As the world rapidly evolves, the concept of education is shifting from a finite phase in life to a lifelong endeavor. This forum will explore the future of lifelong learning in an age defined by technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and the ever-growing demand for adaptability and innovation. This discussion will delve into emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in creating inclusive, flexible, and learner-centered systems that empower individuals to continuously grow and thrive.
Panelists
Timothy Chan
Vice Provost, Singapore Institute of Management
Vice President, Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE)
Dr. Timothy Chan is Vice Provost at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), where he oversees all academic services. SIM is a leading private education institution dedicated to preparing individuals and organizations for the future.
With over 35 years of experience in education, Dr. Chan has taught at Singapore Polytechnic, SIM University (now Singapore University of Social Sciences), RMIT University, and the University of London. His academic work is complemented by research funded by the European Union and China. He has also advised and consulted for higher education institutions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Chan is actively involved in professional and youth communities, holding leadership positions in the Singapore Computer Society and CPA Australia. He has also served on the Advisory Committee of Youth Corps Singapore and is currently Vice President of the Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE).
Dr. Chan holds a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Nottingham, a Master of Science from the University of London, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Australia. He is a Fellow of both the Singapore Computer Society and CPA Australia.
Title: Navigating the Future: Singapore’s Approach to Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning has become essential for navigating our rapidly changing world. This presentation examines Singapore’s dynamic lifelong learning ecosystem, a compelling case study given the nation’s focus on future-oriented skills and workforce adaptability. It will explore Singapore’s Skills Future initiative, a national movement promoting a culture of lifelong learning and equipping individuals for the future economy. It will delve into the diverse learning pathways available, from formal education to micro-credentials and workplace learning opportunities. The presentation will also address the challenges and opportunities inherent in fostering lifelong learning. Specifically, it will examine incentivizing stakeholder participation and explore pedagogical innovations designed to maximize learning outcomes.
By showcasing Singapore’s experience, this presentation aims to stimulate discussion and collaboration on building robust and inclusive lifelong learning systems globally. The goal is to inspire innovative approaches that cultivate a future-ready workforce, prepared to thrive in the face of constant change.
Keiko Ikeda
Vice-Director, Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE)
Professor, Division of International Affairs
Kansai University
Keiko Ikeda is a Professor in the Division of International Affairs and serves as the KU-COIL Coordinator at Kansai University. She is also the Vice-Director of the newly established Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE) at the same university. Keiko holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, where she specialized in Japanese linguistics, foreign language education, and conversation analysis. Her interests in international education include internationalization at home and developing active learning programs in collaboration with overseas universities. From 2018 to 2022, Keiko led the COILPlus program, aimed at fostering a global career mindset and enhancing universities’ global development capabilities. From 2022 to 2023, she was a member of the Second Council for Creating the Future of Education at the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, contributing to the “J-MIRAI: Initiative to Promote Study Abroad by Young People Who Create the Future.” Starting in 2023, she has been overseeing the implementation of the new MEXT grant project “JIGE (Japan hub for Global Innovative Education) – Developing ‘Society 5.0 Human Resources’ through Blended Mobility and Creating the Infrastructure to Support Them.” Additionally, since December 2024, she has assumed the role of project manager for the Osaka Social Impact Project, running from 2024 to 2030.
Title: Catalyzing the Future: Creating Dynamically Generated Knowledge through Enhanced Human Intelligence and Tech-Integrated International Education
This talk highlights the essential integration of human intelligence with technology in shaping the future of education. As global challenges mount, it underscores the importance of collaborative learning within intercultural and multicultural contexts, demonstrating its role in fostering uniquely adaptive and relevant knowledge. The presentation focuses on the synergy between creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, exploring the impact of technological tools and pedagogies that incorporate technology to enhance intercultural competence in the international educational sphere. Specific illustrative practices from the speaker's home institution and higher education institutions in Japan will be shared, showcasing effective strategies. By envisioning future advancements, the talk aims to inspire educators, technologists, and policymakers to cultivate learning environments that propel societies toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
Facilitator and Panelist
Li Kam-cheong
Dean, School of Open Learning
Director, Institute for Research in Open and Innovative Education
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
KC Li is a world renowned scholar and leader in the open and distance education field. In 2023, he received two highest accolades in the field, the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) “Prize of Excellence” and the Asian Association for Open and Distance Learning (AAOU) “Meritorious Service Award”, each of which is conferred on only one distinguished person in a year. For more than a decade, KC has been appointed Professor on a visiting basis for Middlesex University in the United Kingdom, he also served as the university's advisor and consultant for the Doctorate of Professional Studies degree programme for many years. He has also been appointed Visiting Professor of many institutions in China, such as Hebei Academy of Social Sciences and Hebei University of Economics and Business. At Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), KC is serving as the inaugural Dean of the School of Open Learning. He is keen to assist students to effectively complete distance-learning and part-time programmes and succeed in gaining undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. In addition, KC leads research in innovative learning, teaching and educational administration at the University's Institute for Research in Open and Innovative Education, as its Director. Just in the last decade, he has obtained a total over US$4 million research funding. He served as the founding Research Director of HKMU between 2010 and 2023. He led his team to set up the research infrastructure and rapidly develop institutional research competence with remarkable successes. He is now leading HKMU's development in big-data analytics. KC has published 300 refereed journal articles/book chapters/conference papers and 8 monographs/textbooks, and co-edited 12 books. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief for the Asian Association of Open Universities Journal (Scopus Q1) and one of the Editors for the 'Innovation and Technology in Education' Section of SN Computer Science (Scopus Q1), has been Guest Editor of special issues for six renowned journals, as well as editorial board member for distinguished journals. Being keenly interested in research in innovative and open education, he has successfully obtained funding for a large number of research and development projects in related research areas.
Title: Higher Education in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges for Lifelong Learning and Global Learning Societies
In an era defined by technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the concept of ‘learning’ is undergoing rapid transformation. This talk explores the necessity of transitioning from a conventional education system to a Learning Society rooted in Lifelong Learning. It will investigate the role of new digital technologies in enhancing accessibility, innovation, and engagement in a new era of continuous learning, and provide an overview for educators, learners, and policymakers to leverage digital tools to foster a culture of lifelong learning. By examining case studies and best practices, this talk will outline the opportunities for and challenges of harnessing technology to create inclusive and effective learning environments that contribute to global learning societies.
