Programme

 Keynote Speech 1    Day 2 - 10:40-11:10 

Mr Albert H P Chow is currently the Executive Director of HKCAAVQ.  Prior to joining HKCAAVQ, Mr Chow was the Director of General Administration of Hong Kong Baptist University. He has also served as the Head of Academic Quality Assurance of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Director of Qualifications cum Registrar of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). He has broad expertise in higher education, and vocational and professional education and training sectors in Hong Kong and beyond.

Internationally, Mr Chow has made significant contributions to the education and professional practice agreements in the engineering and information technology fields. Over the years, he has led HKIE projects in outcome-based accreditation and out-of-jurisdiction accreditation that are recognised by international agreements under the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord and Seoul Accord. Mr Chow was also chairman/member of a number of working groups and committees set up by the Government and the public sectors.

 Topic 

Development of Universities of Applied Sciences in Hong Kong

 Anstract 

This keynote address provides exposition and reflection of UAS development in Hong Kong in line with development of international education hub. The purposes of its establishment together with its strategic aspirations will be elaborated together with an initial exploration of the challenges ahead. This address will form the background of the subsequent discussions of Plenary 1 by the Heads of members of Alliance of UAS.

 Keynote Speech 2    Day 2 - 13:45-14:15 

Dr HATTORI Yasunao is the President of the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE). He holds a Ph.D. in Science from the University of Tsukuba and is specializing in topology. Prior to his current role, he served as President of Shimane University from 2015 to 2024. Dr. Hattori has extensive experience in higher education reform, academic evaluation, and quality assurance in Japan’s higher education system.

 Topic 

Bridging the Academia-Industry Gap: Insights from Japanese Universities and the Role of QA Agencies in Asia

 Abstract 

In Japan, as in many other parts of Asia, the gap between academic education and the evolving needs of industry remains a critical issue. As universities strive to align their educational content with the actual demands from society, incorporating industry voices into curriculum design and course implementation is becoming increasingly urgent and important.

This presentation will first introduce initiatives at Japanese universities aimed at addressing this gap. These include not only internships and entrepreneurship education, but also cases in which industry partners are actively engaged in the design and delivery of academic courses.

In addition, we will highlight efforts led by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), to address this gap by fostering highly skilled professionals in growing sectors.

Through these cases, we will discuss how QA agencies can contribute to facilitating smooth transitions for learners—from secondary to higher education, and from higher education to industry—by promoting dialogue among stakeholders, developing evaluation frameworks suited to diverse contexts, and strengthening the evolving role of quality assurance across the Asia region.

 Keynote Speech 3    Day 2 - 15:45-16:15

Mr Bert Verhoeven leads Australia’s premier interdisciplinary, competency-driven Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at the University of Newcastle (UON), built on a Human-Centric, GenAI-First pedagogy. As founder of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy, he fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration with industry and global partners, applying Design Science, entrepreneurial competencies, and Generative AI to drive innovation and impact.

His recent work examines how GenAI disrupts traditional assurance of learning (AoL). Drawing on 30 months of action research, he developed the 3P AoL model—Product, Process, Person (Reflection)—which delivers verifiable, developmental evidence of learning in AI-integrated curricula, bridging pedagogical innovation with global quality assurance.

 Topic 

AI as a Pedagogical Shift: Rethinking Assurance of Learning in Higher Education

 Abstract 

The proliferation of Generative AI (GenAI) fundamentally challenges traditional assurance of learning (AoL) mechanisms in higher education. Text-based assessments can no longer be relied upon as evidence of individual achievement when AI can instantly generate sophisticated content. This keynote introduces a Human-Centric, GenAI-First (HCAIF) pedagogical framework, developed through 30 months of action research at the University of Newcastle’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship program.

Central to this work is the 3P AoL model—Product, Process, Person (Reflection)—which establishes verifiable, developmental evidence of learning in AI-integrated environments. By embedding programmatic, competency-driven assessment, diversifying modalities (written, oral, practical, digital artefacts), and mandating transparent AI use through prompt logs and reproducibility checks, the model ensures integrity, depth, and relevance in student learning outcomes.

The keynote will explore how this approach bridges pedagogical innovation with global quality assurance, offering higher education leaders practical pathways to uphold standards while embracing AI’s transformative potential.

 Keynote Speech 4    Day 3 - 09:00-09:30

Dr Fengchun Miao is the Lead in AI and Futures of Education in HQs of UNESCO and had been the Chief for AI in Education for more than 14 years. He also holds an academic title of Professor in AI in Education. He is leading the development of guidance for policies on AI in education and AI competency development for teachers and students. He has led the drafting of over 30 important reports of UNESCO on digital learning and AI in education, including AI Competency Framework for Teachers, AI competency Framework for Students, Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research, “AI and Education: Guidance for Policy-makers”, and Beijing Consensus on AI and Education. Five of his publications on AI in education have been ranked top 10 most consulted titles in UNESCO for more than one year with more than 10 of his publications ranked top 50.

 Topic 

Human-centred AI Competency Development

 Keynote Speech 5    Day 3 - 13:50-14:20

Dr Lucas Kavlie is an experienced higher education leader with deep expertise in institutional accreditation, regulatory affairs, and competency-based education. Known for navigating complex compliance landscapes, fostering student success, and leading strategic institutional initiatives, Dr. Kavlie is adept at building cross-functional teams, managing large-scale transitions, and aligning operations with state and federal requirements. He is a passionate advocate for reimagining education to improve access, affordability, and workforce readiness.

 Topic 

From Compliance to Co-Creation: Reimagining Quality Assurance in the AI Age

 Abstract 

Higher education institutions and industries must forge deeper, more dynamic partnerships to maintain relevance in the current age of Artificial Intelligence. As they do, the role of external quality assurance (EQA) must evolve from gatekeeping to guidance. In other words, EQAs must move from enforcing static standards to co-creating future-ready frameworks. In a world shaped by rapid technological change, global labor shifts, and the urgent call of the SDGs, traditional models of accreditation and regulation risk becoming barriers to the very innovation they seek to ensure.

This keynote explores how quality assurance agencies and institutional leaders can work in concert to support responsible, inclusive, and future-aligned industry collaborations. Drawing on lessons from national and international practice, we will examine emerging quality paradigms that honor both professional relevance and academic integrity. From co-designed micro-credentials to AI-enabled teaching and assessment, this session will offer a roadmap for building mutual trust, ensuring accountability, and supporting student success in ways that are both rigorous and responsive.

Moving beyond compliance for its own sake, we will embrace a model of co-creation where quality assurance is not a finish line, but a foundation for meaningful collaboration.

 Plenary Session 1    Chair & Commentator    Day 2 - 11:15-12:15

Professor Sheelagh Matear is an independent consultant with over twenty years experience in quality assurance, governance, and strategy in higher education.

From 2016 to 2024 she was the Executive Director of the Academic Quality Agency for the New Zealand Universities. Sheelagh led the development of the sixth cycle of academic audits for New Zealand universities. This introduced a novel configuration for academic audits that includes a collective enhancement phase and the development of students as members of academic audit panels.

Prior to joining the AQA, Sheelagh was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Lincoln University in New Zealand with responsibility for students and academic quality. She has been a member of academic audit panels in New Zealand and has also conducted international academic audits and reviews. 

 Plenary Session 2    Chair & Commentator    Day 2 - 14:20-15:20 

Ir Professor Richard Yuen is a Chair Professor of Architectural Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong. He served as Chief-of-Staff (Vice President) from 2020-2023, Head of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 2018-2019 and the Acting Director of Communications and Public Relations Office in 2019, City University of Hong Kong.

Ir Professor Yuen obtained his first degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong in 1981 and PhD from the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Australia, in 1998. His research interests include fire safety and engineering, pyrolysis and combustion, applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fire retardant materials, neural network modelling applications in fire engineering, HVAC and control engineering.

Ir Professor Yuen is a Registered Professional Engineer, a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) UK, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) USA and a fellow of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). He has been engaged in research consultancies with industries and served actively in professional institutions. He is also the Founding Member of the Disciplinary Advisory Panel of Fire Discipline of HKIE. He had served previously as a member of the Examination Board for Lift and Escalator Engineers of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; the Fire Safety Committee; Inspector Registration Committee of the Buildings Department, and the Engineering Panel of the Research Grants Council of HKSAR. Since 2021, he has been appointed as a member of Member of Fire Services Training Advisory Committee on Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA), Fire Services Department, HKSAR. Ir Professor Yuen is currently the Council Vice-chairman and Chairman of the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). In November 2023, Ir Professor Yuen has been appointed as the member of Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education by Education Bureau, HKSAR.

 Plenary Session 3    Chair & Commentator    Day 3 - 09:35-10:35 

With over three decades of experience in higher education, Prof Cicek has had the privilege of serving in 12 institutions across 10 countries on three continents.

As a Business Professor and lifelong learner, he currently serves as an international senior advisor/expert in the Internationalization of Higher Education, Quality Assurance & Accreditation, and Global University Rankings. Over the years, he has been actively involved in Teaching and Learning including TVET, Research and Development, the Third Mission, and various international projects in Higher Education landscape.

Throughout Prof Cicek's career, he has made significant contributions—through various roles—to numerous Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Quality Assurance Agencies (QAAs), Ministries, Councils, and regional and international Networks and Associations in countries such as the UAE (Dubai), Singapore, Switzerland, Northern Cyprus, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, the United States, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

Prof Cicek holds and has held several prominent leadership and senior advisory positions in the global higher education community. He currently serves as an elected Board Director of INQAAHE (International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education) and, since 2022, as a member of the CHEA-CIQG (Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s International Quality Group) Advisory Council in the USA. He is the current President of IQA (Association of Quality Assurance Agencies of the Islamic World) and Past Vice President of CEENQA (Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education).

Additionally, he serves on the Accreditation Committee of the British Accreditation Council (BAC) in the UK (since 2020) and is a member of the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). He also acts as an International Advisor to THEQC (Türkiye Higher Education Quality Council) and Senior Advisor to E-Quadrat Science & Education. Since January 2025, he has been appointed as a Member of the International Strategic Partners Council of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of Kazakhstan.

He plays a key role as an Advisory Board member, panel chair, evaluator, and senior consultant for many institutional and program-level accreditation bodies worldwide, including organizations such as NVAO, AQAS, MFHEA, NAKVIS, QAA, THEQC, FIBAA, KAA, and BQA, across regions including the Americas, Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East.

His professional involvement also includes participation in various European Union-funded projects as an external evaluator, senior national expert, researcher, and trainer. As a recognized keynote speaker and panelist, he has been invited to speak at numerous international conferences and academic forums. He continues to serve as an international consultant in Quality Assurance, Accreditation, and Rankings for prestigious HEIs and leading international and national organizations, including the OECD, UNESCO, the European Union, Ministries, QA agencies, and global higher education networks.

 Plenary Session 1    Day 2 - 11:15-12:15

Professor Paul Lam is President and Chair Professor of Environmental Chemistry of Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

Professor Lam is a scholar and expert in environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and environmental risk assessment. 

In community service, Professor Lam is currently Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Ex-officio Member of the Education Commission and Member of the Advisory Committee on the Northern Metropolis. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2008 and was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2014 by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

 Abstract 

Hong Kong’s universities of applied sciences are redefining the city’s future by bridging academia and industry, forging connections that elevate graduate employability and drive economic innovation. Recent policy support has empowered these institutions to establish meaningful industry partnerships, shaping graduate outcomes through joint curriculum development, internships, and applied research initiatives. At the forefront of this strategic vision is Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)—the city’s first university of applied sciences—which demonstrates how applied science institutions can shape tomorrow’s workforce. Serving as secretariat for the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences, HKMU collaborates with leading industry bodies, chambers of commerce, and global partners, setting a model for impact.

With over 140 degree programmes, HKMU places professional and practical learning at its core, offering flagship applied degrees spanning aviation, business, engineering, and healthcare. Notable collaborations—such as the Aviation Services Management degree co-developed with the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy—combine rigorous academic study with hands-on industry training and real-world projects. Industry advisory boards, frequent exchanges with local and international institutions, and strategic alliances ensure that academic programmes remain finely tuned to market needs—preparing graduates for Hong Kong’s most high-demand sectors. Beyond joint curriculum design and diverse internship and training opportunities that support talent development, the University is also actively collaborating with industry on applied research projects, co-funded by government and business, to accelerate knowledge transfer and foster innovation.

As our education landscape continues to diversify, this strategic alliance between universities of applied sciences and industry will remain a cornerstone of sustainable growth and prosperity—ensuring Hong Kong’s professional talent thrives in the dynamic years ahead.

 Plenary Session 1   Day 2 - 11:15-12:15

Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung is President of Saint Francis University (SFU).

Prior to joining the SFU, he was President of The Education University of Hong Kong, holding the concurrent title of Chair Professor of Public Policy, from 2013 to 2023 and Dean and Chair Professor of Finance, School of Business at the Hong Kong Baptist University from 2009 to 2013.  

Cheung has actively participated in a wide range of community services.  He was Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee and a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Asian Bond Fund Hong Kong Bond Index Fund of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund Task Force, the Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Consultation Panel of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Nursing and Midwifery Sub-Group of the Steering Committee on Strategic Review on Healthcare Manpower Planning and Professional Development.  He was also Member of the Commission on Poverty, the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Part-time Member of the Central Policy Unit.

He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2019, Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2009 and was appointed as Justice of the Peace in 2007 by the HKSAR Government.  He was also bestowed the Distinction of "Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques" by the French Government in 2017.

 Abstract 

Being the youngest private university and the second University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Hong Kong, Saint Francis University (SFU) supports the Government’s goals in promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training and expansion of articulation pathways which are parallel to conventional academic education to create more opportunities of upward mobility and success for learners of different backgrounds who can help alleviate the critical shortage of needed professional manpower.

As a UAS, SFU is committed to strengthen its industry involvement in supporting its application, operation and evaluation of applied degree education, mentorships as well as research and innovation development that aligns with its strategic directions.  The University’s Industry-University Partnerships Office, to be established in the near future under the support of the Education Bureau’s Quality Enhancement Support Scheme, will provide services in six key areas, namely internship and graduate placement, experiential learning, continuing education and professional development, industry involvement in academic provisions, joint research and innovation projects, as well as community outreach and engagement.

Apart from its plan for offering more applied degree programmes, SFU also aims to excel in applied and practice research with impacts through strategic collaboration with industries.  Riding on its good relationships and long-term partnerships with a variety of industries, the University has successfully secured funding and has conducted collaborative impactful research with non-governmental organizations, government organizations, charity organizations and corporations. The applied and practice research we have conducted so far includes need study for service development, evaluation study on project or programme effectiveness, consultancy study and policy research.  These studies provide evidence for application and sharing of knowledge, generating social impacts, and is consistent with the economic and social development of Hong Kong.

To address the community’s possible misunderstanding and even worry that UASs are too “applied” and too “science”, and may ignore the liberal arts elements in education, SFU would like to stress its commitment to techno-humanities.  An example is the Saint Francis Prizes in Techno-Humanities, which have been granted by the University to world renowned scholars in 2022 and 2024, testifying its emphasis on both applied sciences and humanities.

As a member of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences, SFU will work with other members of the Alliance and the relevant stakeholders to provide education and training in areas where there is a shortage of manpower needed by the industry and community which cannot easily be met by publicly funded university places alone.  The University will also maintain its programme diversity and leverage the flexibility of a self-financing institute in integrating work-based learning with interdisciplinarity that will address its students’ learning needs and contribute to Hong Kong’s future development.

 Plenary Session 1   Day 2 - 11:15-12:15

Professor Lau is a world-renowned expert in applied science education. His research areas cover advanced materials, renewable energy, and nanostructured composites. In 2009, he was the first non-US scholar to receive the Ernest L. Boyer Award for Excellence in International Teaching, Learning, and Technology for his philosophy of integrating industrial elements into university education. He began his career as a craft apprentice, then became an engineer and ultimately a scientist. He is a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. His research has advanced the commercialization and applications of product development. To date, he holds eighteen patents covering technologies related to sensors and actuators, high-performance materials, and therapeutic devices. He has been consistently ranked in the top 2% of Stanford scientists for many years. He currently leads two national projects related to hydrogen energy and electric vehicle battery recycling.

 Abstract 

The spirit of applied science education is to produce graduates who are ready for work to support local and neighbouring industries. Its academic research should be closely aligned with the needs of industry and the community, from now to the future. To achieve this goal, university’s academic programmes, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels should be designed to fully consider and project industry needs, as well as potential talent shortages over the next three to five years, rather than simply addressing immediate challenges. Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)'s academic programmes are guided by industry needs, with conducting in-depth analysis of future labour shortages and technological developments in the region to ensure timely workforce supply and promote economic growth. Industry financial and in-kind investments in our academic programmes focus on niche markets rather than narrow disciplinary areas. Taking into account the rapid development of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity, integrating these elements into programmes’ curriculum is a MUST to support emerging industries. This will help graduates acquire sufficient and up-to-date knowledge necessary to support and adapt to future development of the country. Strategically providing in-house and on-site practical training is crucial for students to understand the reality of the workplace. In this session, we will share with the audience a comprehensive industry-institution-research collaboration model and explore future directions of cross-institutional, cross-industry, and cross-national activities.

 Plenary Session 1    Day 2 - 11:15-12:15

Professor Sally Chan is the third President of Tung Wah College. She is recognised globally for her work as a healthcare educator and researcher, bringing extensive leadership experience from universities in Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong. Her career spans research, teaching, and practice, with her studies primarily focusing on digital mental health care and psychosocial treatments. From 2020 to 2025, she was listed by Stanford University among the top 2% most-cited scientists worldwide—ranking highest among nursing scholars in Hong Kong. Professor Chan has been honoured for her significant and sustained contribution to healthcare and education, improving the profession and the people it serves. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was inducted into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) in 2013. In 2022, she received an Honorary Fellowship from the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing and became a Fellow Ad Eundem at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong granted her the Australian Consul-General’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 2024. In 2025, she made history as the first Hong Kong scholar to win Sigma’s “Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award.”

 Abstract 

Hong Kong's policy support for Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) is creating a practical higher education track that connects professional training with industry needs. UAS collaborate with employers on curriculum, offer workplace learning and internships, and conduct applied research benefiting industry and society.

Tung Wah College (TWC) serves as a prime example of this approach. Recognising the importance of industry collaboration in preparing students for dynamic career landscapes, TWC regards partnerships with employers as fundamental to its educational philosophy. These relationships ensure curricula are relevant and responsive to contemporary professional needs. Through strategic alliances with partners such as health and social care providers, commercial and technology firms, and community organisations, TWC provides students with opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and applied research. This emphasis on bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills promotes innovation and adaptability among graduates. TWC’s approach extends beyond conventional instruction by involving industry experts in programme development, curriculum design, guest lectures, internships, and mentorship programmes, which enhances the overall educational experience and ensures graduates acquire competencies valued by employers.

TWC is Hong Kong’s only self-financing tertiary institution offering five accredited degrees in nursing and allied health. Its programmes meet industry standards set by relevant boards and councils and emphasise practical learning through internships, leading to strong job prospects—90% of 2024 graduates entered healthcare after graduation.

Collaborative research initiatives with industry partners further enhance advancements in healthcare delivery and digital health innovations, underscoring TWC’s commitment to impactful scholarship. By engaging actively with industry, TWC consolidates its role as a catalyst for workforce development and social advancement, demonstrating how higher education can effect positive change through substantive collaboration.