The Higher Education Planning in Asia (HEPA) Forum 2026 will bring together planners, administrators, and professional service leaders from across Asia and beyond to explore how institutions can respond to today’s fast-changing higher education landscape. The core focus of the forum will be on three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability, and Engagement.
| Day 1: 31 MARCH 2026, TUESDAY | Day 2: 1 APRIL 2026, WEDNESDAY | Day 3: 2 APRIL 2026, THURSDAY |
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Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
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Morning:
Afternoon:
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Morning:
Afternoon:
End of HEPA Forum 2026 |
*Program is subject to change without prior notice.
Updated as of 24 March 2026
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8:15am to 9:00am |
Registration |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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9:00am to 9:20am |
Welcome Address Kin Leong PEY President, Higher Education Planning in Asia (HEPA) Association
Opening Address Jon GARIBALDI Provost and Pro-Vice Chancellor, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China |
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9:20am to 9:40am |
Keynote Presentation I: For a Shared Future: Higher Education in China's 15th Five-Year Plan Period and Ningbo's Practices Jinhui CHEN Deputy Party Secretary, Ningbo Education Bureau
Session Chair: Kin Leong PEY President, Higher Education Planning in Asia (HEPA) Association |
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9:40am to 9:50am |
Group Photo Taking |
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9:50am to 10:20am |
Coffee Break |
Multifunction Room 02 |
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10:20am to 11:00am |
Introduction to the Forum Theme and Structure
Activity: Welcome to the HEPA Community! One-minute self-introduction by each organization s representatives to share their key areas of interest and expectations for attending the forum. This activity fosters networking and idea-sharing. |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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11:00am to 12:00pm |
Context Setting: Navigating the Shifts, Shaping Higher Education This 60-minute panel revisits key themes and actions emerging from HEPA 2025, reflecting on how progress has unfolded across innovation, engagement, and sustainability over the past year. Set against rapid advances in AI, increasing institutional complexity, and a VUCA environment, speakers will highlight what has changed, what challenges persist, and why these issues matter now.
The session sets the tone for HEPA 2026 by connecting past insights to present realities and framing the Forum as a platform for continued collaboration, learning, and collective action.
Panelists: Wolfgang MUENCH Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research, LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
James BIRKETT Registrar, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Moderator: Roy TAN Programme Chair, HEPA 2026 Forum Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, National University of Singapore |
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12:00pm to 1:00pm |
Lunch |
LA Hotel |
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1:00pm to 3:00pm
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Thematic Session I: Innovation in Higher Education Professional Services Exploring how universities can harness technology, agile processes, and creative problem-solving to transform professional services and deliver greater institutional value.
Participants can choose to attend one of the three concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host three/four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min). Participants will regroup for the Large Group Sharing by the Moderators of each breakout session. |
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1:00pm to 2:30pm
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Parallel Breakout Session I (a): Learning & Teaching Innovation in an AI-Mediated World This session explores how universities are redesigning learning and teaching in response to AI and immersive technologies. Presentations examine curriculum innovation, pedagogical frameworks, and faculty practices that enable meaningful, ethical, and future-ready learning experiences.
i. Embracing Collaborative Creativity: A Strategic Framework for AI Pedagogy in Arts Education Damaris CARLISLE Lecturer-in-charge of The Learning Centre, LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
ii. From Classroom to Culture Futures: Building a Scalable Ecosystem for Next-Generation Cultural Leadership Wolfgang MUENCH Natalia GRINCHEVA Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Arts Management LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
iii. Rethinking the Common Core Curriculum: Flexible Pathways and Wise AI Literacy for an AI-mediated World Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
iv. "Preparatory Strategies for the AI Singularity in Higher Education" BU Gu Wuck President, Youngsan University
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: TSOI Mun Heng Director, Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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Parallel Breakout Session I (b): Institutional Intelligence, Metrics & Decision Support This session focuses on how universities are strengthening institutional decision-making through data, analytics, and governance frameworks. Speakers will share approaches to using AI, metrics, and evidence-based reporting to support strategic planning, quality assurance, and organizational development.
i. An AI Framework for Universities in APAC Franck ZHANG Regional Director Eastern China, QS Quacquarelli Symonds
ii. Data Informed Annual Report for Academic Department Snow WANG Head of Institutional Research and Branding Office, Lingnan University
iii. Mapping the Interdisciplinary Research Frontiers for University Strategic Planning Lei ZHANG Assistant Researcher, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Colin STROMSOY Director of Sport, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China |
Multifunction Room 03 |
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1:00pm to 2:30pm
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Parallel Breakout Session I (c): Student-Centric Innovation & Future Learning Experiences This session examines how universities are reimagining the student journey in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. Presentations explore Gen Z expectations, transnational education contexts, and ecosystem-based approaches that place student experience and future readiness at the center of institutional innovation.
i. From Digital Natives to Educational Leaders: Gen Z s Call for Transformation in Higher Education Wiktoria FABIAN Junior Expert / Student, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
ii. Reimaging University Education for a Fast-changing Uncertain AI-future Kin-Leong PEY President, HEPA Association
iii. A Proposal to Overcome the Terminological Chaos in Research on Transnational Education in China Mattia MIANI Deputy Head Centre for English Language Education, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
iv. "Innovation of General Education in AI" Sooyeon KIM Vice President and Professor, Youngsan University
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Sophia LI Senior Regional Director (Greater China), Times Higher Education |
Project Room 2 and 3 |
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2:30pm to 3:00pm |
Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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3:00pm to 3:20pm |
Day 1 Wrap-Up |
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3.30pm to 5.00pm |
Campus Tour to Li Dak Sum Incubator & Ingenuity Lab
Note: Transport to Forum Dinner will be arranged for pick-up after tour |
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6:00pm to 7:30pm |
Forum Dinner @ Old Bund 三江口 |
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8:45am to 9:00am |
Recap of Day 1 |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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9:00am to 9:30am |
Keynote Presentation II: The Software 3.0 University: AI Agents, Human Intent, and the Future of the Academy Yisu ZHOU Professor and China Director, Institute of Global Higher Education, Duke Kunshan University
Session Chair: TSOI Mun Heng Director, Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology |
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9:30am to 11:00am |
Thematic Session II: Engagement as a Strategic Driver This session explores engagement as a strategic capability in higher education spanning learners, leaders, and the wider workforce. Presentations examine how institutions design meaningful engagement across diverse contexts, from doctoral education and skills development to leadership mindsets and critical thinking. Together, the sessions highlight how engagement drives employability, institutional adaptability, and societal impact, underscoring the role of universities in preparing individuals and organizations for continuous change.
i. Strengthening Engagement of Strategic Collaborations for Doctoral Students Career Readiness at a Transnational Higher Education in China Wenwen ZHANG Current PhD Candidate, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
ii.
Localizing
Skills for Sustainable Futures: The Role of TVET in Rural Development and
Workforce Resilience in the Philippines Professor, University of the Philippines
iii. Barriers to the Demonstrability of Critical Thinking: A Reflexive Analysis Lito Oliver CORONADO Faculty Member, Bina Bangsa School Pantai Indah Kapuk, Indonesia
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: PANG Chong Ning Chief Procurement Officer, National University of Singapore |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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11:00am to 11.30am |
Coffee Break |
Multifunction Room 02 |
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11:30am to 1:15pm |
Thematic Session III Sustainability Beyond the Campus: Fiscal Resilience, Resource Optimization and Risk Planning This session focuses on how universities are strengthening institutional sustainability through data-driven planning, resource optimization, and performance intelligence. Presentations examine how evidence, metrics, and strategic resource stewardship enable institutions to navigate uncertainty, enhance agility, and sustain operational resilience.
i. Navigating Uncertainty: A Data-Driven Framework for Sustainable Resource Planning in Higher Education Liyuan SUN Deputy Director Strategy and Performance, University of Nottingham Ningbo China
ii. Doing More with Purpose: Resource Optimization for Institutional Agility and Resilience Roy TAN Programme Chair, HEPA 2026 Forum Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, National University of Singapore
iii. Asia on the rise: How the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings Map Regional Sustainability Excellence Sophia LI Senior Regional Director (Greater China), Times Higher Education
iv. Transforming University Campus into a Living Lab Kenneth LEUNG Director, Sustainability/Net-Zero Office, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Snow WANG Head of Institutional Research and Branding Office, Lingnan University |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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1:15pm to 2:15pm |
Lunch |
LA Hotel |
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2:15pm to 3:00pm |
Thematic Session IV Collaborating for Systemic Impact
i. Scaling Innovation through Collaboration: The Singapore Autonomous Universities Procurement Model PANG Chong Ning Chief Procurement Officer, National University of Singapore
ii. Delivering Globally Leading University Sport in Asia Colin STROMSOY Director of Sport, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Lizamarie CAMPOAMOR-OLEGARIO Professor, University of the Philippines |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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3:15pm to 5:00pm |
Cultural Activity: Visit to Tianyi Pavilion
Note: Last entry at 4:30pm with Pavilion closing at 5:00pm. Transport will to Tianyi Pavilion will be arranged. Participants can consider touring Nantang Old Street after Tianyi Pavilion. |
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8:45am to 9:00am |
Recap of Day 2 |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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9:00am to 11:00am |
World Caf From Ideas to Institutional Practice Peer-led discussions to co-create strategies, expand collaboration opportunities, and translate forum ideas into institution-ready initiatives.
Participants will rotate across 3 tables (30min per rotation) with a Table Host on each table framing discussions around the guiding question aligned with the three forum themes. At the end of three rotations, participants will reconvene with Table Host sharing key insights, emerging practice or idea worth sharing, and potential collaboration opportunity (e.g peer learning, benchmarking, joint pilots etc).
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Multifunction Room 01 |
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11:00am to 12:00pm |
Highlights & Reflections: Sharing of Key Takeaways
By capturing both immediate takeaways and forward-looking signals, this session helps translate dialogue into direction informing future HEPA initiatives, thematic focus areas, and opportunities for continued community-led action. It reinforces HEPA s role as an active community of practice, where learning does not end with the Forum but shapes ongoing engagement, experimentation, and collective progress across institutions. |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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12:00pm to 12:30pm |
Closing Remarks
Alain Chong Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Partnerships, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Roy TAN Programme Chair, HEPA 2026 Forum Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, National University of Singapore
End of HEPA Forum 2026 |
Multifunction Room 01 |
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12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Lunch |
LA Hotel |
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1:00pm to 5:45pm |
Field Visit to Geely Headquarters Explore how a leading Chinese automotive innovator drives smart mobility, digital transformation and sustainable design parallels to innovation and sustainability in IHLs. Two-way transport will be provided. |
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Registration | |
8:45am to 9:00am | Opening Addresses Kin-Leong PEY President, HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia
Naoto OHTAKE President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Science Tokyo (Host University) |
9:00am to 9:30am | Keynote Presentation I (topic to be advised) Naoto OHTAKE |
9:30am to 10:00am | Group Photo Taking
Coffee Break |
10:00am to 10:20am | Activity: Welcome to the HEPA Community! One-minute self-introduction by each organization’s representatives to share their key areas of interest and expectations for attending the forum. This activity fosters networking and idea-sharing. |
10:20am to 11:15am
| Thematic Session I: Innovation in Higher Education Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session.
a. “Collaborative Pathways to AI Integration: Leveraging Frameworks and Alliances for Transforming Higher Education” Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
b. “What if … Is AI Really Happening at Higher Education Institutions?” Wolfgang MUENCH Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research Damaris CARLISLE Lecture-in-charge of The Learning Centre LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology |
11:15 am to | Workshop: Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning and Institutional Performance This interactive workshop will explore the various ways AI is and can be used to drive institutional planning and performance and how we can continue to advocate for the important role of
Omer YEZDANI Chief Data Officer, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia |
12:15pm to 1:30pm | Lunch |
1:30pm to 2:30pm | Cultural Experience: Japanese Tea Ceremony An immersive cultural experience promoting mindfulness and reflection. |
2:30pm to 3:25pm
| Thematic Session II: Future-Ready Talent Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session
a. “Skills for a Green Future” Ethan CHONG Associate Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology
b. “Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) Curriculum at NTU” Lay Poh TAN Co-Director, ICC Office, (Programmes), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Jingwen MU, Director, Institutional Research and Strategic Planning, Hong Kong Baptist University |
3:25pm to 3:55pm | Coffee break |
3:55pm to 4:55pm | Parallel Breakout Session I (a): Sustainability and Education Participants can choose to attend either of the four concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host three/four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min).
i. “Developing Sustainability Change Agents through Experiential Learning” Devi MANI Head, Centre for Social Responsibility, Singapore Management University
ii. “Advancing the Integration of Sustainability Education: Harnessing Data for Impact” Chris KNOLLMAN Senior Project Coordinator, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Hong Kong Baptist University iii. “A Common Degree Framework to Fit Both Pre-employment Training and Continuing Education Training Programmes” Yeng Siang HO Deputy Director, Office of the Provost, Singapore Institute of Technology
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: (to be advised) |
| Parallel Breakout Session I (b): AI in the Curriculum
i. “How to Overcome the Potential Crisis from AI” Gu-wuck BU President, Youngsan University, South Korea ii. “Fostering AI Literacy: Relationship Between AI Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy in the Context of Fine Art” Taehee KIM Professor, Youngsan University, South Korea
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Kin-Leong PEY, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia |
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| Parallel Breakout Session I (c): Institutional Research (IR)
i. “Concept of Establishing Academic Foundations, Human Resource Development, and Related Technologies for University Institutional Research (IR)” Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo
ii. “Development of Academic Ontology for Institutional Research: Analysis of Japanese and International IR Literature” Toru SUGIHARA Associate Professor, Shukutoku University
iii. “Training Opportunities and Required Skills for Institutional Research Programs in Japan” Shuntaro ISERI Full-time instructor, Kanda University of International Studies
iv. “Category-Theoretic Approaches to Data Integrity in Higher Education” Tsunenori INAKURA Researcher, Institute of Science Tokyo
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: |
4:55pm to 5:30pm | Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions I Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions |
5:30pm to 5:40pm | Day 1 Wrap-Up Alison LLOYD Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research), Hong Kong University of Science |
6:00pm to 7:30pm | Forum Dinner
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8:45am to 9:00am | Recap of Day 1 Roy TAN Program Chair, HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore |
9:00am to 9:30am | Keynote Presentation II: Rethinking the Roles and Developing the Skills of Faculty and Staff in Higher Education Management in a Globalized World Shinichi YAMAMOTO |
9:30am to 10:45am | Collaborative Workshop: Designing the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in Universities Participants work in small groups to identify pressing challenges in higher education in areas of AI, sustainability and digital transformation, before brainstorming and prototyping solutions. Presenters from each small group will present discussion pointers during Group Sharing.
Group Sharing (30min) guided by Lead Facilitator: Roy TAN, Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore |
10:45am to 11.15am | Coffee Break |
11:15am to 12:20pm
| Thematic Session III: Engagement Strategies for a Globalized Higher Education Landscape Participants can choose to attend either of the two concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host three/four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min). |
| Parallel Breakout Session II (a) Sustainability and Innovation
i. “Building a Smart and Sustainable Campus” Gerry WEE Associate Vice President (Estates), Singapore Institute of Technology Mun Heng TSOI Director in the Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology
ii. “Building Synergy in Higher Education through Collaborative Procurement Initiatives” Chong Ning PANG Chief Procurement Officer, Central Procurement Office, National University of Singapore
iii. “Redefining the Role of Administration” Jenny ANG Manager, Singapore Institute of Technology
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Anson WUN, Assistant Director; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| Parallel Breakout Session II (b) International Collaboration
i. “The Achievements and Challenges of Operating an International University Established Through Korea-Uzbekistan Cooperation” Jeongyong YOON Director, Office of Planning, Ajou University, South Korea
ii. “Connecting the Dots: How Research Data Fuels International Partnerships” Snow WANG Head, Institutional Research and Branding, Lingnan University, Hong
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Wolfgang MUENCH, Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore |
| Parallel Breakout Session II (c) Innovations in University Operations and Data
i. “Strategic Management Framework Development for Mid-Term Planning Through ICT and Data-Driven Approaches in Higher Education” Kunihiko TAKAMATSU Professor for Institute Management, Institute of Science Tokyo
ii. “Sustainable Research Networks: Leveraging Bibliometric Tools for Research Partnership Life Cycle in Asia Higher Education” Vivian CHENG Manager (Institutional Data), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
iii. “Composite aSSIST Index for University Quality Assurance” Euiho SUH Vice President, Seoul School of Integrated Science and Technology (aSSIST), South Korea
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: (to be advised) |
12:20pm | Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions II Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions |
12:45pm | Lunch |
1:45pm | Action Planning Workshop: “Turning Ideas into Action: Institutional Strategies for Adopting the World Cafe Discussion format, participants rotate through tables (15min per table) to share their key takeaways and action plans based on the three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement. Table hosts will summarize and present ideas shared when participants reconvene. This session promotes peer learning and provides a platform for cross-institutional collaborations.
Summaries by Tables Hosts (10min each): · Innovation: Sean MCMINN, Director, Center for Education Innovation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology · Sustainability: Alison LLOYD, Co-Chair, HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee & Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology · Engagement: Roy TAN, Program Chair, HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore |
3:00pm to 3:10pm | Closing Remarks Jun-ichi IMURA Executive Vice President for Institute Strategy, Institute of Science Tokyo
Kin-Leong PEY President, HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia
End of HEPA Forum 2025 |
3:30pm to 4:30pm | Campus Visit A guided visit to the museum located at entrance of Institute of Science, Tokyo campus, offering cultural and educational insights. |
8:15am to 8:45am | Registration | Entrance Hall, Level 2 |
8:45am to 9:00am | Opening Declaration Masao MORI Vice-Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo Opening Addresses Kin-Leong PEY President; HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia
Naoto OHTAKE | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
9:00am to 9:30am | Keynote Presentation I: Higher Education and Research as a Newly Established University Naoto OHTAKE
Session Chair: | |
9:30am to 9:40am | Group Photo Taking | |
9:40am to 10:00am | Coffee Break | Media Hall, Level 2 |
10:00am to 10:20am | Activity: Welcome to the HEPA Community! One-minute self-introduction by each organization s representatives to share their key areas of interest and expectations for attending the forum. This activity fosters networking and idea-sharing. | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
Thematic Session I: Innovation in Higher Education | ||
10:20am to 11:15am
| Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session.
i. Collaborative Pathways to AI Integration: Leveraging Frameworks and Alliances for Transforming Higher Education Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
ii. What if Is AI Really Happening at Higher Education Institutions? Wolfgang MUENCH Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research Damaris CARLISLE Lecturer-in-charge of The Learning Centre LASALLE College of the Arts; University of the Arts Singapore
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
11:15 am to 12:15pm | Workshop: Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning and Institutional Performance This interactive workshop will explore the various ways AI is and can be used to drive institutional planning and performance and how we can continue to advocate for the important role of institutional research in the era of AI-powered analytics. Findings will be shared with participants during and after the Forum.
Omer YEZDANI Chief Data Office; University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia | |
12:15pm to 1:30pm | Lunch | W9-324 Lecture |
1:30pm to 2:30pm | Cultural Experience: Japanese Tea Ceremony An immersive cultural experience promoting mindfulness and reflection. | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
Thematic Session II: Future-Ready Talent | ||
2:30pm to 3:25pm
| Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session
i. Skills for a Green Future Ethan CHONG Associate Professor; Singapore Institute of Technology
ii. Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) Curriculum at NTU Lay Poh TAN Co-Director, ICC Office; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Jingwen MU, Director, Institutional Research and Strategic Planning; Hong Kong Baptist University | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
3:25pm to 3:55pm | Coffee Break Matcha Service | Media Hall & Collaboration Room, Level 2 |
3:55pm to 4:55pm | Participants can choose to attend either of the three concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host two to four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min). |
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Parallel Breakout Session I (a): Sustainability and Education
i. Developing Sustainability Change Agents through Experiential Learning Devi MANI Head, Centre for Social Responsibility; Singapore Management University
ii. Advancing the Integration of Sustainability Education: Harnessing Data for Impact Chris KNOLLMAN Senior Project Coordinator, Office of Institutional Research and Planning; Hong Kong Baptist University
iii. A Common Degree Framework to Fit Both Pre-employment Training and Continuing Education Training Programmes Yeng Siang HO Deputy Director, Office of the Provost; Singapore Institute of Technology
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology | W9-323 Lecture Room, Level 3 | |
3:55pm to 4:55pm | Parallel Breakout Session I (b): AI in the Curriculum
i. How to Overcome the Potential Crisis from AI Gu-wuck BU President; Youngsan University, South Korea
ii. Fostering AI Literacy: Relationship Between AI Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy in the Context of Fine Art Taehee KIM Professor; Youngsan University, South Korea
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Kin-Leong PEY, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia | W9-322 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
3:55pm to 4:55pm | Parallel Breakout Session I (c): Institutional Research (IR)
i. Concept of Establishing Academic Foundations, Human Resource Development, and Related Technologies for University Institutional Research (IR) Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo
ii. Development of Academic Ontology for Institutional Research: Analysis of Japanese and International IR Literature Toru SUGIHARA Associate Professor; Shukutoku University
iii. Training Opportunities and Required Skills for Institutional Research Programs in Japan Shuntaro ISERI Full-time instructor; Kanda University of International Studies
iv. Category-Theoretic Approaches to Data Integrity in Higher Education Tsunenori INAKURA Researcher; Institute of Science Tokyo
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Takeshi MATSUDA, Professor; Tokyo Metropolitan University | W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
4:55pm to 5:30pm | Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions I Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions | W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
5:30pm to 5:40pm | Day 1 Wrap-Up Alison LLOYD | |
6:00pm to 7:30pm | Forum Dinner Blue Terminal 2-chome-10 Ookayama, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0033, Japan |
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8:45am to 9:00am | Recap of Day 1 Roy TAN Program Chair; HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee Chief Agility Officer; Office of the President; National University of Singapore | Multipurpose Hall, Level 2 |
9:00am to 9:30am | Keynote Presentation II: Rethinking the Roles and Developing the Skills of Faculty and Staff in Higher Education Management in a Globalized World Shinichi YAMAMOTO
Session Chair: Alison LLOYD, Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee and Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | |
9:30am to 10:45am | Collaborative Workshop: Designing the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in Universities Participants work in small groups to identify pressing challenges in higher education in areas of AI, sustainability and digital transformation, before brainstorming and prototyping solutions. Presenters from each small group will present discussion pointers during Group Sharing.
Group Sharing (30min) guided by Lead Facilitator Roy TAN, Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President; National University of Singapore | W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
10:45am to 11:15am | Coffee Break | Media Hall, Level 2 |
Thematic Session III: Engagement Strategies for a Globalized Higher Education Landscape | ||
11:15am to 12:20pm | Participants can choose to attend any of the three concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host two to three presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min). |
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Parallel Breakout Session II (a) Sustainability and Innovation i. “Building a Smart and Sustainable Campus” Gerry WEE Associate Vice President (Estates); Singapore Institute of Technology Mun Heng TSOI Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology
ii. “Building Synergy in Higher Education through Collaborative Procurement Initiatives” Chong Ning PANG Chief Procurement Officer, Central Procurement Office; National University of Singapore
iii. “Redefining the Role of Administration” Jenny ANG Manager; Singapore Institute of Technology
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Anson WUN, Assistant Director; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | W9-323 Lecture Room, Level 3 | |
11:15am to 12:20pm | Parallel Breakout Session II (b) International Collaboration i. “The Achievements and Challenges of Operating an International University Established Through Korea-Uzbekistan Cooperation” Jeongyong YOON Director, Office of Planning, Ajou University, South Korea
ii. “Connecting the Dots: How Research Data Fuels International Partnerships” Snow WANG Head, Institutional Research and Branding, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Wolfgang MUENCH, Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research; LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore | W9-322 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
11:15am to 12:20pm | Parallel Breakout Session II (c) Innovations in University Operations and Data Kunihiko TAKAMATSU Professor for Institute Management; Institute of Science Tokyo
ii. “Sustainable Research Networks: Leveraging Bibliometric Tools for Research Partnership Life Cycle in Asia Higher Education” Vivian CHENG Manager (Institutional Data); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
iii. “Composite aSSIST Index for University Quality Assurance” Euiho SUH Vice President; Seoul School of Integrated Science and Technology (aSSIST), South Korea
Question & Answer (15min)
Moderator: Shotaro IMAI, Associate Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan | W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
12:20pm to 12:45pm | Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions II Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions | W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
12:45pm to 1:45pm | Lunch | Collaboration Room, Level 2 |
1:45pm to 3:00pm | Action Planning Workshop: “Turning Ideas into Action: Institutional Strategies for Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement “ Adopting the World Caf Discussion format, participants rotate through tables (15min per table) to share their key takeaways and action plans based on the three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement. Table hosts will summarize and present ideas shared when participants reconvene. This session promotes peer learning and provides a platform for cross-institutional collaborations.
Summaries by Tables Hosts (10min each): Innovation: Sean MCMINN, Director, Center for Education Innovation; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Sustainability: Alison LLOYD, Co-Chair, HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee & Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Engagement: Roy TAN, Program Chair; HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President; National University of Singapore | W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
3:00pm to 3:10pm | Closing Remarks Jun-ichi IMURA Executive Vice President for Institute Strategy; Institute of Science Tokyo
Kin-Leong PEY President; HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia
End of HEPA Forum 2025 | W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3 |
3:30pm to 4:30pm | Campus Visit A guided visit to the museum located at entrance of Institute of Science, Tokyo campus, offering cultural and educational insights. |
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(Updated as of 6 March 2025)
Program is subject to change without prior notice.
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