HEPA Forum 2025

HEPA Forum 2025 is dedicated to exploring the dynamic changes and forward-thinking strategies that are revolutionizing the higher education landscape across Asia. This event serves as a converging point for educators, researchers, policymakers, administrators and industry leaders committed to fostering excellence in education. The core focus of the forum will be on three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability, and Engagement.

Program

Day 1: Monday, 17 March 2025

8:15am to 8:45am	Registration
8:45am to 9:00am	Opening Addresses Kin-Leong PEY President, HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia Naoto OHTAKE President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Science Tokyo (Host University)
9:00am to 9:30am	Keynote Presentation I (topic to be advised) Naoto OHTAKE President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Science Tokyo
9:30am to 10:00am	Group Photo Taking Coffee Break
10:00am to 10:20am	Activity: Welcome to the HEPA Community! One-minute self-introduction by each organization’s representatives to share their key areas of interest and expectations for attending the forum. This activity fosters networking and idea-sharing.
10:20am to 11:15am	Thematic Session I: Innovation in Higher Education Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session. a. “Collaborative Pathways to AI Integration: Leveraging Frameworks and Alliances for Transforming Higher Education” Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology b. “What if … Is AI Really Happening at Higher Education Institutions?” Wolfgang MUENCH Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research Damaris CARLISLE Lecture-in-charge of The Learning Centre LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology
11:15 am to 12:15pm	Workshop: Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning and Institutional Performance This interactive workshop will explore the various ways AI is and can be used to drive institutional planning and performance and how we can continue to advocate for the important role of institutional research in the era of AI-powered analytics. Findings will be shared with participants during and after the Forum. Omer YEZDANI Chief Data Officer, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
12:15pm to 1:30pm	Lunch
1:30pm to 2:30pm	Cultural Experience: Japanese Tea Ceremony An immersive cultural experience promoting mindfulness and reflection.
2:30pm to 3:25pm	Thematic Session II: Future-Ready Talent Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session a. “Skills for a Green Future” Ethan CHONG Associate Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology b. “Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) Curriculum at NTU” Lay Poh TAN Co-Director, ICC Office, (Programmes), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Jingwen MU, Director, Institutional Research and Strategic Planning, Hong Kong Baptist University
3:25pm to 3:55pm	Coffee break
3:55pm to 4:55pm	Parallel Breakout Session I (a): Sustainability and Education Participants can choose to attend either of the four concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host three/four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min). i. “Developing Sustainability Change Agents through Experiential Learning” Devi MANI Head, Centre for Social Responsibility, Singapore Management University ii. “Advancing the Integration of Sustainability Education: Harnessing Data for Impact” Chris KNOLLMAN Senior Project Coordinator, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Hong Kong Baptist University iii. “A Common Degree Framework to Fit Both Pre-employment Training and Continuing Education Training Programmes” Yeng Siang HO Deputy Director, Office of the Provost, Singapore Institute of Technology Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: (to be advised)
	Parallel Breakout Session I (b): AI in the Curriculum i. “How to Overcome the Potential Crisis from AI” Gu-wuck BU President, Youngsan University, South Korea ii. “Fostering AI Literacy: Relationship Between AI Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy in the Context of Fine Art” Taehee KIM Professor, Youngsan University, South Korea Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Kin-Leong PEY, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia

	Parallel Breakout Session I (c): Institutional Research (IR) i. “Concept of Establishing Academic Foundations, Human Resource Development, and Related Technologies for University Institutional Research (IR)” Masao MORI Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo ii. “Development of Academic Ontology for Institutional Research: Analysis of Japanese and International IR Literature” Toru SUGIHARA Associate Professor, Shukutoku University iii. “Training Opportunities and Required Skills for Institutional Research Programs in Japan” Shuntaro ISERI Full-time instructor, Kanda University of International Studies iv. “Category-Theoretic Approaches to Data Integrity in Higher Education” Tsunenori INAKURA Researcher, Institute of Science Tokyo Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Takeshi MATSUDA, Professor, Tokyo Metropolitan University
4:55pm to 5:30pm	Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions I Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions
5:30pm to 5:40pm	Day 1 Wrap-Up Alison LLOYD Co-Chair, HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
6:00pm to 7:30pm	Forum Dinner

Day 2: Tuesday, 18 March 2025

8:45am to 9:00am	Recap of Day 1 Roy TAN Program Chair, HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore
9:00am to 9:30am	Keynote Presentation II: Rethinking the Roles and Developing the Skills of Faculty and Staff in Higher Education Management in a Globalized World Shinichi YAMAMOTO Former Director, Research Institute for Higher Education, Hiroshima University
9:30am to 10:45am	Collaborative Workshop: Designing the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in Universities Participants work in small groups to identify pressing challenges in higher education in areas of AI, sustainability and digital transformation, before brainstorming and prototyping solutions. Presenters from each small group will present discussion pointers during Group Sharing. Group Sharing (30min) guided by Lead Facilitator: Roy TAN, Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore
10:45am to 11.15am	Coffee Break
11:15am to 12:20pm	Thematic Session III: Engagement Strategies for a Globalized Higher Education Landscape Participants can choose to attend either of the two concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host three/four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min).
	Parallel Breakout Session II (a) Sustainability and Innovation i. “Building a Smart and Sustainable Campus” Gerry WEE Associate Vice President (Estates), Singapore Institute of Technology Mun Heng TSOI Director in the Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology ii. “Building Synergy in Higher Education through Collaborative Procurement Initiatives” Chong Ning PANG Chief Procurement Officer, Central Procurement Office, National University of Singapore iii. “Redefining the Role of Administration” Jenny ANG Manager, Singapore Institute of Technology Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Anson WUN, Assistant Director; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
	Parallel Breakout Session II (b) International Collaboration i. “The Achievements and Challenges of Operating an International University Established Through Korea-Uzbekistan Cooperation” Jeongyong YOON Director, Office of Planning, Ajou University, South Korea ii. “Connecting the Dots: How Research Data Fuels International Partnerships” Snow WANG Head, Institutional Research and Branding, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Wolfgang MUENCH, Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
	Parallel Breakout Session II (c) Innovations in University Operations and Data i. “Strategic Management Framework Development for Mid-Term Planning Through ICT and Data-Driven Approaches in Higher Education” Kunihiko TAKAMATSU Professor for Institute Management, Institute of Science Tokyo ii. “Sustainable Research Networks: Leveraging Bibliometric Tools for Research Partnership Life Cycle in Asia Higher Education” Vivian CHENG Manager (Institutional Data), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology iii. “Composite aSSIST Index for University Quality Assurance” Euiho SUH Vice President, Seoul School of Integrated Science and Technology (aSSIST), South Korea Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: (to be advised)
12:20pm to 12:45pm	Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions II Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions
12:45pm to 1:45pm	Lunch
1:45pm to 3:00pm	Action Planning Workshop: “Turning Ideas into Action: Institutional Strategies for Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement “ Adopting the World Cafe Discussion format, participants rotate through tables (15min per table) to share their key takeaways and action plans based on the three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement. Table hosts will summarize and present ideas shared when participants reconvene. This session promotes peer learning and provides a platform for cross-institutional collaborations. Summaries by Tables Hosts (10min each): · *Innovation: Sean MCMINN, Director, Center for Education Innovation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology* · *Sustainability: Alison LLOYD, Co-Chair, HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee & Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology* · *Engagement: Roy TAN, Program Chair, HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee* & Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President, National University of Singapore
3:00pm to 3:10pm	Closing Remarks Jun-ichi IMURA Executive Vice President for Institute Strategy, Institute of Science Tokyo Kin-Leong PEY President, HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, NEOM University, Saudi Arabia End of HEPA Forum 2025
3:30pm to 4:30pm	Campus Visit A guided visit to the museum located at entrance of Institute of Science, Tokyo campus, offering cultural and educational insights.

Day 1: Monday, 17 March 2025

8:15am to 8:45am	Registration	Entrance Hall, Level 2
8:45am to 9:00am	Opening Declaration Masao MORI Vice-Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo Opening Addresses Kin-Leong PEY President; HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia Naoto OHTAKE President and Chief Executive Officer; Institute of Science Tokyo (Host University)	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
9:00am to 9:30am	Keynote Presentation I: Higher Education and Research as a Newly Established University Naoto OHTAKE President and Chief Executive Officer; Institute of Science Tokyo Session Chair: Alison LLOYD, Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee and Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
9:30am to 9:40am	Group Photo Taking
9:40am to 10:00am	Coffee Break	Media Hall, Level 2
10:00am to 10:20am	Activity: Welcome to the HEPA Community! One-minute self-introduction by each organization s representatives to share their key areas of interest and expectations for attending the forum. This activity fosters networking and idea-sharing.	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
Thematic Session I: Innovation in Higher Education
10:20am to 11:15am	Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session. i. Collaborative Pathways to AI Integration: Leveraging Frameworks and Alliances for Transforming Higher Education Sean MCMINN Director, Center for Education Innovation; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ii. What if Is AI Really Happening at Higher Education Institutions? Wolfgang MUENCH Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research Damaris CARLISLE Lecturer-in-charge of The Learning Centre LASALLE College of the Arts; University of the Arts Singapore Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
11:15 am to 12:15pm	Workshop: Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning and Institutional Performance This interactive workshop will explore the various ways AI is and can be used to drive institutional planning and performance and how we can continue to advocate for the important role of institutional research in the era of AI-powered analytics. Findings will be shared with participants during and after the Forum. Omer YEZDANI Chief Data Office; University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
12:15pm to 1:30pm	Lunch	W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3
1:30pm to 2:30pm	Cultural Experience: Japanese Tea Ceremony An immersive cultural experience promoting mindfulness and reflection.	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
Thematic Session II: Future-Ready Talent
2:30pm to 3:25pm	Each presentation will be allocated 20 min followed by a 15 min Q&A session i. Skills for a Green Future Ethan CHONG Associate Professor; Singapore Institute of Technology ii. Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) Curriculum at NTU Lay Poh TAN Co-Director, ICC Office; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Jingwen MU, Director, Institutional Research and Strategic Planning; Hong Kong Baptist University	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
3:25pm to 3:55pm	Coffee Break Matcha Service	Media Hall & Collaboration Room, Level 2
3:55pm to 4:55pm	Participants can choose to attend either of the three concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host two to four presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min).
3:55pm to 4:55pm	Parallel Breakout Session I (a): Sustainability and Education i. Developing Sustainability Change Agents through Experiential Learning Devi MANI Head, Centre for Social Responsibility; Singapore Management University ii. Advancing the Integration of Sustainability Education: Harnessing Data for Impact Chris KNOLLMAN Senior Project Coordinator, Office of Institutional Research and Planning; Hong Kong Baptist University iii. A Common Degree Framework to Fit Both Pre-employment Training and Continuing Education Training Programmes Yeng Siang HO Deputy Director, Office of the Provost; Singapore Institute of Technology Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Mun Heng TSOI, Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology	W9-323 Lecture Room, Level 3
3:55pm to 4:55pm	Parallel Breakout Session I (b): AI in the Curriculum i. How to Overcome the Potential Crisis from AI Gu-wuck BU President; Youngsan University, South Korea ii. Fostering AI Literacy: Relationship Between AI Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy in the Context of Fine Art Taehee KIM Professor; Youngsan University, South Korea Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Kin-Leong PEY, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia	W9-322 Lecture Room, Level 3
3:55pm to 4:55pm	Parallel Breakout Session I (c): Institutional Research (IR) i. Concept of Establishing Academic Foundations, Human Resource Development, and Related Technologies for University Institutional Research (IR) Masao MORI Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo ii. Development of Academic Ontology for Institutional Research: Analysis of Japanese and International IR Literature Toru SUGIHARA Associate Professor; Shukutoku University iii. Training Opportunities and Required Skills for Institutional Research Programs in Japan Shuntaro ISERI Full-time instructor; Kanda University of International Studies iv. Category-Theoretic Approaches to Data Integrity in Higher Education Tsunenori INAKURA Researcher; Institute of Science Tokyo Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Takeshi MATSUDA, Professor; Tokyo Metropolitan University	W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3
4:55pm to 5:30pm	Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions I Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions	W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3
5:30pm to 5:40pm	Day 1 Wrap-Up Alison LLOYD Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3
6:00pm to 7:30pm	Forum Dinner Blue Terminal 2-chome-10 Ookayama, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0033, Japan

Day 2: Tuesday, 18 March 2025

8:45am to 9:00am	Recap of Day 1 Roy TAN Program Chair; HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee Chief Agility Officer; Office of the President; National University of Singapore	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
9:00am to 9:30am	Keynote Presentation II: Rethinking the Roles and Developing the Skills of Faculty and Staff in Higher Education Management in a Globalized World Shinichi YAMAMOTO Former Director, Research Institute for Higher Education; Hiroshima University Session Chair: Alison LLOYD, Chair; HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee and Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Multipurpose Hall, Level 2
9:30am to 10:45am	Collaborative Workshop: Designing the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in Universities Participants work in small groups to identify pressing challenges in higher education in areas of AI, sustainability and digital transformation, before brainstorming and prototyping solutions. Presenters from each small group will present discussion pointers during Group Sharing. Group Sharing (30min) guided by Lead Facilitator Roy TAN, Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President; National University of Singapore	W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3
10:45am to 11:15am	Coffee Break	Media Hall, Level 2
Thematic Session III: Engagement Strategies for a Globalized Higher Education Landscape
11:15am to 12:20pm	Participants can choose to attend any of the three concurrent breakout sessions. Each breakout session will host two to three presentations (15min each), followed by a Q&A session (15min).
11:15am to 12:20pm	Parallel Breakout Session II (a) Sustainability and Innovation i. “Building a Smart and Sustainable Campus” Gerry WEE Associate Vice President (Estates); Singapore Institute of Technology Mun Heng TSOI Director in the Office of the President; Singapore Institute of Technology ii. “Building Synergy in Higher Education through Collaborative Procurement Initiatives” Chong Ning PANG Chief Procurement Officer, Central Procurement Office; National University of Singapore iii. “Redefining the Role of Administration” Jenny ANG Manager; Singapore Institute of Technology Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Anson WUN, Assistant Director; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	W9-323 Lecture Room, Level 3
11:15am to 12:20pm	Parallel Breakout Session II (b) International Collaboration i. “The Achievements and Challenges of Operating an International University Established Through Korea-Uzbekistan Cooperation” Jeongyong YOON Director, Office of Planning, Ajou University, South Korea ii. “Connecting the Dots: How Research Data Fuels International Partnerships” Snow WANG Head, Institutional Research and Branding, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Wolfgang MUENCH, Dean of Learning, Teaching & Research; LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore	W9-322 Lecture Room, Level 3
11:15am to 12:20pm	Parallel Breakout Session II (c) Innovations in University Operations and Data i. “Strategic Management Framework Development for Mid-Term Planning Through ICT and Data-Driven Approaches in Higher Education” Kunihiko TAKAMATSU Professor for Institute Management; Institute of Science Tokyo ii. “Sustainable Research Networks: Leveraging Bibliometric Tools for Research Partnership Life Cycle in Asia Higher Education” Vivian CHENG Manager (Institutional Data); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology iii. “Composite aSSIST Index for University Quality Assurance” Euiho SUH Vice President; Seoul School of Integrated Science and Technology (aSSIST), South Korea Question & Answer (15min) Moderator: Shotaro IMAI, Associate Professor; Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan	W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3
12:20pm to 12:45pm	Large Group Sharing on Parallel Sessions II Moderator of each parallel session to provide an overview of the key insights and discussions	W9-326 Lecture Room, Level 3
12:45pm to 1:45pm	Lunch	Collaboration Room, Level 2
1:45pm to 3:00pm	Action Planning Workshop: “Turning Ideas into Action: Institutional Strategies for Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement “ Adopting the World Caf Discussion format, participants rotate through tables (15min per table) to share their key takeaways and action plans based on the three pivotal themes: Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement. Table hosts will summarize and present ideas shared when participants reconvene. This session promotes peer learning and provides a platform for cross-institutional collaborations. Summaries by Tables Hosts (10min each): *Innovation: Sean MCMINN, Director, Center for Education Innovation; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology* *Sustainability: Alison LLOYD, Co-Chair, HEPA 2025 Organizing Committee & Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology* *Engagement: Roy TAN, Program Chair; HEPA Forum 2025 Organizing Committee & Chief Agility Officer, Office of the President; National University of Singapore*	W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3
3:00pm to 3:10pm	Closing Remarks Jun-ichi IMURA Executive Vice President for Institute Strategy; Institute of Science Tokyo Kin-Leong PEY President; HEPA Association Senior Vice Provost for Student Success; NEOM University, Saudi Arabia End of HEPA Forum 2025	W9-324 Lecture Room, Level 3
3:30pm to 4:30pm	Campus Visit A guided visit to the museum located at entrance of Institute of Science, Tokyo campus, offering cultural and educational insights.

(Updated as of 6 March 2025)

Program is subject to change without prior notice.

Program

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