As one of the largest regions in the world, the Asia Pacific encompasses a wide range of attitudes and approaches to education and research. Home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s population, the Asia Pacific is also poised to become a superpower in higher ed, and there is increased interest from institutions and industry stakeholders both internally and externally of the region to develop strong partnerships. How can an institution identify the best possible partnership? Where can higher education look? What are the best practice examples?

The merging of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with Arts to create STEAM has seen a proliferation of design thinking that is challenging the ways in which society currently operates. As artificial intelligence increasingly delves into the world of humanities, it may become to question what it means to be human. How is humanities and technology melding? What are the implications for higher education? Can artificial intelligence become the next Rembrandt?

Higher education in the Asia Pacific has made a giant leap forward in research and teaching outcomes. It’s progress sees it continue to take centre stage for international higher education, through initiatives such as new innovation hubs, new universities, and new industry partnerships. How can the sector continue to thrive over the coming decade? Where are the opportunities and challenges? What is the next big thing for higher ed in the Asia Pacific?

COVID-19 has left students “deferred, not deterred” from pursing a global mobility experience. While travel remains largely restricted, there are new opportunities developing for universities to attract greater numbers of students, either through in-person or online. How do students view the current challenges in mobility? What are their major points of consideration, and how do they compare to those of other stakeholders such as parents and governments? Is there a shift in student expectations?