UI Rector Calls for Higher Education Transformation in the Asia-Pacific

The University of Indonesia (UI) Rector, Prof. Heri Hermansyah, called for a transformation of higher education at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026.

Speaking at the President’s Dialogue Session during the annual APAIE 2026 conference, Heri Hermansyah stressed the importance of adaptability and integrity in higher education in the face of disruptive times.

“Disruptions caused by accelerating technology, climate change, geopolitical dynamics, and economic uncertainty have become a global reality. Therefore, higher education institutions can no longer simply serve as knowledge providers, but must be able to equip students with the capacity to face ever-changing challenges,” he said in a statement in Depok, Thursday.

He said that higher education must go beyond traditional models. “We need to prepare students not only for today’s professions, but for future challenges that have not even been defined,” he said.

Adaptability, he continued, emphasises the ability of students to think critically, be creative, and be resilient.

Lifelong learning includes strengthening project-based learning, collaboration with industry, global mobility, and a sustainable re-skilling and up-skilling ecosystem.

Responsibility, he said, ensures that growth and innovation remain in line with the principles of sustainability and social inclusion.

“The goal of higher education is not just to produce graduates who are ready to work, but to form agile innovators and global citizens with integrity,” said Heri Hermansyah.

APAIE 2026 is an international Asia-Pacific education conference and exhibition held from 23-27 February 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.

The conference was attended by approximately 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries and regions, consisting of higher education leaders, policymakers, and international education industry professionals.