APRU - Association of Pacific Rim Universities

[APRU Delegation Visits Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University]

On the sidelines of the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference, the APRU delegation—Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive; Joey Chu, Senior Manager, Events; and Benjamin Zhou, Manager, Programs—visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University to continue discussions with colleagues and partners.

The meetings focused on strengthening existing collaborations, exploring opportunities for joint research, and expanding student mobility across the network. There was also interest in increasing engagement in APRU activities and identifying areas where institutions can work more closely together, particularly around shared challenges in urban development and sustainability.

These visits provide a valuable opportunity to reconnect in person and move forward on practical areas of collaboration.

Read more: https://www.apru.org/news/apru-delegation-visits-sjtu-and-tongji-university/

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[Living Knowledge Traditions Rooted in Land and Sea - APRU Indigenous Knowledges Workshop 2026]

The fourth in person meeting of the APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network will be hosted by the University of the Philippines and held in Boracay, Philippines, from June 16 to 20, 2026. Convened under the theme “Living Knowledge Traditions Rooted in Land and Sea: Pathways to Resilience, Innovation, and Cultural Continuity,” the meeting marks an important moment in the continued growth of the network and its commitment to cultivating meaningful collaboration among Indigenous scholars across the Pacific Rim.

The workshop takes place on the ancestral lands of the Ati people of Panay Island, whose enduring knowledge traditions remain deeply rooted in land and sea. The workshop celebrates Indigenous knowledges as living, dynamic traditions.

President Angelo Jimenez of the University of the Philippines (also Presidential Champion of the APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network) and Rector Deigo Quiroga of Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador will share perspectives from their universities to strengthen the community of scholars and advance collaborative, community centred approaches to knowledge exchange across the region.

We look forward to a week of meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and community building grounded in respect for land, sea, and people.

More: https://www.apru.org/event/apru-indigenous-knowledges-workshop-2026/

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[Call for Papers: The 21st APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium 2026]

Submissions are now open for the 21st APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium 2026, focusing on multi-hazards and related challenges.

Topics include climate-related hazards, geological risks, cascading and compound hazards, community resilience, urban planning, public health and equity, governance, and the use of data and AI for resilience.

Abstract submission deadline: July 31

Hosted by Yonsei University, the symposium will be held on December 3-5. It will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond to share insights and exchange ideas on disaster risk reduction and resilience.

It continues APRU’s long-standing work in interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing issues such as climate change, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

More: https://www.apru.org/event/the-21th-apru-multi-hazards-symposium-2026/

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[APRU Open Dialogues 6th Cohort Convenes Students Across the Pacific Rim to Explore AI, Mental Health, and Culture]

The APRU Open Dialogues 6th Cohort, hosted by Tecnológico de Monterrey, convened students from 14 universities to explore AI, mental health, and culture through open, intercultural dialogue—building empathy, understanding, and collaboration across borders.

These spaces are essential for helping students develop the global and human‑centered skills needed to navigate today’s challenges.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming 7th Cohort this September.

More: https://www.apru.org/news/apru-open-dialogues-6th-cohort-convenes-students/

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[ETIH Innovation Awards Winners: APRU Tech Policy Hackathon wins Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education]

We’re grateful for the recognition.

The APRU Tech Policy Hackathon 2025 was awarded Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education by EdTech Innovation Hub (ETIH), reflecting an effort to try something a little different.

The program was designed as a space for students to work across disciplines and engage with real policy challenges, not just technical prompts. Developed by APRU with partners including data.org, Google, and the NUS Fintech Lab, it grew into a more collaborative and applied experience than initially imagined.

The award recognised not only the quality of the hackathon itself, but also a more collaborative and socially focused approach to innovation that APRU has been building across the region.

From early ideas to final prototypes in Bangkok, it was encouraging to see students take on issues like financial inclusion, digital trust, and responsible AI in ways that felt practical and grounded.

More: https://www.edtechinnovationhub.com/news/etih-innovation-awards-winners-apru-tech-policy-hackathon-wins-best-use-of-edtech-in-higher-education

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[Participate at the UC Davis Entrepreneurship and International Business Program]

The Entrepreneurship and International Business (4-week) program at UC Davis introduces international students to global business concepts through courses in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and intercultural research. Students build English fluency, critical thinking, and leadership skills while engaging with real-world business challenges, industry experts, and hands-on learning experiences.

Who can participate: The program is designed for university students, but is open to anyone who would like to participate

Dates:
Summer Session II: August 7-September 4, 2026

Duration: 4 weeks

Application Deadlines: 60 days before the program start date (early June)

More:
https://cie.ucdavis.edu/academic-preparation-and-pathway-programs/entrepreneurship-international-business-4-week

Apply here: https://extensionpv.ucdavis.edu/portal/applications/applicationProfile.do?method=loadApplicationIndex&applicationProfileId=37324237

Contact: [email protected]

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[Welcome to APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2026]

The APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2026 has kicked off with its online pre-arrival orientation, as students from across the Pacific Rim begin connecting ahead of their time at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech).

This year’s theme, “Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics”, looks at how social robotics and embedded AI are shaping everyday life, industry, and society.

With the in-person program in Shenzhen coming up, participants are getting to know each other, hearing from the program team, and preparing for what’s ahead over the next few weeks.

Program Dates (in Shenzhen): June 22 to July 3, 2026

More: https://www.apru.org/event/apru-undergraduate-leaders-program-2026/

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[Final Call for Submissions: GLOW 2026 – The Global Conference for Women Leaders & Emerging Researchers in Materials Science]

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore is excited to invite submissions for GLOW 2026 – the Global Conference for Women Leaders and Emerging Researchers in Materials Science, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in Singapore.

Submit your work, showcase your ideas, and be part of a global platform shaping the future of materials science.

Deadline: May 31, 2026
🎓 Open to all researchers for abstract submission, with “Prestigious Travel Awards” available

More: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mse/news-events/events/glow2026

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