University Presidents, Experts, and Global Leaders Discuss Innovation in Higher Education and AI Utilization in the Asia-Pacific Region
Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon), in collaboration with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), held the official side event of the '2025 APEC Education Ministers' Meeting,' the 'APEC University Leaders' Forum (AULF),' on May 13 at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC JEJU).
This forum, under the theme of 'Leveraging AI in Higher Education to Address Asia-Pacific Challenges,' discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, as well as international cooperation strategies to address key issues in the Asia-Pacific region such as climate change, healthcare, and energy.
The event was attended by Park Sungmin, Director-General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Education; Thomas Schneider, Secretary General of APRU; Choi Jaewon, President of Pusan National University; as well as presidents and faculty members from the University of Oregon, University of Michigan, University of the Philippines, University of Sydney, University of Malaya, KAIST, and others. Representatives from global companies such as Google, Microsoft, Elsevier, and Huawei were also present in large numbers.
In his welcoming remarks, Director-General Park Sungmin emphasized, "AI is a core technology driving innovation and inclusive growth in higher education, and digital-based cooperation among APEC member economies is crucial." Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, also highlighted the importance of ethical AI utilization and bridging the digital divide in his video address.
President Choi Jaewon stated, "AI is more than just a research topic; it is transforming lives and social systems. Pusan National University is dedicated to fostering AI talent equipped with ethical thinking, community values, and global citizenship, and will continue to expand joint research cooperation with APEC member universities."
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Anandan from India's Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence shared cases where AI has contributed to solving real-world challenges in developing countries, such as healthcare, agriculture, and epidemic response.
The subsequent five panel sessions featured in-depth discussions on topics including AI-based solutions to Asia-Pacific challenges, expanding access to knowledge, universities in the age of AI, ethical considerations, and the impact of AI on future jobs and higher education.
In particular, the first session focused on ways in which AI can contribute to achieving the SDGs. Professor Song Giltae of Pusan National University emphasized the need to build AI infrastructure in higher education, stating, "Introducing LLM-based AI tools into university education will enable personalized learning and the utilization of administrative data."
This forum also provided opportunities for participants to network and exchange ideas through side events such as a gala dinner and a field trip held the previous day. It is being evaluated as a starting point for establishing a sustainable cooperation system among APEC and APRU member universities.
Since joining APRU as the sixth Korean university in 2021, Pusan National University has actively pursued educational and research collaborations with 62 prestigious universities in the Asia-Pacific region, and through its co-hosting of this year's AULF, has further strengthened its standing and competitiveness on the international stage.
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