in entrepreneurship in the deep technology fields of biodiversity, biotechnology, and bioengineering.   Exchanges with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito under the leadership of Rector Prof. Diego Quiroga, for their part, focused on COIL, biodiversity, and student experiences. Prof. Quiroga highlighted the importance of international collaboration for comparative studies. “A very heartfelt thank you to our member universities in Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia for their warm hospitality in welcoming us to their campuses,” said Prof. Schneider. “We are delighted to witness a strengthening of our Latin American members’ voices within the APRU network.”

The chief executive of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, which comprises 61 universities across 19 territories, spoke of the importance of internationalising online learning at the IFE Conference, held at the Tec de Monterrey Campus in Mexico in late January. While joint degrees and partnerships are core to furthering international education, Thomas Schneider indicated the organisation’s aim was to work together internationally on a more granular level. “One of our cornerstones is the design of online programs in collaboration with multiple universities, but we also deliver them collaboratively. “We’re able to the connector of both faculty and students around specific topics,” Schneider noted. In 2022/23, APRU’s universities offered more than 300 collaborative courses across a range of different academic disciplines. The organisation also runs cross-institution competitions to bolster student collaboration on subjects like climate change and sustainability; one of its multiple tools to maximise its use of online education globally, Schneider added. Diego Quiroga Ferri, rector of the Universidad De San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, said that from the Latin American perspective, professors should be placed at the heart of the conversation about online global collaboration. Being in a global university alliance, Ferri noted, professors will be front and centre – and so they need to be trained on how to maximise the use of those alliances. “Alliances matter not only at the level of teaching but at the level of research. It’s important to remember that a lot of the research going on – for example, between an institution in the US and USFQ – is actually happening online. “We need to give training to the professors conducting that research, not just to get them to participate in alliances like this, but also to help them in internationalising their overall experience,” said Ferri. “We need to give [internationalisation] training to the professors conducting that research” He also said that in Latin America, there is a sore need for more programs in English. “[Here], they don’t emphasise English enough – it’s very difficult to do online experiences at an international level when you don’t have students that can participate because they are not fluent in English,” he noted. Quito tries to make sure that by the second year, students are fluent in English so they are able to participate in more online international programs.

As published on Universidad de Chile’s website. Last June, the Rector of the University of Chile, Rosa Devés , became the first university authority in Chile to join the Steering Committee of the Association of Universities of the Pacific Basin (APRU) , the network which brings together 60 highly prestigious universities from America, Asia and Oceania. The U. of Chile, a founding member of this network in 1997, is the only higher education institution in our country to join the association . Seven months after her election to office, Rector Devés received a delegation from APRU at the Central House of our University. It was the visit of the executive director of APRU, Thomas Schneider , and the senior director of Networks and Student Programs, Adriana Rojas , who arrived on Monday, January 29, in Santiago to meet with the Rector, other authorities and academics of our squad. The Pro-Rector, Alejandra Mizala, participated among these ; the vice-rectors Christian González-Billaut , Claudio Pastenes and Josiane Bonnefoy ; and the director of International Relations, Alicia Salomone . Rector Devés said that “it has been very important to receive Thomas Schneider and Adriana Rojas at the University, because our commitment is to enhance our participation in the different APRU programs . These cover such essential topics at a global level, such as the digital economy, biodiversity, sustainable cities, gender equality and diversity, and global health, among others. APRU opens spaces for academics and students from different disciplines to expand their networks and project their academic work. Important opportunities are also offered to promote the development of professional teams that today contribute substantively in different areas of our University. We are very excited about the possibility of collaborating on these challenges within the framework of the network .” For his part, Professor Schneider , executive director of APRU, noted that “it is my first visit to South America and, of course, to Chile, so I am very impressed.” “At every institution I visit, I learn a little about national importance, and the University of Chile seems to be the national university of Chile. So I think the University of Chile is going to play a great role in our activities and operations in South America, because we want to expand to Latin American members ,” he added. The meeting was also attended by the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Teresa Matus ; the director of the Institute of International Studies, Dorotea López ; the Academic and International Relations Director of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning (FAU), Daniel Opazo ; the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), Daniel Cruz ; the director of Academic Development of the University, Claudio Olea ; the director of Postgraduate Studies, Laura Gallardo ; the director of Welfare and Student Development, Pamela Díaz-Romero ; the professors of the faculties of Science and Government, Julieta Orlando and Verónica Figueroa Huencho , respectively; and the executive director of the Rectory, Carlos Rilling . International work potential APRU’s visit closed a month full of important meetings with international teams, such as Groningen , Nottingham and Heidelberg , but this one had a special nuance. “Our Rector was chosen to be part of the 18 members that constitute the Steering Committee of this association of 60 leading universities in a relevant part of the planet, such as the Asia-Pacific ring zone, so she has a very direct possibility of influencing in the orientation and policies of this association ,” said the director of International Relations of the U. of Chile, Alicia Salomone . “It is no longer just about the link with a university, which is always very important, but about a strategic alliance with a group of universities and the management role that our Rector plays there. In this meeting, we had the opportunity to learn much more about the structure of this organization from its own executive director . We talk about the projects that are in mind and after these long meetings we have, I think, a much clearer idea about what this organization is, what its purposes are, what its main activities are, what its priority lines are. It also leaves us a space to reflect on what are those activities and projects in which the University of Chile is going to get involved in this association ,” explained Professor Salomone. With the aim of deepening the University’s links with Asia Pacific universities and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by being part of APRU, during the work sessions different possibilities for incorporating members of the academic community and active participation in new work networks, such as the APRU Network of University Museums or the Undergraduate Leaders Program . Regarding APRU training opportunities, the work agenda considered a session on global learning in virtual environments and the impact of APRU on international education, led by Professor Leonor Armanet , director of the Undergraduate Department of our staff, along with teams from different units and faculties of the University. In this regard, Professor Armanet noted that “ it was a very interesting and useful meeting in which APRU shared with us its vision of training and alternatives for joint initiatives .” From the University, we show the experience of national mobility of CUECH universities, and of the Student Mobility Program, particularly with APRU. From the FAU, Professor Pedro Soza presented the VIP initiative (Vertically Integrated Projects), where teaching and research are articulated for the incorporation of technology in the development of inclusive social housing from a transdisciplinary perspective. In addition, the director of EOL, Cecilia Saint-Pierre, presented the potential of online education in different spaces and training levels of the University. We also discussed the incorporation of interculturality in training as a great possibility that the APRU network offers us.” The APRU agenda included, in addition to the meeting with the authorities of our campus, a visit to the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences . In this regard, the dean of the FCFM, Francisco Martínez , indicated that “it was a great opportunity to share collaborative ideas between this international network of universities and our institution, for example, contributing to training development projects in higher education and the development of initiatives of open innovation. The latter are non-profit, of broad interest to universities, States and society, so we hope to establish collaborations in these two lines of common interest .” Another issue where there is deep harmony between the Casa de Bello and the APRU network is the awareness that higher education institutions have responsibility for emerging problems, such as equity and sustainability . “ This is where the knowledge of indigenous peoples is key ,” explained Professor Verónica Figueroa Huencho , who participated in the APRU Indigenous Knowledges Workshop 2023 in November of last year at the University of Melbourne and represents our institution in the Knowledge Network. Indigenous people from APRU universities, where our University “has had an active role and has expressed its commitment to how we can exercise a leadership role,” he said. “ The University of Chile has been a pioneer in this, being the first university to have an indigenous peoples policy .” It was very important that APRU highlighted the participation we had in that space and that it was highlighted that we were able to provide a view of indigenous knowledge and the role of universities, highlighting intersectionality and how effectively indigenous peoples, women, childhoods, disabilities, and all these exclusions, have to be debated from the academic field, from the field of enhancing the role of students, from the review of educational programs, promoting exchange between universities and promoting lines of research,” added Professor Figueroa Huencho. Collaboration history The University of Chile has had a significant participation in the activities of the APRU Network and in its different initiatives since its inception, and was even the host venue of the APRU Presidents’ Meeting in 2004 and 2019 . In 2014, based on the proposal of the then Pro-Rector Devés at the APRU Presidents Meeting in Vladivostok, the University hosted the APRU Experts Workshop on Equity and Access in Higher Education , which was attended by members of the academic communities of different universities in the Network to work on these issues. Among the most notable milestones in working with the network is the creation of APRU’s Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) program in 2020 , as a response to the disruptions to international academic exchanges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This program seeks to provide an immersive and holistic virtual student exchange experience to students from higher education institutions members of the Association, who contribute by offering academic courses and/or curricular programs. Until June 2023, more than 400 students from Casa de Bello had carried out virtual mobility through the VSE program in topics such as astroinformatics, regional political analysis, history of Chile and sustainable agriculture, and 328 students from other institutions in the Network participated in the offer of courses that the University of Chile has made available . Other relevant links of the University in the emerging themes of APRU has been the incorporation of professors Laura Gallardo and Julieta Orlando in the work of the Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program, through their participation in the 6th Annual Conference on Sustainable Cities and Landscapes APRU 2023 , held in the month of August in Ecuador. In total, only four Latin American universities make up APRU: the Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), the Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) and the University of Chile.

Original post: The University of Melbourne Pursuit (14 December 2023) by Kirsten Clark, Professor Barry Judd and Professor Adrian Little, University of Melbourne   The role of Indigenous knowledges in the climate crisis became a focal point of COP28, the United Nation’s climate change conference. At the opening plenary in Dubai, the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change Caucus delivered a bold call for action. Pema Wangmo Lama Mugum, an Indigenous Youth activist from the Mugum Indigenous Nations in Asia. Picture: National Indigenous Women’s Federation Referring to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Pema Wangmo Lama, an Indigenous youth activist from the Mugum Indigenous community in Nepal, described how climate-induced disasters are threatening Indigenous ways of life around the world. She called for urgent compensation and a moratorium on carbon markets and offsets, geo-engineering, mal-adaptation technologies, “Net Zero frameworks” and “nature-based solutions”. In her address, Pema explained how these practices are failing to reduce global warming and are instead creating new forms of colonisation, militarisation, criminalisation and land loss. On behalf of Indigenous communities across the globe, Pema committed to working with nations to implement real solutions based on Indigenous knowledge, practices, time-tested sciences and reciprocity with the natural world. Indigenous advocates want to ensure that Indigenous knowledge is fully recognised as a solution to climate change. This growing recognition of the potential of Indigenous knowledge and practices to enrich and strengthen current and future adaptation efforts has implications for the university sector – both locally and globally.   RESEARCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Drawing on our research strengths in climate, environment, sustainability and Indigenous knowledges the University of Melbourne is playing a leading role in tackling the climate crisis. The Indigenous Knowledge Institute (IKI), one of five interdisciplinary research institutes, aims to advance research and education in Indigenous knowledge systems. The ‘Healthy Country’ research stream is developing benchmarks and metrics to measure the efficacy of management approaches as well as facilitating the development and implementation of cultural mapping and Healthy Country management plans. The overarching aim is to empower Indigenous people to influence and govern decisions that shape their Country. The theme is led by Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher, a Wiradjuri man and expert in tracking the long-term interaction between humans, climate, disturbance and vegetation. His groundbreaking research is resulting in a more nuanced story of Indigenous interaction and management of the Australian landscape for the past 40,000 years or more. The IKI also has a strong focus on building the next generation of Indigenous leaders. A recipient of a 2023 IKI PhD Bursary, Djarra Delaney, a Quandamooka person from the Moreton Bay region of Southeast Queensland, will investigate climate adaptation practices in Australian Indigenous island communities. His work will examine the intersectional issues of colonisation and climate change, offering new Indigenous methods for undertaking adaptation practice that centres Indigenous knowledges, spirituality, culture and respect for the environment. The University’s place-based partnership with North East Arnhem Land is also proving a gateway to two-way knowledge sharing on climate change and adaption. A seed project, funded by the IKI, is examining native bee climate adaptation in Arnhem Land. It has the potential to become a model for research that draws on Indigenous knowledge that enhances understanding of species and supports their adaptation to climate change. These projects are underpinned by a strong commitment to establishing and nurturing meaningful and enduring collaborations with Indigenous communities – empowering Indigenous researchers and communities while avoiding extractive, tokenistic and harmful practices.   COLLECTIVE POWER OF INDIGENOUS NETWORKS Universities have long prioritised global networks as vital to sharing and growing global knowledge. However, Indigenous knowledge is rarely a focus of higher education internationalisation agendas. Prioritising international Indigenous networks is critical to ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the fore of engagement with tertiary institutions and networks across the world. These networks shape and develop global Indigenous research and education with a potential to play a major role in addressing global challenges, like climate change. In November, the University of Melbourne hosted a gathering of international leaders in Indigenous and First Nations knowledges for the second workshop of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Indigenous Knowledges Network. Participants from 17 different universities attended the week-long workshop attending research showcases at the University’s Dookie campus and spent time on country in the Yorta Yorta Nation, hearing from the University’s Goulburn Valley community partners and local Indigenous Elders. The APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network, led by the University of Melbourne, includes participants from 12 APRU member institutions from across Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. The University’s leadership in the APRU network is central to our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the fore of our engagement with tertiary institutions and networks across the world, as outlined in Murmuk Djerring, our Indigenous Strategy. This network brings together the work of APRU members in multilateral collaborations to share knowledge, build connections between researchers and enhance teaching programs in Indigenous and First Nations’ studies. Discussions took place against a backdrop of continuing economic pressures, often contentious debates over local and geopolitical issues, and the worsening climate crisis. This enthusiasm for building global collaborations reflects the goals of COP28 and the urgent need to work together, across sectors and geographies. In Dubai, Indigenous leaders argued for governments to heed the recommendations of UN climate and biodiversity experts and work with Indigenous peoples, who have lived in balance and harmony with nature for thousands of years. Global networks are vital to strengthening Indigenous research and collaboration to elevate Indigenous solutions to the big challenges of our time.

The Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) successfully held the APWiL Mentoring Program 4th Cohort Orientation and the first Informal Networking event on November 9 and December 7 respectively, circling in on the persistent topic of women equity in the universities, the importance of creating a safe place for everybody in academia, and the importance of work-life balance in women’s academic careers. The APWiL Mentoring Program is a year-long commitment that matches a mentor with a mentee from participating APRU member universities, to provide mentoring and intercultural opportunities for the empowerment of aspiring women leaders. With 44 mentoring pairs, the 4th Cohort is almost three times larger than the Pilot Cohort in 2020-21 and involves 27 institutions, three more institutions than the 3rd Cohort, reflecting on the increasing interest and need from academics and universities alike. “The steadily growing participation shows how much this program is being appreciated by our group members,” said APWiL Co-Chair, Professor Yvonne Lim, Universiti Malaya’s Associate Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement). “It is not just the women leaders and women colleagues who play their roles, so we are grateful also for having male colleagues supporting us in our journey in encouraging women to be aspiring leaders.” The 4th Cohort Informal Networking event proved to be a valuable platform for unstructured conversations among mentees and mentors as well as program alumni to discuss successes and challenges in working towards their goals and connecting with other leaders in the APRU network. The next event of the 4th Cohort is the International Women’s Day Event on March 8 next year, which will be led by Universiti Malaya APWiL Alumni. “You are encouraged to be open to share information, because the more you build trust the more effective these relationships are,” said APWiL Manager, Dawn Takaoglu, Director of International & Academic English, Global Affairs at UC Davis during the Orientation Day. And she continued “Getting to know your mentor as a person, and as a professional will be helpful in developing that level of trust that makes these relationships very successful”.

Original post: The University of Melbourne News (29 November 2023) The University of Melbourne welcomed international leaders in Indigenous and First Nations knowledges for the second workshop of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Indigenous Knowledges Network. The workshop ran from 19 – 23 November and was hosted on campus in Parkville and Dookie and included travel throughout the scenic Goulburn Valley. Participants from 17 different universities were welcomed to Melbourne (Narrm) by Wurundjeri Elders and had the opportunity to hear from the University’s Indigenous leadership about the University’s Indigenous Strategy, Murmuk Djerring, and Victoria’s work towards Treaty, post-referendum. Participants also attended research showcases at the University’s Dookie campus and spent time on country in the Yorta Yorta Nation, hearing from the University’s Goulburn Valley community partners and local Indigenous Elders. Workshop sessions focused on opportunities for international university collaborations in the areas of Indigenous knowledge in research and research training, teaching and learning and student support, and leadership and professional development. The APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network is led by the University of Melbourne and includes participants from 12 APRU member institutions from across Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. The network brings together the work of APRU members in multilateral collaborations to share knowledge, build connections between researchers, and enhance teaching programs in Indigenous and First Nations studies. Participation in APRU aligns to the University of Melbourne’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the fore of our engagement with tertiary institutions and networks across the world, and to play a leading role in shaping and developing global Indigenous research and education networks.

Original post: University of Auckland Newsroom (22 November 2023) Honor Browne never saw herself as an ‘innovator’ or ‘entrepreneur.’ In her mind, those labels were for engineers or business owners, not someone dedicated to improving health outcomes. However, Honor’s university journey and openness to new opportunities have opened her eyes to the potential for innovative thinking for social impact. At the recent Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Blues Awards, Honor was recognised for her role in winning the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) x United Nations (UN) Social Innovation Competition that enabled her team to attend advanced prototyping training and UN sessions in Thailand earlier this year.  Leaving school with good grades and a yearning to help others, Honor first enrolled for a Bachelor of Science- Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland with her sights set on a career in medicine. “It seemed like the obvious choice,” says Honor. But it was while studying one paper in Population Health in that first year that Honor had a lightbulb moment. “It really inspired me to change when I realised, I can prevent people from getting sick in the first place.”  During Honor’s second year at university, she pivoted toward health science combined with political and global studies, thinking they would help her make the impact she desired. Ultimately, Honor chose to tailor her degree programme further, settling on a conjoint Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Statistics). “I decided If I want people to listen to me, I need the data to back it up, and I need the economics to show that it’s worth the money and support.”  Honor views everything in life as a learning opportunity. “I just put my name down for everything. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be something I enjoy. I still learn something from it.”   Honor applied and was accepted into the APRU x UN Social Innovation programme, through which teams of students from 60 universities across 19 Pacific Rim countries form virtual teams and are challenged to develop a social innovation prototype to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.   It was while brainstorming ideas that Honor’s international team started discussing their own experiences of Covid lockdowns and the effects on mental health for themselves and loved ones. While living in different countries and communities, Honor described how they were surprised to learn how much of their experiences they had in common. It was this conversation that led the group to choose to address the topic of Geriatric Mental Health.  “Loneliness, social exclusion, and loss of independence are all known causes of poor mental health in the elderly population, “explains Honor. While Covid highlighted this in a dramatic way, elderly people can experience this anytime. Addressing Geriatric Mental Health also aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging, a global initiative to transform the world to be a better place to grow older.  Five months of collaboration resulted in Honor’s team developing the concept called the Healthy Aging Project. An innovative community-based intergenerational skills and cultural exchange programme, that aims to build a bridge between elderly communities and younger generations. ”By enabling the elderly to engage with younger generations, it restores their sense of independence and usefulness. The programme includes various activities like sharing traditional knowledge, community gardening, improving literacy rates, and teaching trades and life skills,” says Honor.  An important part of the process was ‘social prototyping,’ which aimed to test the robustness of the idea across different communities and cultures. A key step in any innovative process, Honor described how it was fundamental to expose any personal bias and assumptions. “It’s all about working out feasibility, how you’re going to implement it. It’s answering all those realistic questions, whether the programme is accessible for elderly and addresses their needs.”  Savinda Ranathunga, Regional Youth Project Manager, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Asia and the Pacific, was the mentor for Honor’s team and supported Honor’s Blues Award nomination saying, “Honor demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities, leading the team to overcome challenges related to funding, equity and access barriers, and individual country implementation. Her creativity was evident in the innovative solutions she proposed, which added unique and effective dimensions to our project.”   Honor believes her secret to success is simply not being shy to ask or apply. “What’s the worst that can happen? They say, “No”,” she explains. “Signing up for things randomly has led me to represent New Zealand overseas twice!” 

The APRU APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2023 was successfully held in San Francisco this week – a big thank you to all the wonderful speakers, participants and our dedicated organizing committee members, for their invaluable contributions to making it a truly memorable event. In the meantime, we were delighted to welcome many old and new media friends coming from across the world to show their support for the Forum – check out the latest media coverage listed below.   KTVU FOX 2: APEC University and SF Startup CEO Look at Ways to Help Sustainability Policies CCTV+: TODAY USA – APEC University Leaders’ Forum/Biodiversity Xinhua News and China Daily: APEC University Leaders’ Forum Boosts Cooperation on Biodiversity

Tecnológico de Monterrey in late-October successfully led the first program under the APRU Open Dialogues Pilot, circling in on the topic of gender-based violence prevention in learning environments. This comes shortly after UNESCO flagged that school violence is widespread, occurs in all countries, and affects many children and adolescents. Whilst data on sexual or gender-based violence in school is difficult to collect, global data shows that one in four young women has already experienced violence by an intimate partner by the time they turn 24. Forty undergraduate students (23 men and 17 women) from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, University of Oregon, and Universidad de Chile participated in the first dialogue that allowed the students to share their points of view, perspectives, and ways to support their communities. The dialogue exercise was guided by a team of experts and fifteen moderators.                                        “Walking down the path of the mainstreaming gender perspective is opening the way to the true future. Celebrating, recognizing and working on diversity in co-responsibility as universities and giving our student communities the powerful tool of ‘dialogue’ is weaving threads of equality for the well-being of our societies.” said Alba Cázeres from the Center for the recognition of Human Dignity at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The APRU Open Dialogues Pilot aims to develop a collaborative model for promoting sustained dialogues among the consortium universities, to create empathy and awareness on current shared topics, as well as develop leadership skills. “Nowadays, bringing together students from different countries to learn from one another is not just technologically feasible and cost-effective, but necessary in terms of developing the very cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication skill sets that are highly needed in the global job market,” said David Huerta Harris, Director of International Transversal Models at Tecnológico de Monterrey. “Participants are invited to listen strongly enough to integrate other visions into their own, thus developing a broader understanding of the issues and challenges our societies face.”                                        The October pilot program was delivered in Spanish, with a first English-language program to be announced soon for 2024. On the list of expected outcomes are the creation of immediate and lasting impact on student communities; improved connection of students across borders; strengthened awareness of diversity and inclusion issues; and collection of insights to assess the pertinence of building a larger-scale Open Dialogues consortium program.

Sustaining and strengthening biodiversity amid climate change requires broad collaboration, strong leadership, and innovative approaches. To meet this major global challenge, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), together with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), organized the daylong APEC University Leaders’ Forum (AULF) 2023 on November 13 at the Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco, which revolved around the important theme of “Investing in Tomorrow’s Biodiversity.” Taking place alongside the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, AULF 2023 brought together over 100 leaders for a high-level dialogue between CEOs, policy leaders, presidents, and top researchers from government agencies, universities, research centers, international NGOs, and civil society to collaborate on developing and disseminating innovative, sustainable solutions to biodiversity loss. AULF 2023’s more than 30 speakers covered a range of issues spanning four panel discussions: Responding to Changing Biodiversity, Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Communities, Optimizing Water Resources for a Sustainable Planet, and Creating a Sustainable Future through Food Systems Innovation. The Forum’s diverse range of participants enabled an in-depth conversation and discussion about sustainable endeavors, including innovations in food science, water protection, and climate change, that can contribute to the region’s economic development. Central to this regional cooperation and shared responsibility are universities, which have the scientific expertise and talent to make vital contributions to the development of the region. AULF 2023 highlighted several examples of the important work being done by APRU member universities. Echoing UC Santa Cruz’s commitment to the important of broad-based cooperation, Professor Cynthia Larive, Chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, spoke about UC Santa Cruz’s efforts to build resilience and sustainability to address increasing global hazards, including through its Coastal Resilience Lab. In his remarks, Professor Gary May, Chancellor of UC Davis, said, “It’s our responsibility to take action in the face of devastating global biodiversity loss and climate change. As leaders, we must continue to drive breakthrough scientific research and collaborate on innovative solutions to preserve the health of our planet. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of biodiversity loss and protect our ecosystems for generations to come.” This cooperation between government, universities, and NGOs is further reflected in the work done by Food Systems of the Future, an NGO that aims to develop and foster innovative, market-driven agrifood system businesses to provide access to affordable, healthy food for all people. In her keynote address, Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, CEO and Managing Director of Food Systems of the Future, spoke about the possibilities of transforming our food system into a more just, sustainable system through better access to financing, especially for the smallholder farmers around the world who produce the majority of the food in the countries where they operate. In her opening remarks, Dr. Tan Sri Datuk Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, said, “Striving for a balance between economic growth and sustainability of our environment is a challenge for policymakers, although we are all increasingly aware that the decision cannot be binary.” Pointing to APEC’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy concept as an example of regional cooperation across multiple sectors, Dr. Sta Maria noted, “Science, innovation, and technology are applied to promote the efficient use of resources, maintain and restore our ecosystems, and reduce waste to build a system where government and business can thrive. It aims to contribute to the global efforts of comprehensively addressing environmental challenges for a sustainable planet.” In his keynote address, Dr. Scott Sampson, Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences, spoke about Reimagining San Francisco, a new nature alliance of nonprofit, city, state, and educational organizations committed to working together to improve the ecological health of San Francisco. This unique urban nature alliance, spearheaded by the California Academy of Sciences, showcases the power of collaboration in making cities healthier places for people and nature. In his welcoming remarks, Gene Block, Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and former Chair of APRU, emphasized the advantages of APRU’s collaborative, cross-border approach, as well as the important role AULF 2023 played in bringing together business, political, and academic leaders from around the world. The Forum offered a unique and critical platform for leaders across geographies and sectors to share their strategies, views, and innovations, and to discuss collective, collaborative solutions to the global issue of biodiversity loss.   Read more: Worldwide Leaders Convene to Protect and Advance Global Biodiversity – UC Davis Hosts APEC University Leaders’ Forum Worldwide leaders convene to protect, advance global biodiversity – UC Santa Cruz hosted the APEC University Leaders’ Forum with UC Davis and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities

Original Post on SYSU News   On November 1st, Prof. Thomas Schneider, the Chief Executive of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), and his delegation visited SYSU. President Gao Song met with the guests in Zhongshan Building on the Guangzhou South Campus. Representatives of the SYSU CYL Committee, Office of Education Administration and Office of International Cooperation & Exchange attended the meeting. Gao Song expressed his warm welcome to the Chief Executive and his delegation, briefed them on SYSU’s development in recent years, and emphasized on the cultivation of talents, reforms of the faculty system and the personnel system. He said APRU is an excellent platform for high-level cooperation and exchanges among universities. Since joining APRU in 2021, SYSU has gained more opportunities to collaborate with the association’s member universities in the areas of student exchanges, global health, biodiversity, and indigenous studies. In the future, SYSU will continue to strengthen the connection with APRU, participate in the activities of the association, and moreover, will contribute more to the association by utilizing its own advantages. Chief Executive Thomas Schneider thanked SYSU for the warm reception and introduced the five strategies pursued by the alliance: One Pacific, University of the Future, Pacific Classroom & Careers, APRU Culture & Diversity, and APRU Connect. He said the association hopes to do more in the areas of AI & higher education, innovation & entrepreneurship, music, arts and sports. He also expects SYSU to actively participate in these areas. Representatives from Office of Education Administration, SYSU CYL Committee, and Office of International Cooperation & Exchange also introduced to the guests SYSU’s work on internationally oriented talents training, the Second Classroom for students, and exchanges and cooperation with APRU. Founded in 1997, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is an association of high-level research universities in the Pacific Rim region with a strategic framework for building higher education and research in the Asia-Pacific region, developing global leaders and collaborating to address the region’s problems and challenges. Currently, APRU consists of 60 universities in 19 countries (regions).

In a recent informative week-long trip, APRU’s Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber, and Director of Network Management Jackie Wong visited APRU member universities: Korea University, Yonsei University, Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, Pusan National University, and National Taiwan University. The APRU delegation were honored to be given an opportunity to explore each university and connect with the leaders of these seven exemplary institutions. “We are impressed by the crucial role that our six South Korean member institutions have assumed within APRU,” said Thomas Schneider. “They have been instrumental in our mission of tackling the grand challenges of the Asia-Pacific, enhancing higher education, and training the next generation of leaders.” At Korea University, the APRU delegation learned about the ambitious internationalization goals of Korea University’s new president, Dong-One Kim, which are reflected by the Korea University International Affairs team. KU’s interest areas include APRU’s student exchange, case competitions, and entrepreneurship, as well as initiatives related to AI, digital health, and University Museums.   Pictured Left to Right: Prof. Donghyun Jang, Director of Int Affairs; Dr. William Stewart, Associate Director of International Cooperation; Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer; Prof. Sang Song, Vice President of International Affairs; Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive; Jackie Wong, Director (Network Management); Prof. Yong Sik Ok, Director, APRU Sustainable Waste Management, Professor, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering   Yonsei University’s leadership expressed that APRU meetings are an important platform for the university after having participated in both the latest APRU Presidents’ Meeting (APM) and the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting (SIL) and hope to collaborate on initiatives related to COIL and the Future of Higher Education. From Left to Right: Jackie Wong; Prof Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, Prof. Eunkyong Kim, Provost, Prof. Dong-hun Kim, Vice President, International Affairs; Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer     The APRU delegation met with President Honglim Ryu of Seoul National University, Prof Sun-Young Kim, and Mr. Sean Choi, Manager International Affairs. Prof Schneider of APRU was happy to congratulate and thank President Ryu for his recent appointment to the APRU steering committee.  APRU was delighted to hear about SNU’s strong collaborations with partners in China, Indonesia, and the US, particularly related to STEM research and Teaching and Learning.   Pictured: Professor Honglim Ryu, President, Seoul National University and Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU     In this eventful visit to KAIST, the APRU delegation were welcomed by a flock of ducks and visited the university Vision Hall featuring its research and innovation advances since its opening in 1971. Upon a visit with Dr. Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, Dr. Man Sung Yim, Vice President of International Affairs, and Mr. Eunjae Lee, Manager, International Relations the APRU delegation was elated to hear about their recent internationalization initiatives and interest in the APRU research related programs.   Pictured: Dr. Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST and Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU In a visit at POSTECH the APRU delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Jong-Kyu KIM, Executive Vice President of International Affairs, Prof. Hee-Kap AHN, Vice President of Office of Planning, Jinyoung Huh, Manager, External Relations and Communications, Dayeon Yang, Assistant Manager, External Relations and Communications. The APRU delegation was impressed by POSTECH’s 110 research institutes focusing on AI, biotechnology, and materials, as well as the contributions to the campus from its long list of industry partners such as Apple, Samsung, and Hyundai. The delegation was also impressed by the innovative student learning spaces of the campus to facilitate learning and entrepreneurship. Pictured above: Jinyoung Huh, Manager, External Relations and Communications; Prof. Hee-Kap AHN, Vice President of Office of Planning; Prof. Jong-Kyu KIM, Executive Vice President of International Affairs; Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive; Jackie Wong, APRU; Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer; Dayeon Yang, Assistant Manager, External Relations and Communications. Pusan National University’s President Cha Jeong-In underscored his dedication to maintaining the university’s close partnership with the APRU network. The delegation was honored to be a part of the university’s internationalization strategy with the strong support for its membership of APRU as a valuable achievement. The APRU delegation were honored to have visited the university’s special collections including a Korean National Treasure. We look forward to strengthening the university’s engagement in student programs and to maximize the benefits of the network. Pictured left to right: Steven Park, Manager; Bong Koo Jeong, Director; Moonsuk Yi, Dean; Professor Cha Jeong-In, President, Pusan National University; Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive; Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer; Jackie Wong, APRU Prof. Wen-Chang CHEN, President, National Taiwan University with Thomas Schneider, APRU   The APRU delegation’s trip wrapped up with National Taiwan University presenting valuable insights on a sustainability competition, Asia-Oceania Engineering Schools, and the government-supported AI Center for Healthcare. The APRU delegation thanks Prof. Wen-Chang CHEN, President, National Taiwan University, Prof. Hsiao-Wei YUAN, Vice President, International Affairs, and Wendy CHEN, Director Global Engagement for their warm welcome to the university.

The APWiL Mentoring Program 3rd Cohort wrapped up on October 11 with a virtual graduation ceremony kick-started with a keynote speech by Prof. Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor, University of Auckland and APWiL Presidential Champion. The ceremony highlighted participants’ accomplishments and appreciation for a fruitful year of mentor-mentee exchanges. Involving 91 mentors and mentees from 24 APRU member universities, the 3rd Cohort’s footprint was larger than the previous cohort’s, reflecting APRU’s successful outreach within its large network.     The APRU APWiL Mentoring Program, which is co-chaired by Universiti Malaya and University of California, Davis, is a year-long commitment focused on fostering women’s leadership at APRU institutions by pairing mentors and mentees in one-on-one mentoring relationships. Empowerment is an urgent task, given the persistent complex social and economic barriers to women’s advancement in leadership in academia. “Participation in the APWIL program has been a rewarding experience, and I always look forward to catching up with my mentee and continuing our exchanges beyond this program,” said Juliana Ng, Director of Australian National University’s Research School of Accounting. The 3rd Cohort was enriched by a Tecnologico de Monterrey-led workshop on Imposter syndrome: Women, psychology, and society; a Keio University and The University of Melbourne-led workshop on Exploring Intersectionality on International Women’s Day; and a seminar on The Art of Effective Communication and Negotiation with speakers from APRU, The University of Auckland, Universiti Malaya, and University of California, Davis. Participants also engaged in multiple informal networking exchanges.     Te Kawehau Hoskins, the University of Auckland’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Maori), emphasized that she thoroughly enjoyed her first mentoring experience. “We could call this relationship a “tuakana-teina”, one where teaching and learning occur in both directions,” Hoskins said. Akiyo Okuda, Keio University’s Vice President, was thrilled to learn that her mentee, Wai Yee Yeong, Associate Professor Nanyang Technological University, has become the chair of her department. “It was a true privilege to work together with Wai Yee in our careers,” Okuda said.  On the mentee side, Kaori Idemaru, Professor at the University of Oregon, revealed that participating in the APWiL Mentoring Program empowered her to work on developing leadership skills and raising her research prominence purposefully and proactively. “With my mentor’s guidance, I applied and secured university fellowships, accepted invitations for guest lectures, and submitted research grants,” Idemaru said. Carolina Senes, Chair of Tecnologico de Monterrey’s Regional Bioengineering Department (West area), said the 3rd Cohort will influence her well beyond the immediate future. “It steered me towards decisions that will leave a lasting imprint on my career trajectory,” Senes said.  We congratulate all the participants from the APWiL Mentoring Program 3rd Cohort, and we hope that the experiences, learnings, and relationships built throughout it will help them grow in their professional careers and achieve their goals. To learn more about the APWiL Mentoring Program visit its website here.

APRU is pleased to support the 2nd edition of the Frontiers Planet Prize, an international competition that aims to address the planetary crisis by mobilizing scientists across the world and their breakthrough research, with the greatest potential to stabilize the planet’s ecosystem. Launched by the Frontiers Research Foundation, the Frontiers Planet Prize recognizes and awards a National Champion for each participating country, and three prizes of CHF 1 million each to 3 International Champions, selected by an independent Jury of 100. The prize focuses on addressing any one of the 9 planetary boundaries, as detailed by Professor Johan Rockström, director at the Potsdam Institute of Climate Change, and Owen Gaffney in their book and documentary, Breaking Boundaries. The prize will recognize the best research published in established scientific journals within the past two years (date of acceptance: November 1, 2021 – October 31, 2023), with robust peer review and transparent publication procedures, that fulfil the criteria of the prize. The CHF 1 million prize will be awarded to each International Champion to advance the breakthrough research of the winning research group at an award ceremony taking place in June 2024 in Montreux Switzerland. To participate, simply register by September 30, 2023, after which you will receive further information with the timeline and next steps for you to put forward the most promising research articles from your institution. Scientists at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply, as long as they confirm to best represent the research group who conducted the study. The deadline to submit your nominations is November 1, 2023. The scientific community has the knowledge and expertise to help navigate and secure humanity’s future. Our scientists will be playing a key role in this, sharing their knowledge and ideas in the pursuit of real-world solutions to ensure the Earth thrives. For any inquiries, please contact Gilbert De Gregorio, Head of Partnerships at the Foundation ([email protected]). You are also invited to join an upcoming webinar to learn more about the prize, its mission and mechanics.

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.

As a strategic partner of the Cyberport Academy of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, APRU is delighted to invite our member universities to join the tendering of the Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP), for organizing in-person entrepreneurship boot camps in 2024 and 2025 (i.e. total two boot camps) on your campus. CUPP is a life-changing training plus competition programme to unleash full potential of 18-30 years old Hong Kong university teams to gain global market insights. Themed with FinTech, CUPP has nurtured over 400 talents in 70+ teams since 2015.  Cyberport Academy is now looking for a university as CUPP entrepreneurship boot camp hosting partner to provide mentorship, entrepreneurship training, company visits and cultural explore activities from international professionals. Please find the Tender Schedule as follows: Tender Schedule Due Date Time (Hong Kong Time) Interested universities to reply to Tender Notice by email 18 September 2023 12:00 noon Online Briefing to Tenderers 20 September 2023 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Tenderers’ Query Cut-off time (if tenderers have questions, they could send questions by email before the due date, and Cyberport will send email reply to the questions) 26 September 2023 12:00 noon Tender Closing (Tenderers shall submit both technical proposal and fee proposal via Cyberport e-procurement system by the due date) 24 October 2023 12:00 noon Tenderers Presentation (Tenderers are invited to present their technical proposals to tender assessors via online meeting, and to answer assessors’ questions) 26-27 October 2023 – Contract Award Late December 2023 – Please find more details of the tender here.   About Cyberport As the home of APRU’s International University Centre, Cyberport is the digital tech flagship of Hong Kong with an innovation digital community of over 1,650 start-ups and technology companies. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology for Hong Kong, Cyberport has worked closely with APRU since 2017 to launch the APRU Esports MetaGame Conference and partner on the Esports Fellowship Program.  

In August APRU Chief Executive, Thomas Schneider and APRU Director (Network Management) Jackie Wong had the opportunity to learn first-hand about UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz’ efforts to build up their research capacity in a wide range of fields to the benefit of the Asia Pacific region. The APRU delegation was impressed by the vast expertise that the two APRU member universities hold within biodiversity, food security, data science and AI, and how they systematically address key topics, such as gender, equity, climate change, and social justice. On the agenda were also exchanges on APRU’s future strategic objectives and the next APEC University Leaders’ Forum, which will be hosted by UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz in November. UC Davis is also leading the APRU Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) Program, making the visit a good opportunity to discuss activities that could be shaped together for the coming year. “I am impressed by the scale of UC Davis’ research enterprise and its transformative power in higher education, and I am proud that APRU and the UC Davis have established a shared vision of university collaboration across the Pacific,” Schneider said thanking UC Davis Chancellor Gary May. “UC Davis’ advocacy of women’s leadership in higher education is transformative, and we at APRU look forward to giving it our fullest support.” Schneider also thanked UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive, and emphasized his appreciation to learn about UC Santa Cruz’s focus areas, including its positioning as a leader within the UC System on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives. Schneider also highly appreciated the feedback UC Santa Cruz provided, particularly the suggestion to develop APRU initiatives in art and music. “Since UC Santa Cruz joined APRU in 2020, we have noticed the positive response of its community to many of the student focus areas, such as the Virtual Student Exchange, Quarantunes, and program-related courses, particularly inasmuch it would allow for increased student engagement,” Schneider said. “We are looking forward to building on this foundation in the years to come and will make sure to keep UC Santa Cruz involved in our ongoing strategic process.”  

We are pleased to welcome the following presidents who will serve on the APRU Steering Committee, the executive body of the network which oversees its strategy, policy, programs and finances, for the year 2023-2024. Steering Committee members (in alphabetical order of the name of universities): Vice-Chancellor and President Rocky S. Tuan, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Chair) Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater, The University of Auckland (Vice-Chair) President Kohei Itoh, Keio University President Tan Eng Chye, National University of Singapore President Ryu Hong Lim, Seoul National University President Kuiling Ding, Shanghai Jiao Tong University President and Vice-Chancellor Joy Johnson, Simon Fraser University President David Garza, Tecnológico de Monterrey President and Vice-Chancellor Xiang Zhang, The University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor and President Deborah Terry, The University of Queensland Rector Rosa Devés, Universidad de Chile Vice-Chancellor Mohd. Hamdi Abd. Shukor, Universiti Malaya Chancellor Gene D. Block, UCLA President Carol L. Folt, University of Southern California Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU Mr. Sherman Cheng, Chief Financial Officer, APRU Comprising elected presidents representing various regions of Asia-Pacific, the Steering Committee is responsible for driving the activities of the association and giving direction to its impact and advocacy work across the region. Click here for the biographies of Steering Committee members.

Original post: CUHK Press Release (July 18, 2023) The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (The Program) from June 25 to July 6, 2023. The Program, themed “Leadership for Sustainable Cities Development”, was part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebration events and brought together a diverse group of 55 undergraduate students from 31 APRU member universities in 15 countries and regions in North and South America, Asia and Australasia. The event was co-organized by the Urban Studies Program, School of Architecture, Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge and Office of Academic Links at CUHK. The Program aims to empower young leaders to become changemakers in pursuit of building sustainable, safe, resilient, and inclusive cities in response to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It covered five sub-themes: energy sustainability; environmental, social and governance; green transport; smart, green and resilient communities; and waste and resource management. Professor Ng Mee-kam, Program Director of the Urban Studies Program; Professor Hendrik Tieben, Director of the School of Architecture; and Dr. Elsie Tsui, Project Director of the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge, with two overseas scholars from APRU member universities, Dr Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland; and Professor Yang Yizhao from the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon, gave lectures and led workshops and discussions on urban design during the Program. Other local industry experts and leaders from NGOs also conducted a series of talks and workshops to equip students with a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing cities today, using case studies from Hong Kong and around the world. They included Mr. Wong Kam-sing, GBS, JP, Former Secretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government; Mr. Leo Chan, Founder and CEO of Leader Radio Technologies Ltd; Mr. Alok Jain, CEO and Managing Director of Trans-Consult Ltd; Mr. Warren Luk, CEO of Good Lab; Mr. Hendrik Rosenthal, Director – Group Sustainability of CLP Holdings Ltd; Ms. Fiona Sykes, Resource Management Consultant of Arup Hong Kong; and Mr. Harold Yip, Co-founder of Mil Mill. Classroom learning was supplemented with field trips during the Program. Students were brought to the Heritage of Mei Ho House, MTR Corporation Ltd, Swire Coca-Cola HK Ltd, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, T-Park and Viva Blue House to allow them to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable development practices in action. The Program concluded with a group project competition in which students showcased their innovative solutions to sustainable city development by applying design thinking principles. A team led by Mr. Thuta Ye Moe, a student from Yonsei University in South Korea, won the competition with its SkyBike proposal to build elevated bike lanes for local short-distance commuters, providing healthy and environmentally friendly transport in Hong Kong. The judges were very impressed with the team’s creativity and innovation in promoting green transport in urban areas. Mr. Thuta Ye Moe said, “The Program has been a remarkable opportunity for leadership development and collaboration. The lectures and field trips have provided insight into green transport infrastructure, integration of technologies, energy efficiency measures and sustainability policies in Hong Kong. The Program has encouraged each of us to engage in our communities and make a positive difference with passion.” At the closing ceremony, CUHK Provost Professor Alan Chan met with the participating students. He said, “In the face of unprecedented global challenges, it is critical that we come together to collaborate and find solutions. CUHK is pleased to host the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program to facilitate collaboration across borders and provide opportunities for young leaders to address important issues related to sustainability, which is ever more pressing in a time of climate crisis.”  

Original post: Keio University News (18 May 2023)  The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion implemented a pilot mentoring program in AY2022 to promote women’s empowerment and leadership development at Keio University. In AY2023, Keio will be launching it as an official program for the first time and is accepting applications until May 31 from interested full-time faculty members of Keio University to join the program. Vice-President Akiyo Okuda welcoming the participants In March, a closing ceremony was held for the AY2022 pilot program, where President Itoh presented certificates of completion to 19 mentor-mentee pairs, a total of 38 participants. At the closing ceremony, each pair offered comments on the program. The mentees mentioned the advantages of the program, such as being able to network beyond their affiliated faculty and discuss joint research with other staff they met through the program. They also highlighted the benefit of being able to discuss how to manage research groups or labs as well as common pitfalls and tendencies for women in management. The mentors commented on the importance of putting their own experiences into words and thought that it was good that they were forced to speak about topics they previously dared not broach with their younger colleagues. Both mentors and mentees affirmed that their experiences in the program were fruitful. In her welcome address at the ceremony, Vice-President Akiyo Okuda touched on the importance of forming individual connections to build a larger network and expressed her determination to continue promoting women’s empowerment in a unique Keio style. President Itoh presenting certificates of completion to program participants This program was formulated through consultation with faculty members (WG members) who participated in the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) program conducted by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), of which Keio University is a member. The structure of the program has been tailored to fit Keio University by incorporating its characteristics. Keio University believes that its women leaders should be at the forefront of school management, promoting reforms and pioneering new paths forward. The university anticipates that more women will be able to play an active leadership role by leveraging on their experience gleaned from this program based on “learning while teaching, teaching while learning,” a foundational ethos of Keio University since its establishment.

The Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program (APWiL) is set to continue its important work with the confirmation of Professor Dawn Freshwater as the new APWiL Presidential Champion. Professor Freshwater, who serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, is a member of the APRU Steering Committee, has been an advocate for gender equity in higher education, and is a supporter of the APWiL Mentoring Program. A globally recognized leader in world-class universities for several decades, she became the University of Auckland’s first female Vice-Chancellor in 2020 after serving as the University of Western Australia’s Vice-Chancellor and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for six years. Professor Freshwater was the first female Chair of the Go8 Research Intensive Universities in Australia. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women (CEW) and Global Women New Zealand. Professor Dawn Freshwater, APWiL Presidential Champion, Vice-Chancellor, University of Auckland “We are happy to have confirmed a new Champion who has such an extremely strong track record of pushing for gender equity while also being very familiar with the work of the APWiL Mentoring Program” said APWiL Co-Chair Professor Joanna Regulska “We believe Professor Freshwater will be an extraordinary advocate for the goals of APWiL and our signature mentoring program.” The APWiL Mentoring Program was launched in 2020 in response to the APRU 2019 Gender Gap report finding that Pacific Rim universities had made little progress in advancing women into university leadership positions during the previous 5-year period, despite a number of initiatives at the university level. By pairing mentors and mentees across economies for mutually inspiring exchanges under a year-long commitment, the APWiL Mentoring Program offers leaders at APRU universities an opportunity to grow the pipeline of aspiring women leaders. It encourages participants to take on the many challenges that aspiring women leaders are still facing within the region. The APWiL Mentoring Program is currently more than halfway through the 3rd cohort, which involves 45 mentoring pairs from 24 institutions. In addition to the one-on-one mentoring relationships, the program has also held three seminars so far for the 3rd cohort, on the topics of imposter syndrome, intersectionality, and effective communication and negotiation within leadership. “It has been an amazing journey with our 3rd cohort so far. Participation in the three seminars has been encouraging, inspiring, and stimulating. This mentoring program provides a safe space to discuss struggles and successes that are pertinent to women, as well as providing a fantastic opportunity to learn from successful women and men leaders” said APWiL Co-Chair Professor Yvonne Lim. The program can be possible thanks to the collaboration of all partners and a nuclear international APWiL Mentoring Team integrated by Kimberly Bellows, Chelsey Hawes, and Joanna Regulska from UC Davis; Yvonne Lim from Universiti Malaya; and Adriana Rojas and David Quimbayo from the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). While institutional recruitment for the 4th cohort of the program is now closed, the APWiL Mentoring Program team encourages interested members of the APRU network to consider joining this important gender equity initiative in the future.

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.

About the University of Adelaide At the University of Adelaide, innovation and world-class teaching and learning are built on a rich history of excellence spanning almost 150 years since our establishment in 1874. The University of Adelaide– a member of Australia’s Group of Eight research-intensive universities – is consistently rated by the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education and Shanghai Jiao Tong’s Academic Rankings of World Universities (ARWU) amongst the top 1% of universities worldwide. With over 29,000 students from more than 100 countries and 3,000+ staff, half of whom were born overseas, the University’s deep global connections are integral to its vision of building a better future for all. Many of our staff and teachers are internationally recognised leaders in their fields. Our expertise spans a range of disciplines, and we rank in the top-100 globally in many subject areas including engineering, agriculture, computer science, veterinary science, geology, energy and earth sciences, water resources, dentistry, nursing, clinical medicine and public health. The University’s greatest asset is our 160,000 strong global alumni community who are making an impact around the world. Our distinguished staff and alumni include five Nobel Laureates; over 100 Rhodes Scholars, including Australia’s first Indigenous recipient; Australia’s first female prime minister; and Australia’s first female supreme court judge. We partner with leading higher education institutions, research centres, corporations and government agencies across the globe, and work with them to solve the most pressing global challenges and shape future global leaders. The University has four campuses: three in South Australia at North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy; and one in Melbourne, Victoria. About joining APRU The University of Adelaide’s globally recognised strengths in agriculture, technology, energy, sustainability, health, society and culture support the strategic priorities of APRU and have enabled us to make a significant contribution to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our times. The University’s Waite campus is amongst the three largest agricultural research, education and commercialisation precincts in the southern hemisphere and our Centre for Global Food and Resources tackles critical issues for global food systems. The Australian Institute for Machine Learning is a global leader in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. APRU’s strategic priority of addressing climate change is also a long-standing priority for the University. Trans-disciplinary teams in the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources and the Environment Institute are leading programs in climate and biodiversity, marine and freshwater ecosystems, urban and regional landscapes and water quality, among others. Research centres such as the Centre for Energy Technology and the Centre for Materials in Energy and Catalysis are making significant contributions to the transition to renewable energy. The University also has strengths across a wide range of health and medical research including reproductive and child health, cancer, aging and global health. Our Dental School is ranked among the world’s best. Like APRU, the University of Adelaide places a high value on supporting diversity, inclusion, and minorities, and providing global experiences for students. We have been among the leading Australian universities for student mobility and continue to seek opportunities to engage with partners to provide high quality options for students. The University also has a strong focus on both indigenous education through its Wiltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education centre, and on indigenous languages and language reclamation. “Through APRU membership, the University of Adelaide seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships and collaboration with other member institutions and to extend our global network,” says Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President. “Our membership will enable expansion of our research and education activities, and furnish us with the ability to generate high quality international and domestic experiences for our students. Our expertise in research areas of strength will synergise with those of APRU and I look forward to constructive engagement with other APRU members through this valuable forum.”   More about The University of Adelaide: University website University video University campuses Facts and figures

The highly-anticipated side event of the APEC CEO Summit saw university presidents and policy-makers promote global partnerships for achieving effective research and future-proof strategies (18 November, 2022 – HONG KONG) – Business leaders, policy makers, and university presidents from APRU, a network of 60 leading research universities from 19 economies around the APEC region, convened at the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, on 16 November for the APEC University Leaders’ Forum (AULF) 2022, under the theme: “Preventing the Next Pandemic.” As a selected side event of the APEC CEO Summit held this year in Thailand, the forum offered a rare opportunity for global leadership to gather and implement a plan through collaboration across sectors, institutions, and continents. After the world had experienced nearly three years of disruption due to Covid-19, this year’s AULF provided a much-needed platform for influential figures in politics, business, and higher education to gather and discuss ways to enhance global resilience should another pandemic happen. More than 20 high-profile speakers from the Asia-Pacific region came together to share their views on building joint research, strategies, and policies, including Prof. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and Prof. Gene D. Block, Chair of APRU and Chancellor of UCLA. Both gave welcome remarks at the opening ceremony. Chancellor Block said it was crucial for academic, business, and political leaders to convene at AULF 2022 to discuss ways to create a more robust, resourceful, and responsive world in the future. “On behalf of APRU, I am delighted to welcome distinguished guests, speakers, and participants from the Asia-Pacific region to the APRU APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2022. This year’s theme could not be more timely for our world, which has undergone nearly three years of profound changes due to the effects of Covid-19.” He continued: “The forum is a critical opportunity for leaders to come together across sectors and geographies to share views, strategies, and technologies that will strengthen our collective capacity to deal with another pandemic.” Prof. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, said: “It has been our pleasure at Chulalongkorn University to bring together top minds in the Asia-Pacific region for talks and exchanges that would benefit citizens around the world. Chulalongkorn believes in the power of partnerships and is firmly committed to working with other institutes, APRU, and leaders to make progress on our common objectives.” His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, also delivered a keynote speech. He was followed by Chancellor Block, who engaged the audience with a special plenary address on global partnership. Other forum highlights consisted of three thought-provoking panel discussions, which explored ways to foster collaborative efforts in researching, strategy-setting, and handling misinformation. The first session, titled “Partnering on Biomedical Research,” saw leaders from different sectors exchange ideas on improving biomedical responses, such as manufacturing and distributing biomedical and therapeutic assets effectively, in the state of global emergency. Panelists then focused on the socio-cultural aspect of a pandemic in the second session, titled “Partnering on Effective Socio-cultural Strategies,” which addressed opportunities and challenges in imposing public health strategies in a diverse yet connected world. The last session touched upon a topic at the heart of a digitalized world. Under the theme of “Partnering on Combatting the Infodemic,” panelists assessed the role false and misleading information plays in a pandemic and the urgency for countries to tackle the phenomenon as a team. Prof. Rocky S. Tuan, APRU Vice Chair and Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, underlined the urgency of promoting and facilitating cooperation in biomedical research in Asia-Pacific and beyond. He noted: “Although most of the world is emerging from the full shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, our shared experience over the past three years has enabled us to see the importance of working together as a team that combines governments, industry, academia, NGOs and the community, to address a global health crisis, especially in researching, manufacturing, assembling and distributing medical biomedical and therapeutic resources.” Prof. Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, Australia, emphasized the importance of assessing sociocultural factors while formulating strategies for the future. She said: “Asia-Pacific is one of the most socially and culturally diverse regions worldwide. Assessing the role that socio-cultural context plays in different communities across the region, particularly in the face of a global medical emergency, is essential in ensuring that we can draw future-proof plans in a just, fair, and all-inclusive way.” Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, New Zealand, explained her thoughts on infodemic. “Our world is more connected than ever. In this digital age, information is passed on and shared within milliseconds across borders, languages, and faiths,” she said. “Combating misinformation and disinformation will be vital to implement public health measures effectively. In this context, regional and international collaborations are paramount for achieving the goal.” For more information on APRU and its events, please visit https://www.apru.org.

  August 10, 2021 WE ARE CANADA’S ENGAGED UNIVERSITY We move beyond tradition. We go where others won’t.  And we deliver a world-class education. Simon Fraser University (SFU) was founded in 1965 and was known as a radical campus at the time. While maintaining an atmosphere that challenges conventions, celebrates new ideas and embraces unconventional partnerships, we have become Canada’s leading comprehensive university and one of the country’s top research-intensive universities. With three vibrant urban campuses, we host more than 37,000 students, in eight faculties, spanning a broad range of fundamental, interdisciplinary and applied research topics. As Canada’s top comprehensive university, SFU has been ranked first every year by Maclean’s Rankings, apart from 2014, when it was ranked second. Times Higher Education places SFU within the top 10 worldwide for impact on sustainable cities and communities and within the top 50 overall in the 2021 Impact Rankings. SFU placed in the top 10 worldwide for three key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): climate action (SDG 13); sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11; and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). SFU’s Burnaby campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain, overlooking the Burrard Inlet and Rocky Mountains SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. Our commitment to engagement informs how we mobilize knowledge and further our contributions to local communities, across Canada and around the world. By creating and mobilizing knowledge, nurturing partnerships, and harnessing the power of research, engagement at SFU is an instrument for change. SFU has a critical need to collaborate across borders, seek solutions to pressing global problems and develop in our students the competencies needed to be responsible and engaged global citizens. The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) plays an important role in promoting international collaboration across the Asia Pacific Region. SFU is now Canada’s second APRU member institution and is well-positioned to contribute to APRU’s mission of advancing knowledge and innovation to address the challenges of the 21st century. “We are thrilled to join the APRU network as the second Canadian university member,” says Joy Johnson, SFU’s president and vice-chancellor. “SFU has strong historic and continuing connections to the Pacific Rim region. Our strengths and priorities are well aligned to APRU’s Pacific Rim challenges, and we look forward to working collaboratively with APRU’s members to advance our region’s most pressing challenges.” ENGAGING RESEARCH We deliver academic and research excellence. Building on a solid foundation of fundamental research, we are committed to disseminating knowledge and harnessing new ideas and innovations for the benefit of society. SFU’s Strategic Research Plan positions the university to continue to grow its capacity in research and knowledge mobilization across diverse sectors. It also identifies strengths at SFU that have led to the establishment of four research clusters: Big Data; Health Technology and Health Solutions; New Materials and Technology for Sustainability; and Community-based Research. SFU ranks among Canada’s top 15 research universities and enjoys the fastest growing research income, having surpassed $100 million in 2013 and reached $167.3 million in 2020. SFU students can access academic and research opportunities through research partnerships in over 125 countries. Simon Fraser University is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, consistently placing among Canada’s top 15 research universities in global and national university rankings. ENGAGING COMMUNITIES Community engagement is a core component of everything we do. SFU builds and nurtures community connections at home and abroad as an integral part of its academic and research mission. In Canada, we are striving to increase awareness of Indigenous history, culture and knowledge—both within the university and in the greater community. Our faculty, researchers and students collaborate with government, business and community partners worldwide to incubate and accelerate transformative discoveries for positive social and economic impact. Designed around a collaborative research infrastructure, SFU’s Community-Engaged Research initiative promotes principles of participation, cooperation, social transformation and knowledge translation to strengthen the capacity of SFU’s researchers and students, to engage respectfully and ethically with community members. Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples, on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside. ENGAGING STUDENTS SFU offers plenty of ways to learn both in and out of the classroom. We inspire our students to grow their study and research skills and challenge themselves to become better learners and leaders. All of our students—undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learners—are valued members of the diverse and growing SFU community. We offer a wide variety of program options for students to build their own undergraduate degree; we combine majors, minors and certificates to create an experience unique to each student; and all eight faculties offer master’s and doctoral degrees. SFU’s Semester in Dialogue is a one-semester, full-time program designed to inspire students with a sense of civic responsibility and encourage their passion for improving society. SFU RADIUS’s Health Change Lab is a once-in-a-degree immersive program that gives students the opportunity to investigate a local social problem, build a sustainable business intervention to respond to it, and pitch their ideas to community influencers—all in just 13 weeks. And, our new School of Sustainable Energy Engineering prepares students to become global leaders in clean technology. This school’s interdisciplinary program is offered in a new state-of-the-art facility. These are just a few of the many examples of unique programs offered at Simon Fraser University. Our vibrant, diverse and inclusive community welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. ENGAGING THE WORLD Together, with our global partners, we make a difference, advancing engagement, learning and research for societal good. The pursuit of knowledge and cultivating dialogue to address global challenges is core to SFU’s vision. Faculty and students conduct research and learn alongside colleagues from around the world. We have one of the highest percentages of international students of any university in Canada. Our global partnerships for research, studying abroad, academic collaborations and development activities ensure our students and faculty are active global citizens. Our Study Abroad programs range from dual degree programs to exchanges, work abroad opportunities and field schools with important considerations in mind due to the current global pandemic. SFU offers international experiences at home and abroad. At Simon Fraser University, students receive a world-class education culminating in a degree that has lifelong value STATISTICS 37,000+ students 6,500 faculty and staff 170,000 proud alumni in 143 countries Canada’s first Fairtrade Gold campus Among the world’s top 50 universities for our commitment to sustainability (Times Higher Education’s 2021 University Impact Rankings) #1 Canadian university for Global Top Innovative Universities (World’s Universities with Real Impact 2021) #3 among world’s top universities for our entrepreneurial spirit, and first in Canada (World’s Universities with Real Impact 2021) #2 Canadian university for international outlook (Times Higher Education 2020)   Learn more about SFU’s performance and rankings. Watch how SFU is on the move. Learn more about Simon Fraser University at www.sfu.ca.  

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]

We are delighted to announce that Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has joined APRU. We welcome SJTU President Zhongqin Lin and his colleagues to our association and look forward to a valuable and productive partnership. Established in 1896, SJTU is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. SJTU has six Shanghai campuses with 31 departments, 47 research platforms, and 13 hospitals affiliated to its medical school. The 123 years of its history, SJTU has nurtured more than 300,000 talents for the country and the world, including Jiang Zemin, a former president of China, and Tsien Hsue-shen, China’s “Father of Space Science.” Other famous SJTU scholars include Wu Wenjun, a great master of mathematics and winner of the first National Supreme Award for Science and Technology, as well as Wang Zhenyi, winner of the Kettering Prize for cancer research. Over 200 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering are SJTU alumni. Reflecting SJTU’s research prowess, twenty-five subjects ranked among the top 100 and ten made it into the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings. In 2019 SJTU has topped for the 10th consecutive year in the total number of projects awarded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Currently, SJTU has students from 116 countries and more than 150 institutional cooperation agreements with well-known universities around the world. SJTU has established a number of joint institutes with overseas universities and institutions, such as the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), The University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI), and the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry. “Internationalization has always played an important role in the development of SJTU, as reflected by SJTU’s existing research partnerships with a number of APRU members,” said APRU Secretary General, Dr Christopher Tremewan. “By joining APRU, SJTU will help us strengthen institutional partnerships and develop new partnerships with like-minded universities in the network,” he added. SJTU President Lin, in his initial expression of SJTU’s interest in joining APRU, noted that the university undertakes research in most of the APRU research themes. He highlighted the SJTU’s cross-university platform for Urban Governance, where researchers of technical background, urban planners, designers, and policy experts are engaged to work out sustainability solutions for mega cities, such as Shanghai.       Lin also pointed out that ocean engineering and ocean science have long been priority areas for SJTU, aligning it closely with APRU’s own focus. “APRU has a lot of potential for leveraging the quality of research and impact, playing an important role by engaging with APEC and tackling the complex challenges faced by the Asia Pacific region,” Lin said. “I am confident that SJTU could make its contributions as a member of APRU and look forward to membership,” he added. SJTU Website: en.sjtu.edu.cn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjtu1896/ Twitter：https://twitter.com/sjtu1896 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanghai_jiao_tong_uni/  

We are delighted to welcome Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) as one of the most recently added members of APRU. We welcome Rector Carlos Montúfar and his colleagues to our association and look forward to a valuable and productive partnership. Founded in 1988, USFQ is the first private university of Ecuador.   USFQ has ten academic colleges with approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 80 countries (including 500 indigenous students and 1,000 international students annually), and 967 teachers and staff. The USFQ main campus in the Cumbayá valley next to Quito features a hospital, specialized dentistry clinic, six restaurants, and the largest academic library in Ecuador with 1 million titles. USFQ has much-noted research stations in the Galapagos Islands (GAIAS) and in the Amazon Rainforest (Tiputini Biodiversity Station). There are plans to expand operations in the Cloud Forest and the Coast of Ecuador. Reflecting USFQ’s research prowess, it is ranked #1 in Ecuador and #51 in Latin America in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. “USFQ’s research center in the Galapagos Islands provides a unique site for research in the life sciences while the Tiputini Biodiversity Station is located in the most biodiverse places on the planet, so I am sure that professors from APRU member universities will be interested and find value in going to Ecuador or developing joint courses,” said APRU Secretary General, Dr Christopher Tremewan. USFQ Rector Montúfar thanked APRU for the formal invitation to join, pointing out that it aligns perfectly with USFQ’s core strategy of expanding internationalization at home. Specifically, USFQ aims to develop new research partnerships, joint research and grant proposals, as well as new curriculum that includes international components. USFQ furthermore plans to increase the number of visiting faculty to USFQ through the development of joint courses led by a USFQ professor and an international partner. “APRU offers an exciting opportunity for USFQ. A young, research oriented and private liberal arts University,  seldom has this window to the frontiers of education and innovation. Strategically located in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, it offers APRU researchers and students a new dimension to current world challenges. We look forward to an increasing number of joint projects bringing to this region fresh insights like those of previous travellers such  as Humboldt and Darwin. Exciting times lie ahead!” Said Dr. Carlos Montufar Phd., USFQ President. “It is with great promise that we join such a prestigious network of Universities. Our role is to bring the Latin American perspective to ensure the Health of the Pacific Rim that ties us all together.” Said Alexandra Velasco MBA., Strategic partners and innovation for internationalization. APRU also welcomes Senior International Officer, Alexandra Velasco, Faculty lead programs and Deputy Director: Alex Rendón, and Research and partnership opportunities, Director for International Relations, Mateo Saenz. Please find additional resources from USFQ below. Research Stations: USFQ is the only university in Ecuador with research stations in Galápagos, Tiputini, and we are currently looking for a partner for Mindo (tropical forest). Please take a look at the following links in order to find more information. Tiputini (click here) Galapagos Science Center (click Here) USFQ Basic Information USFQ Brochure: You will be able to find information about USFQ areas of interests and classes students can take as undergraduate USFQ International Programs Office website (click here) USFQ video: (click here) USFQ Galápagos video: (click here)  

APRU and the University of Malaya have kicked-off planning for the APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2020. The forum is set to occur on November 9, 2020 in Kuala Lumpur as an official side meeting of the APEC CEO Summit and Leaders’ Week. APRU Secretary General, Dr Christopher Tremewan met with Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim, Professor Kamila Ghazali, Provost/ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Yong Zulina Zubairi, Associate Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Yvonne Lim, Director, International Relations Office, and Ms. Rohaizan Ramli (International Relations Officer) to discuss the development of the Forum with the leadership of the University of Malaya. Dr Tremewan also met with Jukhee Hong (Executive Director) and Ungku Illya Zafri (Head of Secretariat) of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2020. APRU is looking forward to further collaboration.

Leading marine science expert of APRU’s Pacific Ocean Program on advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water informed policymakers on early findings of the program at the Third Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) in Puerto Varas, Chile, in August. APRU’s Inaugural Pacific Ocean Cluster Project: Advancing SDG 14 for the sustainable future of the Pacific Ocean focuses on enhancing sustainable development of coastal states, communities, and economies around the Pacific-Rim region. The overall aim is to provide policy pathways to advance SDG 14. A team of experts from The University of British Columbia and University of Washington have conducted economy-specific analysis of the ways that all SDG goals contribute or detract from SDG 14 throughout the Pacific, with the initial results indicating a potential asymmetry in SDG alignment and achievements. From this team, Gerald Singh, now an assistant professor at the Department of Geography of the Memorial University of Newfoundland indicates that these initial results means that while making progress to achieve SDG 14 there are benefits to SDGs 1 and 2 of ending poverty and hunger (though not fully achieve these goals). However, fully achieving the goals of eliminating poverty and hunger by the 2020-2030 achievement dates may prevent the achievement of SDG 14 in the Pacific. Singh furthermore explained that the achievement of the SDG 14 in the Pacific is also being complicated by the economies not clustering according to classic development categories such as “developed”, “developing”, and “transitioning” but instead including a mix of fully developed and developed economies. In view of these findings, it is the project team’s key objective to collaborate and explore ideas with the OFWG [APEC’s Oceans and Fisheries Working Group] more closely. “One area for collaboration can be through data sharing across projects to support comparison and verifying project results,” he added. Singh’s presentation to APEC OFWG and initiated and supported through the APRU Pacific Ocean Program generated great interest by some member economies as well as non-member guests. Next steps included discussions of the possibility of future collaboration with the delegations of China; the Philippines; the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security; the Ocean Conservation Administration Ocean Affairs Council (in Chinese Taipei); as well as The Nature Conservancy. The SOM3 is the last senior officials’ preparatory meeting before the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in November. Held under the theme “Connecting people, building the future,” it facilitated fruitful discussion surrounding the priority areas of digital economy, regional economic integration, connectivity, marine cooperation, and women and inclusive growth.

With youth unemployed rising in the Asia Pacific in 2017, policymakers have to bridge the gap between a critically low supply of highly skilled professionals and the urgent demand among employers for a skilled workforce. By 2020, the global shortage of highly-skilled workers is expected to reach 38-40 million. Current advances in the digital age require the collection and interpretation of big data. Employees with the ability to gather, analyze and draw practical conclusions from big data, as well as communicate these findings to others are forecasted to be among the most in demand. Labor markets are in dire need of professionals trained in data science and analytics, and shortages are severe enough to constrain economic growth. In response to APEC’s policy goals on human capital development, Project DARE – Data Analytics Raising Employment – was created to address the current shortage of employees skilled in data science and analytics, which has resulted in billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. The project brought together business, government and academic leaders to develop a set of ten Recommended APEC Data Science and Analytics Competencies to serve as a resource to equip academic institutions and training providers across APEC economies to align curricula, courses and programs to fill this gap between skills and employer demand. APRU Experts joined the Project Advisory Group Meeting taking place in Singapore to actively supported the development of the APEC Data analytics Competencies. At the inaugural APEC University Leaders’ Forum, in Dan Nang, Vietnam, Dr. Christopher Tremewan, APRU Secretary General, and Mr. Clay Stobaugh, Vice President of The Wiley Network and Co-Chair of APEC Project DARE announced a new partnership committed to bridge the projected skills-gap in the Asia Pacific. See more details about the here recommended APEC DAS Competencies here Find out more about the project here Download attachments: APEC_Project_DARE_2018_Workshop_Agenda_2_October  

Real Solutions Are Found in Innovation and Collaboration As part of the Third APEC Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM3), held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in August, APRU provided insights and recommendations regarding the development of Innovation Networks and contributed to the discourse on policy needs to support healthy aging at a series of Policy Partnership on Science, Technology, and Innovation (PPSTI) workshops and discussions. Christina Schönleber, APRU Director of Policy and Programs, gave a keynote address on the principles for establishing and maintaining productive innovation networks as part of the Workshop on Domestic Innovation Systems and Networks. Government research and development structures, innovation funding, and institutional frameworks for innovation networks were themes of the event. The workshop, organised by the Papua New Guinea Science and Technology Council & Secretariat, showcased best practices in the APEC region on how to create and grow scientific and technology production and enhance domestic capacity with the aim to inform the development of an APEC Manual on Domestic Innovation Systems and Networks. Using APRU as an example, Schönleber emphasized the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration, external industry engagement, and research partnerships in not only domestic innovation systems and networks, but also the establishment and maintenance of a cross-border resource-sharing community. She highlighted that “this capacity provides APRU with the ability to initiative impactful collaborations and projects that tap into latest scientific knowledge enabling policy foresight to initiate creative solutions to the Asia-Pacific region’s challenges”. The following PPSTI policy sharing roundtable discussion explored policy needs to support viable innovation, facilitating resilient living and healthy aging. Schönleber presented findings from the collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, exploring the potential of new technologies to maintain and enhance productivity by extending the productive working life of an aging workforce and better equipping a young workforce for future work to contribute greatly to higher economic growth. The policy dialogue provided valuable insights to shape the APEC 2018 Leaders Statement. While in Port Moresby, Schönleber also presented to APEC delegates at the 12thAPEC PPSTI Meeting a preview of APRU’s 2018 Impact Report “Amplifying Impact: Transformative Solutions to Asia-Pacific Challenges.” Built on the first report in 2016, the 2018 Impact Report demonstrates various models of cooperation that actively inform policy and practice that encourages partnership and innovation. The report reflects the positive impact of bringing together the social sciences and humanities with science and technology disciplines to address global challenges. Additionally, it demonstrates the necessity of doing so if real solutions are to be found that are tailored to a wide diversity of contexts, which further exemplifies APRU’s commitment to interdisciplinary interaction and building an innovative network rooted in partnership, collaboration and industry engagement. According to the BBC, Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most linguistically diverse countries with 80% of its population living in a non-monetarized economy.  As a guest member of APEC Working Groups, APRU is a regular participant in a number of its high-level discussions with the objective to ensure universities have a voice in shaping policies across the Asia-Pacific.  The PPSTI working group brings together experts in higher education, business, and policy to serve as a forum, in which the best minds within the APEC region convene to share innovative ideas and discuss matters of interest in science and technology. Download the APRU 2018 Impact Report “Amplifying Impact: Transformative Solutions to Asia-Pacific Challenges: http://apru.org/resource/2018-impact-report-transformative-solutions-to-asia-pacific-challenges/

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 issue of marine debris has received high attention from economies, international organizations and multiple fora. The Workshop on Best Practices Sharing on Marine Debris Management in Coastal Cities of APEC Region was held in Xiamen on Nov 4-5th, 2017. The workshop outputs were put into the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on “Oceans and the law of the Sea” as Article 215. This forthcoming workshop taking place July 26-27, 2018 proposes to collect innovative approaches and to share best practice to address marine debris in the APEC region. Click here to see the proposal. The workshop objectives are to: 1) collect innovative approaches addressing marine debris; 2) share best practice, information, and technologies to reduce marine debris in the APEC region; 3) encourage and promote Public Private Partnerships. The event, hosted in partnership with Peking University, is aimed at managers/policy makers, researchers, and private-sector participants and will feature a 1-day meeting and 1-day scientific tour. The APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center China is making funding available for one APRU scholar to contribute to the session addressing new research advances on marine debris and micro-plastics. See a post-event report from Peking University here.

APRU Director of Policy and Programs, Christina Schönleber, was quoted in a CIPD article contributing to the conversation about creating workforces fit for the challenge of digitisation and demographic change. Sharing best practice and harnessing cross-border co-operation will help Pacific Rim countries overcome the challenges of creating workforces fit for the future, experts said – as they endorsed a recent initiative focusing on HR development amid increasing technological change. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Framework on Human Resource Development in the Digital Age was adopted by the 21 APEC member countries at the Asia Pacific Economic Forum, in Vietnam, in May 2017. Its policies are now being rolled out by APEC governments. The framework’s declared aim is to assist member economies provide their local companies with the ability to cope with the HR challenges and opportunities in present and future work. “This acknowledges the fundamental changes the world of work will be facing and also acknowledges that the Asia Pacific region is incredibly diverse,” said Christina Schönleber, director for policy and programmes at the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, a network of leading universities in the APEC region. Speaking to People Management, she added: “Through this framework, APEC will be able to harness co-operation across its member economies, while best practice sharing and drawing on the latest expertise and research from scholars across the Asia Pacific region will allow policymakers and industry to gain new knowledge and understanding of the societal and economic impact of these technological developments.” Schönleber added that HR professionals will then be able to collectively address challenges and capitalise effectively on new opportunities. Warning that automation could deny poorer economies the opportunities for economic development that have in the past been grasped by countries offering cheaper labour, the framework seeks to put forward an appropriate set of policy directions and measures. These would support economies at risk of ending up on the wrong side of the digital divide, preparing their workforces for the challenges and opportunities in the digitalised and tech-enabled world of work today and beyond. The framework commits APEC governments to spending money on joint and regional research activities to provide member economies with a good indication of where, when and how digitalisation and new technology will change production processes. And the policy agreement lays the basis for the development of joint programmes, projects and initiatives to promote cooperation and exchanges of best practice regarding labour market information systems and data management. It will also encourage APEC governments to develop guidance on the role of public and private employment services in addressing the challenges and opportunities caused by globalisation and digitalisation, as well as the way these institutions can be improved through information and communication technologies. “Advancement in technology has led to a pressing need for human resources development, including research into the implications for the labour market, education, training and reskilling,” the framework states. “This, coupled with ongoing labour market analyses, will support targeted investment consistent with economic needs. Evidence-based policy is required to ensure that labour market participants are employable and prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the new digital age,” it adds. The proposed timeframe for implementation of the framework is 2017 to 2025, with progress to be reviewed in 2022 by APEC ministers responsible for human resources development. The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) employment specialist, Phu Huynh, is also supportive of the framework, stressing that digitisation and automation put jobs across Asian countries at all stages of economic development at risk, making efforts by governments and international organisations to help address the challenges critical. “Digitisation and workplace automation will impact jobs regardless of the level of economic development, although the risks may vary, with the concerns about digitisation in less developed economies being mostly associated with the initial risk of replacing low-end manufacturing jobs which have been critical for past growth strategies,” Huynh said. “However, given lower skill and wage levels in these countries, there may be a comparative lag in terms of adopting new technologies and the consequent impacts. And conversely, the advanced economies, where higher wages make technology absorption more economically feasible sooner, also face an initial risk to medium-skill jobs, such as in accounting, office administration and bookkeeping,” he added. Huynh explained that although efforts by governments and international organisations such as the APEC framework are critical, basic national employment rights still play a role. “These include better protection for workers during the technology transition and revamping education and training systems to be more responsive to rapidly changing labour markets,” he said. Similarly, Ian Grundy, head of marketing and communications, Asia Pacific, at The Adecco Group, pointed out that today interconnected factors of digitisation, automation and changing demographics are redefining “where we work, how we work and what is work itself,” and that “what we do every day in our jobs, no matter in what role,” is being redesigned, to a greater or lesser extent. “These redesigned jobs and roles require new skillsets which means that we need to reskill or upskill and we need to do it fast and at scale,” Grundy said. “For that to happen, governments, academia, companies and other institutions such as APEC, the UN and the ILO need to work together on multiple fronts including regulatory reforms, encouraging vocational training and updating HR practices,” he said.

Universities Can Help Overcome Economic Nationalism Yojana Sharma 23 November 2017 Issue No: 484 Find the full article from University World News. In an era when economic and trade nationalism is disrupting the multilateral world order, universities have a role to play in driving multinational cross-border collaborations, and preparing for a future thrown into uncertainty by the so-called fourth industrial revolution. University presidents, policymakers and business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region came together in a University Leaders Forum just before the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC summit in Vietnam earlier this month to talk about joint strategies and policies to keep pace with disruptive technologies – digitisation, robotics and artificial intelligence. The rise of economic nationalism and decline of the multilateral trade system, particularly since US president Donald Trump entered office this year, was a major focus of the main Summit of APEC heads of state from the 21 member countries in Danang, Vietnam. Early in his presidency Trump announced his country’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership or TPP, a multilateral trade pact with 11 other Asian and Pacific Rim countries in Australasia, North America and Latin America, sparking consternation in the region. Many governments are fearful of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which “has created hopes for higher productivity but also anxiety about its transformative implications”, said Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Co-Chair of the APEC ministerial meeting on 9 November, which preceded the leaders’ summit on 10-11 November. Universities can inform policy makers on how to prepare for disruption, particularly understanding what is happening with students, who are in the cutting edge of innovation, delegates from business, government and universities heard at the University Leaders Forum in Danang on 8 November, organised by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities or APRU. With many universities already collaborating in cross-border and multidisciplinary research, “we can see many opportunities and an emancipation from the national context,” said APRU secretary general Christopher Tremewan. Referring to disruptive technologies, Chi Youngsuk chairman of Elsevier, a science information and analytics company, told the forum, “the issues that we approach today are too big for one nation to tackle, too complex to understand concretely in one discipline, it runs across all disciplines.” Resisting economic nationalism Chi added universities were the one place where economic nationalism could be resisted. “Collectively APRU has the most powerful set of universities with (an) incredible voice to overcome this period of turning our back (away) from multilateralism,” Chi said. “We want to see more collaboration because the problems are just too damn big. We cannot solve this alone.” Multilateralism is giving way to bilateral conversations which does not accomplish as much for the world as it accomplishes for individual countries,” said Chi. While major companies cannot resist the trend for many governments to move towards more inward looking economic and trade policies, universities can try to promote multilateral discussion, as well as understand the pace of change and challenges at a time when governments are focused on short-term initiatives, he said. He called on universities “to stick your neck out and resist this (nationalism) trend, which is dangerous for all of us.” Though there is much talk about cross-sector innovation, “there are still a lot of barriers against innovation, especially in relation to partnerships between governments and universities”, said Wang Yan, coordinator of the Education Network (EDNET) of the APEC Human Resource Development Working Group. She pointed to the APEC Education Strategy Action Plan endorsed at the APEC Summit – the first educational blueprint up to 2030 since the inception of APEC in 1989 – as a new example for multilateral education collaboration, including in delivering the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “It is increasingly important that education and training deliver competencies that reflect the current and future needs of the regional labour market and that these competencies be commonly understood and recognised across borders, and system,” according to the policy document drawn up earlier this year on APEC’s education strategy and submitted to the Summit by APEC’s Human Resources Development Working Group. International trade lawyer and digital trade expert Robert Holleyman, previously deputy US trade representative during the administration of former US president Barack Obama and now CEO of C&M International, a trade and public affairs consultancy, told the forum that university collaboration with the private sector and policy makers in APEC can produce the next generation of leaders who will understand how better to collaborate. Government officials are focused on short term initiatives,” Holleyman said, and this can be as short as their own term in office. Yet the disruptive changes of the fourth industrial revolution can seem threatening because of the pace of change and extensive global competition. Universities bring to the table, especially in APEC, things that policy makers are looking for “in some cases before the policy makers know what the questions are,” including understanding what is happening in a fast-changing technological and research environment, Holleyman said. “Artificial intelligence poses opportunities for more quality jobs in the future,” said Huang Dinglong, founder and CEO of China’s Malong Technologies, which focuses on artificial intelligence. Companies will need more people to do interesting work in these areas. “The best job has not been created yet, it is still coming,” he told the forum. Skills mismatch APEC economies have identified structural unemployment and a skills mismatch as major concerns for the region. There is a gap between the skills of workers looking for work and the skills required for emerging job opportunities according the 2017 APEC Economic Policy Report on structural Reform and Human Capital Development. In Danang, APRU announced a partnership with the APEC’s project DARE on Data Science, Analytics and Raising Employment to bridge the skills gap in the region. “Higher education institutions will play a critical role in addressing the future DSA (data science and analytics) skills shortages,” said Nguyen Kim Son, president of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. “The lack of DSA skills currently sits on top of the skills shortage in the APEC region, not just in terms of the size of the gap but also its essential role in driving artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems that are at the centre of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the future of work and the future of global prosperity,” said DARE co-chair Clay Stobaugh, executive vice-president of Wiley, a global publishing and research company. “One million jobs will go unfilled in APEC because the skills sets won’t be able to provide for data analytics are required by employers,” Stobaugh told the university leaders’ forum. Project DARE was launched by APEC earlier this year to develop the competencies required for future DSA workers. “DSA-enabled knowledge workers will have skills not easily replaced by automation; instead they will be better prepared to unlock the promise and potential of data and the technologies that depend on it,” according to APEC’s HRD working group in a June communication in preparation for the November Summit. The competencies were developed by a 50-person Advisory Group from 14 APEC member economies, co-chaired by Wiley and the Business Higher Education Forum or BHEF. Advisors included business leaders who oversee data science and analytics within their companies, academics involved with inter-disciplinary data science initiatives and curricula; and government officials involved in human resources development.

Dear Senior Staff: Please find attached an invitation from Dr Vladimir Kurilov, Vice-President for International Relations, Far Eastern Federal University, to the 6th APEC Conference on Cooperation in Higher Education (APEC CCHE’ 17). If you have queries, please contact Ms. Anastasia Sviridova, Head of APEC Study Center of Far Eastern Federal University at [email protected].

Member economies of the APEC Forum need to do a lot more to promote economic growth to combat population aging, according to a paper presented at the Workshop on the Development of an APEC Labor Mobility Framework in Nha Trang, Viet Nam on February 18. Representatives from APEC member economies and global experts convened at the Workshop in Viet Nam to share views on the diverse factors which affect mobility of labor and skills in the region and to develop a way forward for the general APEC membership. The report by APRU experts Rafal Chomik, John Piggottand Peter McDonald, which was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Employment to APRU, aims to influence a regional framework on labor mobility issues. The report suggests that cooperation in migration policy, education, and technology transfer would allow emerging economies within APEC to increase rates of growth, countering the “headwinds” of population aging. APRU Population Aging Research Hub Chair and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), UNSW Sydney, Dr. John Piggott said that there appeared to be good opportunities for cooperating in the area of education and labour migration. Economies such as the US, Japan and Australia have large student cohorts from a range of APEC jurisdictions,” he said. Simplifying the process of deciding whether students from APEC countries meet specific criteria for admission to educational institutions, and also visas and associated documentation, would help in developing a better educated and globally mobile workforce for APEC”, he said. Professor Albert Park, HKUST and APRU Population Aging Research Steering Group member, also took part in a panel discussion that took place at the Workshop which was held alongside the 1st APEC Senior Official Meeting hosted by Viet Nam in Nha Trang. Experts from the Australian National University also contributed to the Workshop. APRU experts will continue to be actively involved in the next phase of the development of the APEC labour mobility framework, providing a foundation for policy making in APEC economies. UNSW Sydney, The University of Melbourne, HKUST and Australian National University are members of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, a network of 45 leading research universities that aims to address key social, environmental and economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC SOM1 2017 photos at: https://flic.kr/s/aHskS3u8Kg Download attachements below. Download attachments: Working Paper: The impact of demographic change on labour supply and economic growth PROGRAMME_Final1.pdf

APRU Annual Report 2025: Diplomacy and Determination The APRU Annual Report 2025, titled Diplomacy and Determination, captures a pivotal year of innovation, resilience, and global collaboration across the Pacific Rim. As higher education faces mounting geopolitical, environmental, and technological challenges, APRU continues to lead with purpose—uniting 62 member universities from 18 economies to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected future. This year’s report highlights APRU’s role as a platform for multilateral academic diplomacy, showcasing impactful programs in: Artificial Intelligence & Data for Social Good Global Health & Pandemic Resilience Biodiversity, Sustainability & Climate Action Disaster Risk Reduction & Multi-Hazards Preparedness Gender Equity & Indigenous Knowledges Student Leadership & Virtual Exchange From the Annual Presidents’ Meeting in Auckland to the Senior International Leaders’ Meeting in Tokyo and the Vice Presidents for Research Meeting in Hefei, APRU convened thought leaders to address shared challenges and co-create solutions. The report also celebrates the expansion of student programs, including the Global Climate Change Simulation, SDG Education for Global Citizenship, and the Undergraduate Leaders’ Program. With over 6,000 participants and 41 international events, and growing partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, APEC, Microsoft, and data.org, APRU continues to amplify its global impact through diplomacy, determination, and academic excellence.

Hosted by the University of Sydney from September 24-25, the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting has successfully held and attended by over 50 senior international leaders attending. The theme of the meeting is “One Pacific: Breaking down education and research silos to address Asia-Pacific challenges.” It gives expression to the fact that the multiple challenges facing the Asia-Pacific are all interrelated, as are the fates of its civilizations, and the opportunities that the Pacific holds for the future. The meeting explored the range of issues facing the Asia-Pacific and what role higher education and university collaboration can play in resolving them. This meeting is an opportunity for senior international leaders to help develop the APRU vision of One Pacific and explore the network’s role in the Future of Higher Education in our region. We will learn about the actions and impact of our working groups and focus on how our universities can guide and support their future priorities.

Themed “Preventing the Next Pandemic – The Global Partnership Agenda for Governments, Business, and Research Universities”, this side meeting of the APEC CEO Summit 2022 in Bangkok brought together over a hundred university leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs around the globe for a high-level dialogue last November. Speakers shared at the full day meeting their visions of increasing global resilience, promoting international cooperation, and developing future-proof strategies to prepare for another pandemic.

To know more about this project, see a news article here.

The inaugural APEC University Leaders’ Forum brought university Presidents to join business leaders and policymakers to tackle critical skills shortage in Data Science & Analytics (DSA) and support regional competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.