October 29, 2024
From October 9 to 11, 2024, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Senior International Leaders¡¯ Meeting 2024 (SILM), was held at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app Mita Campus.
At the meeting, which was attended by a record number of 90 participants from 44 member universities, lively discussions took place under the theme of "Learning without Limits." Participants actively engaged with each other on issues facing higher education amidst a rapidly evolving global community, and the future prospects of APRU activities, among other topics.
In his keynote speech, titled "Higher Education in the Age of AI," President Kohei Itoh discussed the innovations in higher education brought about by AI, and how we should establish a proper approach to AI, such as by addressing cybersecurity threats and implementing legislation. He also introduced recent AI-related initiatives at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app, includingthe AI and Advanced Programming Consortium (AIC), collaboration withCarnegie Mellon University and industry partners, and the establishment of the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app AI Center.
During the panel discussion, titled "Learning without Limits, Perspectives from Japanese Universities," Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya served as the moderator, accompanied by panelists Toshiya Ueki, executive vice president of Tohoku University, and Natalie Konomi, vice president for international affairs and diversity at Kyushu University. The discussion covered a wide range of issues facing Japanese universities, including expanding opportunities for students to use AI and the establishment of rules for its use, the creation of flexible learning environments such as hybrid classes, the promotion of English-language programs, introducing business perspectives into university administration, and student recruitment amidst a shrinking and aging society.
In the session titled "Values in Education and APRU¡¯s Work", Vice-President Akiyo Okuda introducedthe ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app Mentoring Programand elaborated onDEI initiativesbeing implemented at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app. She also discussed with other speakers on topics including university support for students with disabilities and career guidance for graduates.
Photo: Aki Takematsu