Sunway University Co-Hosts AppliedHE Xchange: Recognising Excellence, Diversity and Impact
Sunway University and AppliedHE came together to host the very first edition of the AppliedHE Xchange. The theme for this year was Recognising Excellence, Diversity and Impact. The 3-day event featured the launch of the AppliedHE Public & Private University Ranking: ASEAN 2025, where Sunway University was ranked the #1 private University in ASEAN. The event also included a special briefing on the methodology for the upcoming AppliedHE Public & Private University Ranking: ALL ASIA 2026, which will include institutions from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Besides this, the Xchange held insightful panel discussions involving delegates, thought leaders and industry experts.
There was a pre-event Gala Dinner on Sunday, 17th November, where guests were welcomed with speeches from Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee, CEO of Sunway Education and Ms Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedHE. They were then treated to enthralling performances by both a live band and a string quartet, all comprising Sunway University students. These performances were accompanied by a delicious 3-course meal.
Monday featured the kick-off of the AppliedHE Xchange, and Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University, delivered the opening remarks. There were also speeches by Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee and Ms Mandy Mok. The day continued with engaging panel sessions on topics such as the role of universities in promoting lifelong learning. A particularly exciting part of the day was the elevator pitch session, where representatives from various universities were given 3 minutes to quickly promote their institution to guests and potential collaborators. These 3 minutes were timed with a bell ringing to signify that time was up, leading to some lightning-quick pitches. Delegates also had the chance to interact during coffee breaks and lunch. The latter half of the day moved the event over to the Rooftop Terrace at Sunway University, where guests were treated to a student performance before the ranking results were revealed to all present, as they shared drinks.
The event continued on Tuesday with more panel sessions, country reports, and elevator pitch sessions. There was also a unique fireside chat session, where student representatives from Sunway University, Monash University and University Malaya were given the chance to share their thoughts and answer questions fielded by the guests in attendance. Justin Yong, president of the Sunway University Student Council represented Sunway. The event concluded with closing remarks from Professor Kevin Downing of City University Hong Kong, Professor Sibrandes Poppema, and Ms Mandy Mok.
The event was a huge success, and Sunway University is honoured to have been the ground at which the first-ever AppliedHE Xchange was held. The University was honoured further by the outcome of the rankings, as it cemented its place at the top of education institutions in ASEAN. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Sunway University’s unwavering commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and the development of transformative educational experiences. With this momentum, the University looks ahead to even greater accomplishments, continuing to lead and inspire within the ASEAN region and on the global stage.
