Transforming Higher Education in Asia:
Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement – Continuing the Dialogue

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.

Rethinking the Way Universities Operate


Innovation is more than adopting new tools — it is about reimagining processes, culture, and capabilities to create greater value for students, staff, and stakeholders.

Building Resilient Institutions


Sustainability goes beyond environmental stewardship to include financial resilience and operational continuity.

Strengthening Connections and Communities

Engagement is about creating vibrant, collaborative communities within and beyond the university.

What HEPA 2026 Aims to Do

Building on the discussions from HEPA 2025, this year’s Forum will:

  • Advance the work of thematic groups formed at HEPA 2025, sharing progress on action plans and sustaining dialogue across years.
  • Examine emerging challenges in higher education planning and professional services, from fiscal resilience to digital transformation.
  • Showcase solutions and innovations through case studies, thematic sessions, and hands-on workshops.
  • Inspire participants to return with actionable strategies and renewed professional connections that drive change in their institutions.
  • Strengthen HEPA as an active community of practice, where ideas are generated, acted upon, and revisited for long-term impact.
Innovation in higher education encompasses the integration of cutting-edge technologies, novel pedagogical approaches, and the creation of new learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students in the 21st century.

Focus areas for 2026 include:

·       AI and Decision Support: Harnessing AI to improve operational efficiency, student services, and planning accuracy

·       Digital Learning Ecosystems: Designing integrated technology-enabled learning and service environments

·       Culture of Experimentation: Encouraging pilot projects, rapid prototyping, and iterative improvement in administrative and academic services

·       Agile Working Models: Building agile, cross-functional teams that adapt quickly to institutional priorities

·       Scaling Innovations: Expanding successful initiatives from trial to institution-wide adoption

 

 

Sustainability encompasses not just environmental responsibility, but also financial resilience, operational efficiency, and long-term viability of institutions.

Focus areas for 2026 include:

·       Fiscal Resilience: Strategies for sustaining institutional finances in uncertain funding climates

·       Resource Optimisation: Maximising the use of people, space, and budgets without compromising quality

·       Environmental Stewardship: Embedding sustainability into campus life and partnerships

·       Diverse Learning Environments: Promoting cultural competency and diversity in the classroom.

·       Risk and Scenario Planning: Preparing for disruptions with data-informed forecasting

·       Investment Prioritisation: Using evidence-based planning to guide long-term infrastructure and resource commitments

Engagement is about connecting people and institutions — creating vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative communities within and beyond the university.

Focus areas for 2026 include:

·       Cross-University Collaboration: Developing partnerships to share expertise, resources, and solutions

·       Workforce Engagement: Inspiring and retaining administrative talent

·       Recognition and Celebration : Showcasing professional services and acknowledging their contributions to institutional success

·       Future-Ready Workforce: Preparing staff for emerging challenges through upskilling, career pathways, and leadership development

·       External Partnerships: Expanding collaboration with government, industry, and communities to amplify institutional impact

HEPA Forum 2026 seeks to provide a platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and driving forward the future of higher education in Asia. Participants will leave equipped with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and practical solutions to implement in their own institutions, contributing to the collective goal of transforming higher education in the region.

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+65 6743 2523

secretariat@hepa-association.org

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