8th APEC Conference on cooperation in higher education

4 September 2019

8th APEC Conference on cooperation in higher education

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Education is key in looking for answers to current challenges

“Russian Federation has a strategy for technological development. The strategy is developed to face the big challenges that the entire humanity shares. It’s healthcare, food supply, environmental safety. <…> We need to network to look for practical answers to these challenges. In this regard, science and professional education <…> plays a lead role,” Mikhail Kotyukov — Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation

“Education is one of key ways to reach peace around the world,” Kiyoshi Yamada, Tokai University Yamada Chancellor, Tokai University, Japan

“In the 21st century, communcations basically erased all borders between universities, while technology keep brining up new questions. <…> Working as unified team brings good results,” Nikita Anisimov — Rector, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)

PROBLEMS

Traditional education systems do not match the demands

“New industrial revolution <…> requires revisiting traditional and established education systems <…> On one hand, education starts to play a greater role, and on the other hand education is held accountable for humanitarian development and the acquisition of relevant competences. [Students – Ed.] get an opportunity to gain experience to resolve practical tasks. Rather than targeting current level of labor development, education should target that of the future,” Mikhail Kotyukov — Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation

“We should change the way we approach teaching. We should change the grades… <…> We should make our education platforms accessible for as many people as possible,” Gurinder Singh Professor, Amity University Group Vice Chancellor

SOLUTIONS

Expanding international cooperation in higher education

“Russia aims to increase the number of foreign students significantly: by 2 times in the next 5 years. This required a special federal programme, that supports our universities. <…> It aims to develop infrastructure in the cities where we will expect foreign students. <…> Currently, there are over 70 agreements and counting,” Mikhail Kotyukov — Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation

“Under the 4th Industrial Revolution, during this rapid ongoing change, it’s impossible to reach breakthroughs and develop on our own. Trans-border development between universities is paramount. <…> Additionally, student exchange and academic mobility is a must,” Victoria Panova — Vice-Rector for International Relations, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)

Implementation of new education methods

“Students from different countries watch lectures online. <…> Student selection and programme selection happens on the Internet,” Yuko Kobayakawa, Executive Director of the Organization for University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), Japan

“We created the first school of digital economy in Russia. We suggested a project together with BRICS countries: students will come from far and wide and will study at FEFE, and the professors will also come from different countries. We will use new modular system to organize the process” Nikita Anisimov — Rector, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)

Practice-oriented education

“We accent the practical aspect of education and it will only keep growing,” Mikhail Kotyukov — Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation

“We are about to get to a new level: professionally targeting level,” Kiyoshi Yamada, Tokai University Yamada Chancellor, Tokai University, Japan

For more information, visit the Roscongress Foundation’s Information and Analytical System www.roscongress.org

8th APEC Conference on cooperation in higher education

Read more