Universitas Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international collaboration by participating in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026, held from 23–26 February 2026 in Hong Kong, China. The conference is one of the largest higher education networking events in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together universities, education professionals, and institutional leaders to explore partnerships and discuss emerging trends in international education.
During the three-day meeting, delegates exchanged updates on ongoing initiatives, including academic mobility schemes, joint lecture series, collaborative research projects, and capacity-building activities. The discussion also focused on planning for upcoming programs in 2026 and reaffirming AUA’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and regional cooperation.
UI’s participation in this forum reflects its continued dedication to strengthening international partnerships and contributing actively to the development of higher education in Asia.
The UI delegation was led by the Rector, Prof. Heri Hermansyah, who attended a series of high-level discussions, bilateral meetings, and networking events throughout the conference. Upon arrival in Hong Kong on 24 February 2026, the delegation participated in the APAIE 2026 Opening Ceremony and Keynote Session at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which highlighted the theme of strengthening Asia-Pacific partnerships for global good.
One of the key highlights of UI’s participation was the Rector’s involvement in the Presidents’ Dialogue: Building Resilience and Trust in an Era of Global Risks, an invitation-only discussion forum attended by leaders of higher education institutions from around the world. During the session, Prof. Heri Hermansyah delivered a speech titled “The Mandate for Future-Proofing Education,” emphasizing the need for universities to adapt to rapid technological developments, geopolitical shifts, climate change, and economic uncertainty. He highlighted that higher education institutions must go beyond transmitting knowledge and instead equip students with the skills and resilience needed to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.
In his remarks, the Rector stressed that collaboration among universities is essential in transforming global disruptions into opportunities. He noted that the strength of higher education lies in its diversity and capacity for innovation, and that closer international cooperation can foster the development of agile innovators and globally minded graduates with integrity.
Throughout the conference, the UI delegation actively engaged in numerous bilateral meetings with existing and prospective partner institutions from across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Discussions explored opportunities for academic cooperation, including student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, dual degree programs, and short-term academic collaborations.
In addition to formal meetings, the delegation participated in several networking receptions hosted by international partners and higher education networks, providing further opportunities to strengthen institutional relationships and expand UI’s global engagement.
On the final day of the conference, the Rector held a meeting with the Chief Executive of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to discuss potential collaboration. The delegation also conducted a visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology before returning to Jakarta.
UI’s participation in APAIE 2026 marked the university’s return to the conference after a three-year hiatus. Through active engagement in strategic dialogues and extensive partnership meetings, the university successfully reinforced its role in the global higher education community. The event also provided valuable opportunities to expand UI’s international network, explore new collaborative initiatives, and strengthen its institutional reputation in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Overall, the conference contributed significantly to advancing Universitas Indonesia’s strategic goals in internationalization by fostering partnerships, enhancing academic mobility opportunities, and strengthening global cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges of higher education.
