The Ateneo de Davao University attended the Times Higher Education (THE) Campus Live SE Asia last 22-24 November 2023 at De La Salle University, Manila.
This conference brought together academic and administrative higher education leaders along with industry partners and policy experts to discuss, debate, and plan how to achieve institutional success. It offered delegates practical advice, ideas, and solutions to the most pressing strategic challenges facing institutions—prime among them being global rankings.
The conference was attended and steered by notable trend makers in higher education. Not least of them was the THE Chief Global Affairs Officer, Mr. Phil Baty. His keynote address was on the evolution of Times Higher Education over its recent history. THE has embraced diverse metrics and priorities, evident in its 17 rankings per Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), emphasizing impact-based assessments. Notably, the Social and Economic (SE) impact rankings were highlighted with the recent closure of data collection.
A central question addressed was how to align curricula with impacts and sustainability. Thailand’s collaboration with the government was highlighted as an example, showcasing efforts to integrate sustainability into education. Top universities, as mentioned, prioritize student surveys and stay abreast of trends in employability, emphasizing the crucial link between education, societal impact, and professional preparedness. These insights set the stage for a broader exploration of the role of higher education in fostering sustainability and meaningful societal impact.
Meanwhile, in his brief yet impactful opening keynote, President Br. Bernard Oca of De La Salle University prompted attendees to reflect on what truly makes people come alive. He set the tone by emphasizing that this event was not just another conference but an opportunity to collaboratively devise meaningful and tangible plans for higher education institutions (HEIs) to serve as catalysts for economic and social transformation.
President Oca underscored the importance of advocacy at the core of rankings, particularly highlighting the significance of social impact. Being part of a Catholic University, he shared the institution’s dedication to finding viable proof of its impact in the Philippines, emphasizing a commitment to values of social responsibility and holistic formation.
The President encapsulated the purpose of life as being honorable and compassionate, urging individuals to strive not only to live, but to live well. Br. Oca conveyed a message that resonated with the essence of the conference — a collective pursuit of meaningful impact, aligned with values, and contributing to the broader goals of economic and social transformation.
The conference also highlighted the vital contributions of the Commission on Higher Education. Atty. Lily Freida Milla, representing CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III, delivered a crucial message on the regional significance of higher education as a tool for economic development. Emphasizing the pivotal role of higher education, she highlighted its potential to foster a skilled workforce, ultimately contributing to the growth of a robust knowledge economy ecosystem.
The key message underscored the importance of investing in the intellectual capital of the population. Atty. Milla conveyed the idea that well-educated individuals are not only better equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world but also play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life within a region.
The speech encapsulated the broader narrative of higher education being a driving force for economic development, serving as a means to cultivate a skilled and knowledgeable populace capable of addressing the evolving demands of the global landscape. Atty. Milla’s remarks emphasized the far-reaching impact of intellectuals in shaping the economic and social fabric of a region.
Ateneo de Davao University’s active participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Campus Live SE Asia conference showcased a commitment to exploring and understanding the transformative dynamics of Southeast Asian higher education for global impact, as well as assessing the nuances and possible value of participation in the THE World Rankings.
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