Events

AUA Presidents Forum 2022 Holds First Session on University Internationalization

Date: 2022-03-18



On March 15th, the Asian Universities Alliance Presidents Forum 2022 (AUAPF 2022) kicked off the first session themed “University Internationalization During and After COVID-19”. It brought to the forefront critical challenges the pandemic poses to higher education and innovative strategies to move forward. Prof. Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo; Prof. Yang Bin, Provost and Vice President of Tsinghua University; and Dr. Reuben Wong, Associate Vice President of the National University of Singapore attended the session, which was moderated by Dr. Zhang Chuanjie, Secretary of Asian Universities Alliance.

As a locus of knowledge creation and dissemination, universities have a critical role to play in leading the joint efforts in tackling a new range of challenges. In this spirit, AUAPF 2022, themed “Embracing Asian Diversity for a Shared Future: Mission of Universities in Fostering a Community of Life for People and Nature”, brings together university leaders from across Asia to explore new approaches and opportunities in higher education.


In his opening remarks, Dr. Zhang Chuanjie highlighted the importance of exchanging best practices among AUA member universities, and the significance of ensuring that higher education remains open, accessible and dynamic in the face of new challenges.

The panelists shared their universities' practices and experiences in navigating the COVID-19 crisis, including the shift to hybrid and online classes, and the importance of unwavering commitment to internationalization during and after the pandemic.

Prof. Kaori Hayashi introduced the University of Tokyo's various initiatives to overcome difficulties posed by the pandemic, including the “Global Unit Courses” program which attracted 88 participants from 17 countries. She also talked about the University of Tokyo's online “Short Term Education Programs”, which has received very positive feedback from students and has made education more accessible. For continued academic exchange, the University of Tokyo also implemented the “Global Fellow Designation Program,” which invited scholars from overseas to participate remotely in the research and education practices.

Dr. Reuben Wong shared the experience of hosting the first online “Young Asian Leaders Initiative” for Singaporean and Southeast Asian students. “This was a fantastic way of connecting youth across borders,” according to Wong. Technology provides a unique opportunity for students from all kinds of financial backgrounds to participate and connect on an equal footing. To document the virtual learning, the National University of Singapore has encouraged students and faculty to produce online content, such as making videos and blogs. Wong also emphasized the importance of fostering global citizens through interdisciplinarity.

In his remarks, Prof. Yang Bin pointed out that despite the challenges, the pandemic has also brought a transformation in digital education for Tsinghua University. Many international students who are unable to come to campus and the hundreds of volunteers serving the Winter Olympics are now taking the hybrid classes, and learning alongside their classmates who are physically in the classroom. Yang pointed out that the pandemic has highlighted the importance and urgency of joint efforts in addressing global challenges. To this end, Tsinghua will put more emphasis on international exchange and cooperation in four particular areas: public health, climate change, online education and artificial intelligence governance.

The panelists also addressed questions from the audience on topics including the quality of online courses and career education during the pandemic. Bringing diverse viewpoints to the session, panelists engaged in a lively discussion and exchanged best practices among member universities. Their valuable contributions embodied the resilience and shared commitment to internationalization at the universities.


Writers: Zhang Xi, Zoon Ahmed Khan