Global connections, local impact: Creating 21st century skills, knowledge and impact for society-wide good
In 2015, Malaysia launched a ten-year national Blueprint for Higher Education that aims to nurture talent, reinforce global standards and develop graduates for 21st century life. Going Global, the British Council's annual higher education conference, will be held there in 2018, in a country which has a growing reputation as a higher education hub in the region.
Tertiary institutions in the 21st century are both globally connected and locally engaged, playing an important role in communities. They help to develop globally minded citizens, acting as conduits to international partnerships, creating the conditions for industry collaboration and social innovation. They also act as agents of social change, inclusion and mobility.
This year's conference will seek to answer these questions:
- Against the backdrop of financial, environmental and political challenges how can leaders and policymakers develop a well-understood role for institutions in terms of their social obligation and knowledge economy impact?
- What are the priorities in ensuring national tertiary education is fit to shape societies of the future, meet the future needs of students, employers and communities?
- How can global tertiary networks contribute to their achievement?
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recently realised a five-decade dream of bringing together its ten member states (including Malaysia) to form an economic community, bringing social progress, stability and greater opportunity to the region.
With 15 million students enrolled across the region, at the heart of this transformation is the role of tertiary education and the contribution to society and cultural understanding, economic growth and employability. The opportunities and subsequent challenges raised are in fact reflected across the globe.
