EdUHK held a session on ‘Demographic Change and Education in the Future’ at the Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit 2024, in Hong Kong in December 2024.

The session, which was chaired by EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin and co-chaired by Dr Peter Q Blair, Associate Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, explored how demographic changes are impacting the future of education and the strategies needed to adapt. The speakers, from Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and the Philippines, discussed how educational institutions can adapt to meet the demands of a shifting population, focusing on building diverse and equitable learning environments for the future generation.

Professor Lee began the session, speaking on the significance of international collaboration in tackling demographic change, inviting each speaker to share the challenges and opportunities their universities face in adapting to their respective national contexts.

Professor Lee with the other speakers at the Demographic Change and Education in Future session

Dr Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) of University Brunei Darussalam, spoke of the importance of lifelong learning due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). In Brunei, he has observed that individuals in their 40s and beyond, who possess valuable industry experience, need to update their skills. This need has prompted the university to offer upskilling programmes.

Professor Tuga, President of Philippine Normal University, explained that the Philippines had seen many teaching professionals migrate to the UK, US, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. While there is still an oversupply of teachers, the focus is on quality over quantity. He stressed the need for global benchmarks and standards to improve curriculum development and capacity building for educators.

Professor Aktymbayeva, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities for Sustainable Development at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, noted that the Kazakh government had encouraged universities to “open up” and establish branches abroad. She expressed hope for more future platforms for international knowledge and scientific exchange.

Dr Zadi, acting Director and Associate Professor, School of Law & Policy at the University of Management and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, suggested that without modern technology, an effective education system could not be established, which is particularly crucial for countries like Pakistan. He highlighted the need for comprehensive changes in curriculum and syllabus to meet the demands of today’s teaching and learning environments.

The summit was organised by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, with support from the University Grants Committee and nine universities in Hong Kong, including EdUHK. More than 50 globally renowned university presidents and leaders participated.