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!” 

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.

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.

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

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: Forum Report: APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2023 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).

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.

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.”  

As the official partner of Cyberport Academy of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, APRU is delighted to invite our member universities to join the tendering of Cyberport Academy’s flagship program, Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP), for organizing in-person entrepreneurship boot camps in 2024 and 2025 (i.e. total two boot camps) in 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.  

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. 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