Asia Pacific positions internationalisation as a force for global good at APAIE 2026

More than 3,000 participants from 70 countries and regions gathered in Hong Kong this week for the 2026 Asia Pacific Association for International Education conference (APAIE), the largest in APAIE’s history.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical strain and tightening policies in some traditional study destinations, the tone was pragmatic and outward-looking. Delegates repeatedly framed mobility and cross-border partnerships not only as economic drivers, but as tools for advancing the global good.

Venky Shankararaman, APAIE president and vice provost (education) at Singapore Management University, said the gathering came at a “pivotal moment”.

The world is seeing “nations retreat into self interest, partnerships fraying under pressure and global good being reduced to empty rhetoric” but according to Shankararaman, Asia Pacific has an opportunity – and an obligation – to demonstrate a different way forward.

Christine Choi, Hong Kong’s education secretary said that Hong Kong – already with its highly internationalised and diversified academic environment – is “ready to play its part” in partnering for global good.

Speaking to The PIE News, Marnie Watson, vice president global at Griffith University, underscored the importance of universities across the Asia Pacific working together “to help tackle the challenges that cross borders, challenges of climate, sustainability, digital security and public health.”

“At this point in time, international education has never been more important. For me, it’s an important cultural bridge, an important diplomatic engagement force and it enables economic growth and research,” said Watson.

International education has never been more important… it’s an important cultural bridge, an important diplomatic engagement force and it enables economic growth and research
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Several speakers described the current moment as a “rebalance” of international mobility, as Asia Pacific consolidates its role as both a destination and a partner.

Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia were among the many delegations present in Hong Kong, with each country pursuing government-backed ambitions to grow its international education sector.

Timely news came during the conference that Japan has surpassed its international student target eight years ahead of schedule. New data from the Immigration Services Agency shows international student numbers reached 435,000 in June 2025 – an 8% year-on-year increase – surpassing the government’s goal of 400,000 well ahead of its 2033 deadline.

Vietnam, meanwhile, has set out its own ambitions to internationalise higher education, with policymakers increasingly focused on research capacity, English-medium provision and positioning the country as both a sender and host of talent.

Malaysia – which will host APAIE in 2027 – is also stepping up its global engagement. With a long track record in transnational education partnerships, the country’s newly launched Higher Education Plan sets out ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional education hub, expand international enrolments and deepen research collaboration, while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality assurance for domestic students.

The APAIE conference will return in 2027, taking place March 21-15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, exploring the theme of ‘Humanity in the AI age: engaging Asia Pacific perspectives”.

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