How can universities go beyond delivering academic knowledge to equip students with the ability to adapt, thrive, and succeed in an increasingly fast-changing world?
This was one of the key questions explored at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2026, a leading annual gathering for the higher education community across the Asia-Pacific region.
Organized by global higher education analytics and insights provider QS Quacquarelli Symonds, in partnership with host institution BINUS University, the summit took place from 3-5 November 2026 at the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), Indonesia.
Bringing together more than 1,000 university leaders, academics, and global experts, the event provided a strategic platform to exchange perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education and the future of learning.
Beyond celebrating educational achievements, discussions focused on how universities can redefine their strategies, roles, and priorities in response to a rapidly changing world. With AI reshaping industries and society, how should higher education institutions rethink their curricula, teaching approaches, and industry connections to develop future-ready graduates who can navigate transformation and contribute meaningfully to communities worldwide?
DR. NGUYEN PHUONG ANH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
As part of the summit, Potenso was honored to have Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh, Founder & CEO of Potenso, join the panel discussion titled “Learning Beyond the Classroom.”
Drawing on her experience across academia, the corporate sector, and education leadership, Dr. Phuong Anh shared insights into the gap between what students learn in university and the practical competencies they need to succeed in the workplace.
The discussion highlighted several important areas:
Building practical competencies early: Preparing young people with real-world skills and workplace readiness before they enter the job market.
Strengthening educational pathways: Creating stronger connections between secondary education and higher education to ensure a more seamless learning journey.
Expanding access to experiential learning: project-based internships to provide students with broader opportunities to gain real world problem solving skills and industry exposure.
These perspectives reinforced the importance of bringing education closer to real-world industry needs and creating more meaningful learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.
CONNECTING WITH APAC UNIVERSITY LEADERS: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF AI
Beyond the panel session, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh also participated in discussions and networking sessions with university leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, exchanging perspectives on the key forces shaping the future of education.
Key topics included graduate employability and practical approaches to strengthening students’ career readiness, such as international student exchange programs, international internships, and university–industry collaboration.
The growing influence of AI on education was another major focus. Discussions explored opportunities to integrate AI-powered tutoring systems (AI Tutors), automate university administrative and operational processes (AI Automation), and rethink how students at different educational levels -from primary school to university - acquire knowledge and develop essential competencies.
These conversations highlighted an important point: the future of education is not simply about bringing more technology into classrooms. It is about how educational institutions, businesses, and learning organizations work together to create relevant, engaging, and future-oriented learning experiences.
For Potenso, the summit was a valuable opportunity to strengthen international connections, exchange global insights, and contribute perspectives on practical, industry-connected learning models that better prepare young people for the future.
💬 In your view, what are the most important competencies universities should equip students with to thrive in the age of AI?
We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!