2025 Theme & Sessions - QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific

Advancing Generational Potential: Skills and Partnerships in the Asia Pacific

Within universities is the opportunity to not only realise the potential of this generation of students, but the potential of establishing systems that set up future generations’ and institutions’ success. As institutions that can span centuries of existence, universities are some of the few organisations that can establish these systems, oversee them and adapt them. With the world of work and the future of skills, as well as global challenges, universities will also need to harness their reputation to boost collaboration and connection.

The 2025 QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific will explore how universities in the region can inspire success across generations both for themselves and their students and communities. The summit will feature forward-thinking conversations on the future of education, emphasizing the role of universities in fostering inclusive growth and excellence. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions and workshops aimed at setting new benchmarks for success. By focusing on the potential of both institutions and students, the summit seeks to inspire a new era of empowerment and achievement, paving the way for a future that realises the full promise of the Asia Pacific’s vibrant educational sector.

Opening Panel: APAC Leaders Dialogue: Regional Partnerships for Next-Gen Skills (Opening Panel on Partnerships/Skills)

The opening panel for QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 gathers leading voices from across the region to explore the critical role of strategic partnerships in equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive. The speakers will delve into successful models of collaboration between universities, industry and government, examining how these partnerships are driving innovation and addressing the evolving needs of the regional workforce.

Using Tech for Recruitment (Recruitment/Technology)

What are universities in the region doing to stand out in a competitive – and crowded – international student market? Korea is a prime example of the region’s growing appeal, as it is now experiencing a dynamic surge in international student enrolment.

In this session, experts will discuss the evolution of recruitment strategies along with new technologies like AI and virtual reality, to capture the attention of digitally native students. We will also explore how universities are leveraging social media platforms, culturally relevant content and immersive online experiences to showcase their institutions.

Meeting the Global Green Talent Demand (Skills/Partnerships)

Companies, now more than ever, want employees who can bring sustainable solutions to the workplace. According to LinkedIn, the size of the “green talent” pool needs to be doubled by 2050 — at a bare minimum — to keep pace with projected demand.

This session explores how universities in the Asia Pacific region are adapting curricula to cultivate green talent, how to equip graduates for impactful careers in a green economy and the crucial role of industry partnerships in shaping graduates ready for an evolving economy.

Prioritising Quality Research for University Excellence (Performance/Research)

Universities and researchers face the ongoing challenge of aligning research evaluation with both productivity and the pursuit of high-quality, impactful scholarship.

This discussion confronts the growing pressure to focus on research quantity over quality, the systemic factors driving this trend, including funding models, evaluation metrics and institutional incentives. At the same time, speakers will share strategies for fostering a culture within higher education institutions that values rigour, originality and impact over sheer volume.

What Do Employers Want? (Skills/Partnerships)

What are employers truly looking for in the 21st century?

For this session, leading employers from across the Asia Pacific region will dissect the qualities and skills they prioritise in their workers, discuss the evolving needs of companies and how higher education can bridge that gap. Other topics include predictions on the future of work and the crucial need to collaborate with industry.

The University Play Ground: Creative Approaches to Learning (Innovation)

Educators face the constant challenge of transforming traditional teaching to engage diverse learners.

This session discusses the power of innovative pedagogy, examining how educators can design engaging, imaginative learning experiences, as well as unconventional approaches into the curriculum. Panelists will share case studies on cultivating a learning environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking and the joy of discovery – ultimately empowering students to become innovative thinkers and lifelong learners.

Inclusive Institutions, Exceptional Outcomes (Performance/Sustainability)

Universities in Asia Pacific that actively champion inclusivity gain a significant global advantage by adopting diverse perspectives and creating equitable opportunities. This session explores how cultivating inclusive learning environments can strengthen institutional outcomes.

Speakers in this session will delve into real-world challenges and solutions, focusing on the experiences of women in STEM, racial and ethnic minorities, and students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Topics that will be discussed include strategies for creating inclusive policies, practices and cultures, and how embracing diversity and promoting equity are not just ethical imperatives, but powerful drivers of institutional excellence.