Pre-register now and skip the queues
Registration opens at the Pre-Function Area, JC1.
Please proceed to collect your badge and event materials
The AppliedHE Xchange officially begins!
Our Emcee takes the stage to welcome all delegates
and set the tone for an inspiring event
Arrival of out guest of honour, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and VIPs
Prof. Sibrandes Poppema
President and Vice-Chancellor
Sunway University
•
Malaysia
Join us in welcoming Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University, MALAYSIA as he delivers the Opening Welcome Remarks
Ms. Mandy Mok
CEO
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Next, we welcome Ms Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedHE, Singapore,
to share her opening remarks and vision for the AppliedHE Xchange.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister, MALAYSIA
Professor Kevin Downing
Secretary to Council and Court, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Science
City University of Hong Kong
•
China
The Ranking Curse explores how the chase for league-table glory distorts
priorities - fueling vanity metrics, gaming, and short-term fixes - while
neglecting what matters: student outcomes, employer trust, and societal impact.
We unpack the trap - and show how to turn rankings into a map, not the destination.
Time for a caffeine boost! Grab a coffee, recharge, and keep the conversations brewing
Prof. Malissa Maria Mahmud
Dean
Sunway University
•
Malaysia
Dr. Aida Maryam Basri
Director of Planning and Development Office (PDO)
Universiti Teknologi Brunei
•
Brunei
Prof Dr Pramod Patil
Director
Nutan Maharashtra Institute of Engineering and Technology
•
India
Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali Raman
Deputy Vice Chancellor
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU / APIIT)
•
Malaysia
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ninh
Vice President (Global Outreach)
Phenikaa University
•
Vietnam
Topic: Role of Universities in promoting Lifelong Learning and Non-Traditional courses in Higher Education | This session explores how universities can expand their role beyond
traditional degree programmes - fostering lifelong learning, upskilling opportunities, and flexible learning pathways for diverse learners.
Dr. Pieter Stek
Special Adviser
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Mr. Mzolisi Payi
Director for Internationalisation and Partnerships
Walter Sisulu University
•
South Africa
Prof. Irwan Trinugroho
Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization & Information
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)
•
Indonesia
Dr. Arman Bin Haji Asmad
Assistant Rector (Research, International & Services)
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
•
Brunei
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ninh
Vice President (Global Outreach)
Phenikaa University
•
Vietnam
Prof. Adalat Muradov
Rector
Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC)
•
Azerbaijan
Dr Pieter will introduce the 6 universities to the stage to present their unique strengths, innovations, and success stories — each in just 2 minutes.
Professor Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh bin Mohamed Sahari
Vice-Chancellor
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
•
Malaysia
Prof Dr Maurits van Rooijen
Chief Academic Officer, Global University Systems, United Kingdom
University of Europe for Applied Sciences
•
Germany
Prof. Irwan Trinugroho
Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization & Information
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)
•
Indonesia
Adjunct Professor Calvin Ho
Adjunct Professor at School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sunway University & CEO of Sunway Theme Parks
Sunway University
•
Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olga Niemi
President
Riga Nordic University
•
Latvia
Topic : Institutional Sustainability and Impact (Including Alumni Engagement) | This session explores how universities can achieve long-term sustainability
through meaningful impact - from alumni engagement and social responsibility
to innovation, governance, and financial resilience.
Network, mingle, and refuel — it’s lunchtime!
Professor Kevin Downing
Secretary to Council and Court, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Science
City University of Hong Kong
•
China
Prof. Richard M. Walker
Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor of Public Administration, Goverment & International Affairs
Lingnan University Hong Kong
•
China
Dr. Rhodora Magan
Associate Professor of Literature and Communication Presidential Strategist for Global Discourse Leadership University Director of Internationalization and ASEAN Integration
Cebu Technological University
•
Philippines
Prof. Adrian Raymund C. Fernandez
Program Officer, International Linkages & Ranking Support, Office of University Relations
Adamson University
•
Philippines
Mr. Mzolisi Payi
Director for Internationalisation and Partnerships
Walter Sisulu University
•
South Africa
Motion: “Rankings are Poisonous!”
A provocative and high-energy debate where university leaders and experts challenge conventional wisdom about rankings - are they a force for progress or a source of distortion?
Mr. Shahrill Sabarudin
Acting Chief Marketing Officer
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
•
Malaysia
Prof. Irwan Trinugroho
Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization & Information
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS)
•
Indonesia
Associate Professor Dr. Pattrawut Charoenroop
Assistant to the President for International Affairs
National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)
•
Thailand
Dr. Meralei J. Lawas
University Director for Quality Assurance
Cebu Technological University
•
Philippines
Dr. Santosh Gore
Director
Sai Info Solution
•
India
We explore The Higher Education Landscape in the Age of AI - What’s Working, What’s Worrying. This Country Report offers a candid look at how institutions are adapting to the rise of AI - the wins, the worries, and the way forward.”
Refuel. Reconnect. Re-energise. It’s coffee o’clock
Dr. Pieter Stek
Special Adviser
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Professor Kevin Downing
Secretary to Council and Court, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Science
City University of Hong Kong
•
China
Methodology Briefing and Q&A Session | An exclusive session unveiling the methodology behind the AppliedHE ALL ASIA 2026 Rankings, highlighting key indicators, data collection processes, and how institutions can participate and excel. The briefing concludes with an open Q&A for delegates.
Ms. Mandy Mok
CEO
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Next, we’ll introduce the AppliedHE Academic Road Trip (ART) - an exciting initiative connecting universities worldwide. Plus, get ready for a look at the new strategies for our 3M Framework — JOB-Ready, ALUMNI-Ready, and SOFT SKILLS-Ready - empowering institutions to reach the next level of performance and impact.
Pre-Dinner Drinks at the Gala Dinner Unwind and network over cocktails before the Gala Dinner - a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow delegates and speakers in a relaxed
atmosphere.
Guests are invited to enter the ballroom as dinner service begins - an evening of fine dining, conversation, and celebration awaits.
Be entertained by Sunway Students who will perform a Cultural Dance
Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee
Group CEO
Sunway Education
•
Malaysia
Ms. Mandy Mok
CEO
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO, Sunway Education, Malaysia | Ms Mandy Mok, Chief Executive Officer, AppliedHE, Singapore
Music Performance by Sunway Students
Ms. Mandy Mok
CEO
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Dr. Pieter Stek
Special Adviser
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Mandy & Pieter will reveal the Top 20 Public Universities in the AppliedHE ALL ASIA Rankings - celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in higher education.
Performances by Students of Sunway University, 2 songs
Ms. Mandy Mok
CEO
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Dr. Pieter Stek
Special Adviser
AppliedHE
•
Singapore
Mandy & Pieter to unveil the Top 20 Private Universities in the AppliedHE ALL ASIA Rankings - recognising the region’s most dynamic and forward-thinking private institutions.
