Scholars examine how transformational leadership reshapes education

Professor Choi Yong-sang, right, university strategy officer at Ewha Womans University, speaks during a discussion session titled "Transformational Leadership in Challenging Times" at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific at Korea University in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Scholars and university officials emphasized the need for transformational leadership in education to navigate “an era of profound change” during a discussion session at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific.

Opening “Transformational Leadership in Challenging Times,” session moderator Renaud Joannes-Boyau highlighted that “leadership today is not just about managing change, but shaping it — about having vision, empathy and courage to create a future not only for education, but through education, for the world around us.”

The discussion brought together three panelists representing diverse experiences across academia.

Panelist Valerie Won Lee, founder of the World Citizen Artists and a Global Leader at WomenTech Network, started with over two decades of cross-cultural experience spanning both corporate and humanitarian sectors.

She is also the author of “Social Impact Global: Turning Obstacles Into Bridges,” which introduces her framework for authentic cross-cultural impact.

“The clarity of purpose and collective action remain essential to creating sustainable transformation,” she said during her presentation.

Lee, who has collaborated with experts from more than 100 nationalities, underscores the power of empathy and trust in motivating others toward shared goals.

Wenzhou-Kean University assistant professor in educational leadership Midya Yousefi also shared her insights from her work on developing future leaders in higher education.

“Wenzhou-Kean University is a Sino-American institution that integrates Eastern and Western systems, global curricula and leadership training between China and the U.S.,” Yousefi said.

“Enhancing resilience, innovation and critical thinking among students through experiential learning and cross-cultural collaboration is central to our mission.”

Her research examines how leadership styles influence each higher education’s performance, prestige and sustainability, with particular focus on digital transformation in higher education.

“We prepare the next generation of Chinese leaders to navigate complexity, drive innovation and lead with integrated vision,” she added.

Rounding out the panel was professor Choi Yong-sang, university strategy officer at Ewha Womans University. Trained as a climate physicist, he discussed how scientific insight can inform university strategy and sustainability.

“My work focuses on institutional innovation and advancing global engagement amid accelerating technological and environmental change,” he said.

Three panelists agreed that financial constraints, limited resources and increasing volatility demand creative, mission-driven leadership.

“How do we remain inclusive when uncertainty becomes the new norm?” Joannes-Boyau asked, a question that resonated throughout the discussion.

As higher education faces pressure from artificial intelligence disruption, evolving student expectations and global instability, speakers concluded that transformational leadership will define how universities continue to educate, innovate and serve society.