QS summit closes with clear message: Inclusion, collaboration are no longer optional

Panelists speak during a session titled “Inclusive Institutions; Exceptional Outcomes” at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025, held at Korea University in Seoul’s Seongbuk District, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Amid rapid changes driven by diversity, advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and the post-pandemic shift, experts at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 emphasized that universities must embrace strategic transformation to stay ahead in today’s evolving educational landscape.

The importance of fostering an inclusive environment that extends beyond attracting diverse students was highlighted during the session titled "Inclusive Institutions; Exceptional Outcomes" on Thursday.

"Seeing inclusivity extended beyond the classroom is crucial," said Vittoria Vitucci, an international student from U.S. at Korea University. "It made me feel that this institution isn’t just talking the talk, but actually walking the walk."

From the perspective of international students like Vitucci, an inclusive institution is one that not only offers the chance to interact with people from diverse backgrounds but also actively supports programs and initiatives that foster community-building.

Kim Kyu-seok, director of IES Abroad Seoul, stressed that diversity is meaningful only when students from different ethnic, religious, political and social backgrounds are able not just to coexist, but to thrive.

"It’s not about putting different people in the same room — it’s about making sure they can succeed together," he said.

While universities often promote diversity in brochures and rankings, students expect more concrete and practical support systems, such as mentoring, multicultural dialogue spaces, inclusive student councils and meaningful ties between the campus and the wider community.

Attendees pass by a QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 signboard at Korea University in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Vivian Lee, vice rector of Macao Polytechnic University, pointed out how inclusivity must be institutionalized rather than treated as an add-on. She explained the university’s SHINE Whole Person Development Scheme, which links academic learning with community service, student well-being and cultural exchange.

"Inclusion is not a slogan for us — it’s woven into governance, curriculum and everyday student life," Lee said.

Creating this kind of environment and support system requires commitment at the institutional level, and experts stressed that inclusion ultimately depends on leadership. Kim warned that without committed university leadership, meaningful initiatives can quickly disappear.

"When leadership changes, diversity offices and inclusion programs are often the first to lose funding," he said. "That’s why inclusion must be treated as an organizational strategy, not a side project."

Panelists converse during a session titled "Strategic Collaboration as a Growth Strategy for Higher Education" at QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 at Korea University in Seoul's Seongbuk District, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Meanwhile, another key lesson has emerged as universities navigate a rapidly changing society. A session titled "Strategic Collaboration as a Growth Strategy for Higher Education" explored how universities can leverage partnerships with industry leaders and technology providers to sustain long-term growth.

Experts highlighted that collaboration is no longer just a side project but it is now a strategic necessity.

"Effective collaboration depends on three core elements: alignment, trust and shared value," said Jill Blondin, vice provost at Virginia Commonwealth University in the U.S.

She stressed that universities must move beyond symbolic partnerships and instead form alliances that are mission-driven and mutually beneficial.

Barry Winn, president and vice chancellor of Taylor's University in Malaysia, echoed that sentiment, noting that the future of higher education partnerships will be industry-led, technology-enabled and human-centered.

He pointed to a recent triple alliance between Taylor’s University, Sunway University and Monash University Malaysia as an example of how institutions can jointly build credibility with government and industry while maintaining academic integrity.

Introducing Khalifa University’s collaboration with government and industry in the United Arab Emirates, Ashraf Najdawi, acting vice president of the university, noted that expectations are shifting on both sides, from students and employers alike.

"Students today — even those in non-STEM fields — expect to see AI, data and digital technologies embedded in their education," he said. At the same time, industries demand graduates who can merge domain expertise with technological adaptability.

He also emphasized that institutions must evolve their curricula, research priorities and partnerships accordingly.

Jeroen Prinsen, executive director of QS Asia Pacific, delivers remarks during the closing ceremony of the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 at Korea University's Inchon Memorial Hall Auditorium in Seoul, Thusday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Wrapping up the three-day event, organizers underscored the need for change and global cooperation in higher education, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. The region is now home to the world’s fastest-growing student population, and 10 of the world’s top 20 student cities are located in Asia, according to QS data.

"We have something uniquely powerful — a growing sense of interdependence driven by trade, technology, education and shared global challenges," said Jeroen Prinsen, executive director of QS Asia Pacific, in his closing remarks.

"Asia-Pacific’s greatest strength lies in its openness, adaptability and commitment to learning across borders," he added.

Next year’s QS Asia Pacific Summit will take place in Bali, Indonesia, co-hosted by Bina Nusantara University and Padjadjaran University.