Cintana Academic Leaders Summit 2026 At Sunway University
CINTANA Regional Academic Leaders Summit 2026 at Sunway University
Sunway University partnered with CINTANA Education to host the CINTANA Regional Academic Leaders Summit 2026 on 10–11 August 2026. Themed “Nurturing an innovative network that works: Creating impact through research, reputation and sustainability,” the event gathered higher education visionaries, deans, and research directors from across Asia and the Middle East to strengthen the ASU Cintana Alliance network.
Key Highlights and Discussion Focus Areas
AI and Research Transformation: Experts evaluated how Agentic AI is reshaping the research lifecycle from ideation to publication, preparing faculty for AI-driven research offices.
Global Mobility & Sourcing Grants: Leaders modelled regional faculty and student mobility frameworks while co-developing strategies for multinational grant acquisition.
Interactive Negotiation: Participants engaged in the immersive “Research Horizon Impact” game, establishing regional research acceleration pacts and co-authoring strategies for joint publications.
Sustainable Higher Education: Strategic panels defined actionable roadmaps to shape future-ready, sustainable universities targeted for 2035.
Peer Networking & Relationship Building: Beyond formal roundtables, delegates deepened regional peer connections through dedicated networking sessions, a team-building bowling activity at Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid, and shared meals at various venues in the campus-adjacent Sunway Square Mall.
Global Higher Education Collaboration
The summit featured key speeches and panel discussions, delivered by:
Prof. Sibrandes Poppema, Sunway University's President
Prof. Abhi Veerakumarasivam, Sunway University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Prof. Mahendhiran Nair, Sunway University's Pro-Vice Chancellor ((Research and Sustainability)
Dr Agueda Benito, Global Managing Director, Academics, CINTANA
Dr Malini Eliatamby, Vice President Asia Pacific (Academics), CINTANA
Prominent international delegations—including executive leadership from Mapúa University and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (MMCL), headed by Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma, Jr. and Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino—joined to align regional research initiatives.
By driving cross-border co-authorships, transdisciplinary research, and sustainability initiatives, the summit reinforces Sunway University’s role as a leading international hub for academic innovation and alliance-building in Southeast Asia.
