UNAIR NEWS – After lasting for three days, the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific ended with a Closing Ceremony (9/11/2023). Head of UNAIR Planning and Development Board (BPP) and Chair for the Asia Pacific Global Advisory Committee, Dr. Dian Ekowati PhD, officially closed the biggest higher education conference in Asia Pacific.

In her closing remarks, Dian said the conference provided enlightenment and inspiration. Dian invited all delegates who were present at the KLCC B/C Auditorium and attending virtually to reflect on the significance of participation and the tremendous benefits of the summit.

“This conference has been a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge. It is a platform where the best minds of higher education, all of you here, shared knowledge, engaged in critical dialogues, explored emerging trends, and discovered new ways to shape the future of higher education,” she stated.

The FEB UNAIR lecturer said that the need for participation in activities such as QS APAC 2023 cannot be overstated. Dian believes that the diversity of participants who come from all corners of the world not only brings diverse perspectives and experiences.

This, she continued, could also ignite positive force to bring about change. Dian also conveyed three things she learned from the conference, which was attended by more than 1100 people offline and online.

“First and foremost, this summit served as a strategic hub for collaboration. Downstairs, we have many booths and exhibitors in what could have been the biggest conference ever. I believe the network that has been set will be sustained along the times,” said Dian.

Dian also believes that the exchange of opinions that occurs in this annual activity will have a further impact in the future. This will gradually change the institution and students’ fate.

“Secondly, the knowledge we share here in this summit has been very invaluable. We have the privilege to learn from the best people in their fields, from youngsters like Miss Harsha, from business players, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and, of course, academics,” she continued.

This knowledge, according to her, will develop a dynamic and forward way of thinking in education from higher education institutions.

“The third point I learned in the last three days is nothing new, but all the discussion points heavily towards our students, who are, of course, the main beneficiaries,” she said.

Dian believes that the new generation can take big initiatives, but we also have a responsibility to prepare them. Apart from that, there is a need to facilitate them in facing future challenges and continue to encourage them to become leaders and innovators in the future.

At the end of her speech, Dian again emphasized that delegates should be the keys to change. “Not only that, but it is also necessary to be bridges that not only close the remaining gaps but also offer the aspirations, opportunities and dreams of all students,” she said.

During the closing ceremony, the venues for QS Asia Pacific activities for 2024 were also announced. The host for the Pre-Summit will be Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, while the main conference will be held in Macau with the Macau University of Science and Technology as the host. Next year, QS will also hold a Post-Summit for the first time at Ling Nan University, Hong Kong.

Author: Andi Pramono

Editor: Nuri Hermawan