The QS-APPLE 2018 conference under the theme of ‘Future Universities in Asia-Pacific: The Changing Face of Higher Education’ was held at Chung-Ang University (CAU)’s Building 305 (also called Faculty Office Building or Gymnasium) and Building 310 (also called Centennial Hall or College of Business & Economics Building) from 20th (Tue) to 23rd (Fri) November 2018.

2018 marks the 14th year of QS-APPLE–an international higher education conference and exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, organized by QS Asia. And CAU was selected as an organizing partner this year. Approximately 500 participants of 209 universities from 45 countries attended the QS-APPLE 2018.

57 booths were installed during the event period, in which universities and higher education-related institutions promoted themselves to others. In addition, seminars with five different topics about higher education were held, and the topics are as follows: (i) internationalizing the student body, (ii) internationalizing the faculty, (iii) promoting the global employability of graduates, (iv) enhancing the global impact and reputation of research, and (v) building a global university brand.

The event started with the welcome remarks by President Kim Chang-soo of CAU, followed by speeches by President Subra Suresh of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, President Roland Chin of Hong Kong Baptist University, and President Judy Lam of Wuhan College who also serves as the board member of China’s IT company, Tencent. What was particularly meaningful is that Vice President Ko Dong-hoon of Pyongyang University Science & Technology, DPRK, delivered a keynote speech under the title of ‘Higher Education system of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: The Case of Pyongyang University of Science & Technology,’ which drew much attention from the audience.

Hong Jun-hyun, the vice president for international affairs of CAU, expressed his deepest appreciation, saying, “I believe that the event set the platform for promoting networking among more than 500 higher education experts. This enabled all of us to better understand one another and forge a new partnership. At the same time, this conference held much significance in the sense that it contributed to setting a new direction for our university. I would like to extend my gratitude to CAU students, faculty, and administrative staff for providing full support and cooperation. Thanks to CAU members, the event ended in a great success.”