Forum
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.
Forum Panelists
Joane V. Serrano
Chancellor
University of the Philippines Open University
Dr. Joane V. Serrano is the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and a Professor whose work centers on open and distance e-learning (ODeL), digital transformation in higher education, and technology-enabled inclusive learning. She has been a strong advocate for leveraging flexible and online learning modalities to expand access to quality higher education, particularly for learners and communities underserved by traditional education.
Her leadership has advanced UPOU's digital innovation initiatives, including the strategic integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance learner engagement and support systems. Her research explores digital learning environments, learner support frameworks, digital trust, and the responsible use of educational technologies to ensure meaningful and equitable learning experiences.
Deeply committed to ethical and people-centered innovation, Dr. Serrano promotes the thoughtful adoption of AI in open education to strengthen inclusion, institutional resilience, and academic quality. As Chancellor, she envisions UPOU as a transformative university of the future: one that harnesses artificial intelligence and open learning innovations to build sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready education systems.
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.
Morris Jong Siu Yung
Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Director, Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies
Dean of Students, Shaw College
Associate Director, Hong Kong Institute of Educational Research
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Professor Jong Siu Yung, Morris is a distinguished academic at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) where he serves as Professor in Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Associate Director of Hong Kong Institute of Educational Research, and Dean of Students of Shaw College. His research foci are AI/ VR/ XR in education, AI/ STEM education, and teacher professional development on technology-enhanced pedagogies. Professor Jong holds important positions in international and regional research communities, serving as Co-Chair of IEEE Education Society Technical Committee on Learning Sciences, Co-Editor in Chief of International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, Chair of IEEE R10—Hong Kong Section LMAG, and Vice-President of China Association of Educational Technology Professional Committee on Digital Game-based Learning. Since 2021, he has been listed among Stanford University's top 2% most-cited scientists globally. More recently, Professor Jong has been recognized as Highly Ranked Scholar 2025 (Top 0.05%) in Education by ScholarGPS.
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.
Forum Moderator
Matthew YEUNG Chi-hei
Dean, School of Open Learning
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Workshop
Workshop 1: Immersive Metaverse Learning for Children's Cyber Harm Awareness
The rise of the metaverse presents new opportunities for education and entertainment, but also introduces serious risks for children, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. This study presents CyberNinjas, a VR-based system developed using the design science research paradigm to enhance children's awareness of cyber harm in immersive environments. By integrating interactive storytelling and gamified learning, the system engages children while promoting critical thinking and safe online behaviour. Evaluations with participants showed high engagement and a significant improvement in cyber safety awareness. User feedback confirmed the system's educational value, while expert reviews validated its alignment with curriculum needs. This research contributes to the fields of cyber safety and education by offering a scalable, immersive framework for safety education and demonstrating the effective use of design science in developing socially responsible technologies. The CyberNinjas initiative addresses a critical gap in preparing young users to navigate the metaverse safely and responsibly.
Speaker
William Yeoh
Professor, the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
William Yeoh is a Professor at the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Hong Kong Metropolitan University. Previously, he was with Deakin University's Deakin Business School, where he also served as Innovation Head at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre. His research has been supported by various funding bodies and published in top-tier journals. His contributions to research, teaching, and service have been recognised through national and international awards, including the Researcher of the Year Award from the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Exemplary Lecturer Award from the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP WG 8.4), the ICT Educator of the Year Gold Award from the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Australia's Top 25 Analytics Leaders Award from the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia (IAPA), IBM Faculty Awards, Deakin Faculty Research Excellence Award, and Deakin Vice-Chancellor's Award for Value Innovation for his leadership of the IBM Centre of Excellence in Business Analytics. He is also an elected Fellow of the Australian Computer Society.
