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Programme highlights to watch

Key moments designed to drive real change across ASEAN and beyond.

Featured launch

AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings:
ASEAN 2027

An exclusive methodology briefing and Q&A unveiling the framework behind the 2027 ASEAN rankings — key indicators, data collection processes, and how institutions can participate and excel.

Led by Dr Pieter Stek
Special Adviser, AppliedEdu, Singapore

Opening Keynote Address

Prof Joshua Mok
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Xchange 2026 opens with a headline keynote from one of Asia's most influential higher education scholars, setting the tone for two days of bold conversations.

Grand Panel Discussions

Three Powerful Conversations Shaping What Comes Next

A lively trio of panel discussions tackling some of the biggest questions in education today.

Panel 1

Beyond Academic Knowledge: Why Applied Learning, Skills and Adaptability Matter More Than Ever

Panellists from Phenikaa University (Vietnam), BINUS University (Indonesia), UniKL (Malaysia) and Cebu Technological University (Philippines).

Panel 2

Institutional Sustainability and Impact: Alumni and Industry Engagement

With Jesse Xiao, Director of Institutional Data and Research, The Education University of Hong Kong.

Panel 3

Human Skills in a Digital Age: What Must Not Be Lost

What human capabilities must we protect and strengthen as AI reshapes education and work? Full line-up to be announced.

The Squaring the Circle Debate

“Employability should matter more than research in university rankings”

Should universities be judged by the futures they create for students, or by the research they produce? Two teams take on a provocative motion in a lively formal debate.

Debate Master: Prof Richard M. Walker
Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China

Featuring Prof Dr Cheong Kyu Park
Director of External Evaluation & Ranking, Dongguk University, South Korea

Special Session

How do users understand university performance rankings?
Behavioural and cognitive perspectives

Behavioural and cognitive insights into how rankings are read, processed and acted upon by students, parents, faculty and administrators.

By Professor Richard M. Walker
Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor of Public Administration, Government and International Affairs, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China

Spotlight Session: University Elevator Pitches

Five universities,
two minutes each.

A lively showcase where participating institutions present who they are, what makes them distinctive, and why they matter - all in just two minutes!

TVET Country Spotlight

Where We Are and
Where We Are Going

A timely regional session exploring how ASEAN countries are rethinking TVET to respond to changing workforce needs, strengthen quality and improve job readiness.

Malaysia  |  Indonesia  | Thailand  |  Brunei  |  Vietnam

Workshop spotlight

What Should Count in TVET?
A Declaration Workshop on Ranking Methodology

A roundtable co-creation workshop defining quality, relevance and job readiness for a more meaningful TVET ranking framework — shaping the AppliedEdu TVET Ranking: ASEAN initiative ahead of its 2027 launch.

AppliedEdu Showcase

Introduction to AppliedEdu's Products & Services

A first look at the AppliedEdu Academic Road Trip (ART) — an exciting initiative connecting universities worldwide — plus new strategies for the 3M Framework: JOB-Ready, ALUMNI-Ready and SOFT SKILLS-Ready, empowering institutions to reach the next level of performance and impact.

Presented by Ms Mandy Mok
CEO, AppliedEdu, Singapore

Signature Moments

From the opening “X” to the final toast

Welcome Remarks

Prof. Sibrandes Poppema, President & Vice-Chancellor of ������Ƶ University, and Ms Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedEdu, open the Xchange.

Opening Ceremony

“Xchange with an X” — leaders from across the region officially open the event, capped with the signature X-pose group photo.

Gala Dinner

Day one closes with an evening of celebration, connection and conversation over dinner.

Closing Remarks

Prof. Sibrandes Poppema and Ms Mandy Mok bring AppliedEdu Xchange 2026 to a close.

Agenda

Full event agenda coming soon