Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
Korea University to discuss educational innovation at international conference with QS
A promotional poster for the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 / Courtesy of Korea University
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Korea University and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) will co-host the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 at the university’s Seoul campus from Nov. 4-6.
Under the theme of “Advancing Generational Potential: Skills and Partnerships in the Asia Pacific,” the three-day conference aims to explore how rapid technological change and demographic shifts are reshaping the region’s higher-education landscape and how institutions can build sustainable ecosystems for future generations.
More than 2,000 scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region — including university presidents, education policy experts and industry leaders — are expected to attend. The event will feature keynotes, panel discussions and workshops on topics such as university innovation and international cooperation, industry-academia collaboration, digital transformation and sustainable university operations.
Of the 2,000 delegates, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and QS CEO Jessica Turner are expected to deliver remarks at the event.
One of the event’s key announcements will be the publication of the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings — a much-anticipated metric for institutions seeking global visibility and competitive positioning.
Korea University, as host, is positioning itself as a gateway for global higher education engagement, reinforcing Seoul’s status as a leading student city while highlighting the school’s 120th anniversary.
“(The summit) is the most meaningful event in the year that marks the university’s 120th anniversary,” Korea University President Kim Dong-one said in a press release.
“The event will serve as a stage to showcase Korea’s higher-education and cultural competitiveness to the world.”
Kim also noted that the event coincides with Seoul’s ranking as the world’s top Best Student City in QS’ city rankings, adding the summit is “symbolic” of Korea’s mounting global educational influence.
The event will also include an exhibition area where education technology companies and social-innovation institutions will present and take part in networking sessions designed to foster partnerships between universities, industry and government.
As Korea University takes the lead in hosting its biggest international education event to date, the institution aims to emphasize its role as an Asia-Pacific hub for higher education and further strengthen its global network.
The event’s discussion session starts with QS Executive Director Patrick Brothers’ speech on the first day. He will share his view on “the Future of Higher Education & Workforce in Asia and the Pacific” at the Inchon Memorial Hall Auditorium on the campus.
His presentation will be followed by various discussion topics, including “the Future of Higher Education & Workforce in Asia and the Pacific,” “AI in Higher Education: Global Trends and Strategies for Institutional Success” and “Seizing the Opportunity: Internationalization in a World in Transition,” on the first day.
Renowned scholars, including Institut Polytechnique de Paris Europe and International Affairs Vice-President Christopher Cripps, are set to participate as panelists.
A Korea University official said the school will also provide a campus tour on the day.
Scholars are also expected to join various discussion sessions, including “Korean Cool: Pop Culture’s Pull on Higher Education,” “The Asian Tigers: The Roar of a New Big Four?” and “Social Mobility and the University Mission: Advancing the Public Good,” on the second day.
OCAD University President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano will share her view during the session of “AI + Campus = Personalized Learning For a Hyper-Connected Future” on the day. OCAD University is Canada’s largest and oldest art and design institute.
The third-day discussion sessions include “Insights Deep Dive: Korea,” “Beyond the Student Lens: Reputation Building in Higher Education” and “Strategic Collaboration as a Growth Strategy for Higher Education.”
The three-day event will be concluded with the closing ceremony, with AlEmirati Founder Fatima Alkaabi’s closing remarks.
Korea University campus in Seoul / Courtesy of Korea University