Sunway Resort Hotel
Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
AppliedHE Xchange 2026 @ Sunway
Beyond Skills: Building Employable, Industry-Ready Graduates
Event date
20 & 21 October 2026
Event time
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM MYT daily
Location
Sunway University @ Sunway Square, Malaysia
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A dynamic two-day gathering of education leaders, industry partners and policymakers exploring how institutions can deliver stronger employability outcomes, deeper industry relevance and future-focused innovation.
Event highlights
Programme highlights to watch
Confirmed sessions and speakers so far — key moments designed to drive real change across ASEAN and beyond.
Full event agenda coming soon
Featured launch
AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings:
ASEAN 2027
An exclusive methodology briefing and Q&A unveiling the framework behind the 2027 ASEAN rankings — key indicators, data collection processes, and how institutions can participate and excel.
Led by Dr Pieter Stek
Special Adviser, AppliedHE, Singapore
Opening Keynote Address
Prof Joshua Mok
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
Xchange 2026 opens with a headline keynote from one of Asia's most influential higher education scholars, setting the tone for two days of bold conversations.
Grand Panel Discussions
Three Powerful Conversations Shaping What Comes Next
A lively trio of panel discussions tackling some of the biggest questions in education today.
Panel 1
Beyond Academic Knowledge: Why Applied Learning, Skills and Adaptability Matter More Than Ever
Panellists from Phenikaa University (Vietnam), BINUS University (Indonesia), UniKL (Malaysia) and Cebu Technological University (Philippines).
Panel 2
Institutional Sustainability and Impact: Alumni and Industry Engagement
With Jesse Xiao, Director of Institutional Data and Research, The Education University of Hong Kong.
Panel 3
Human Skills in a Digital Age: What Must Not Be Lost
What human capabilities must we protect and strengthen as AI reshapes education and work? Full line-up to be announced.
The Squaring the Circle Debate
“Employability should matter more than research in university rankings”
Should universities be judged by the futures they create for students, or by the research they produce? Two teams take on a provocative motion in a lively formal debate.
Debate Master: Prof Richard M. Walker
Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Featuring Prof Dr Cheong Kyu Park
Director of External Evaluation & Ranking, Dongguk University, South Korea
Special Session
How do users understand university performance rankings?
Behavioural and cognitive perspectives
Behavioural and cognitive insights into how rankings are read, processed and acted upon by students, parents, faculty and administrators.
By Professor Richard M. Walker
Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor of Public Administration, Government and International Affairs, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Spotlight Session: University Elevator Pitches
Five universities,
two minutes each.
A lively showcase where participating institutions present who they are, what makes them distinctive, and why they matter - all in just two minutes!
TVET Country Spotlight
Where We Are and
Where We Are Going
A timely regional session exploring how ASEAN countries are rethinking TVET to respond to changing workforce needs, strengthen quality and improve job readiness.
MalaysiaIndonesiaThailandBruneiVietnam
Workshop spotlight
What Should Count in TVET?
A Declaration Workshop on Ranking Methodology
A roundtable co-creation workshop defining quality, relevance and job readiness for a more meaningful TVET ranking framework — shaping the AppliedHE TVET Ranking: ASEAN initiative ahead of its 2027 launch.
AppliedHE Showcase
Introduction to AppliedHE's
Products & Services
A first look at the AppliedHE Academic Road Trip (ART) — an exciting initiative connecting universities worldwide — plus new strategies for the 3M Framework: JOB-Ready, ALUMNI-Ready and SOFT SKILLS-Ready, empowering institutions to reach the next level of performance and impact.
Presented by Ms Mandy Mok
CEO, AppliedHE, Singapore
Signature Moments
From the opening “X” to the final toast
Welcome Remarks
Prof Sibrandes Poppema, President & Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University, and Ms Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedHE, open the Xchange.
Opening Ceremony
“Xchange with an X” — leaders from across the region officially open the event, capped with the signature X-pose group photo.
Gala Dinner
Day one closes with an evening of celebration, connection and conversation over dinner.
Closing Remarks
Prof Sibrandes Poppema and Ms Mandy Mok bring AppliedHE Xchange 2026 to a close.
Confirmed Voices
Speakers already confirmed for Xchange 2026
Prof Sibrandes Poppema
President & Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University, Malaysia
Ms Mandy Mok
CEO, AppliedHE, Singapore
Prof Joshua Mok
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
Prof Richard M. Walker
Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Prof Dr Cheong Kyu Park
Director of External Evaluation & Ranking, Dongguk University, South Korea
Jesse Xiao
Director of Institutional Data and Research, The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr Pieter Stek
Special Adviser, AppliedHE, Singapore
Dr Nguyen Ngoc Ninh
Vice President (Global Outreach), Phenikaa University, Vietnam
Dr Rhodora G. Magan
Director for Internationalization and ASEAN Integration, Cebu Technological University, Philippines
More speakers and sessions are being confirmed — check back regularly.
About the event
About AppliedHE Xchange 2026 @ Sunway University
The AppliedHE Xchange 2026 brings together leaders from higher education, industry, government and quality assurance to explore how institutions can better prepare graduates for a fast-changing world.
Hosted by Sunway University at the newly launched Sunway Square, this two-day gathering will focus on employability, industry relevance, innovation and the evolving role of education in producing graduates who are ready not only for work, but to make meaningful contributions to society.
Through keynote conversations, panel discussions and strategic exchanges, the event will spotlight practical ideas, new partnerships and forward-looking initiatives that help institutions move beyond theory and deliver stronger outcomes.
Official Host
Sunway University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Moving beyond theory
Equipping the next generation of graduates with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive.
Core pillars
- Adaptability and problem solving
- Effective communication
- Intentional outcomes
Why it matters
Why It Matters
Employers today want more than a degree; they seek graduates who can communicate effectively, solve complex problems and adapt to new technologies.
Success in education is no longer measured by knowledge alone, but by how effectively institutions prepare students for life, work and meaningful contribution in the real world.
Today's graduates need more than qualifications. They need adaptability, practical exposure, confidence, communication skills and the ability to thrive in diverse professional environments. Institutions, in turn, must become more connected to employers, more responsive to change and more intentional about outcomes.
The theme, Beyond Skills, reflects this broader ambition while creating space for important new conversations around applied learning, industry alignment and future benchmarking initiatives.
Key conversations
What Xchange 2026 will put on the table
Explore the pressing topics that will shape the two-day agenda.
1
Graduate employability and workforce readiness
2
Stronger employer engagement and industry relevance
3
Building JOB-Ready, ALUMNI-Ready and SOFT SKILLS-Ready institutions
4
Innovation in teaching, learning and student outcomes
5
New approaches to benchmarking and institutional recognition
6
Partnerships that turn strategy into action
Featured highlight
The Co-Create Workshop to help shape the AppliedHE TVET Ranking: ASEAN framework for launch in 2027
Featured Highlight
Co-Create Workshop for the AppliedHE TVET Ranking: ASEAN
“What Should Count in TVET?” — A Declaration Workshop on Ranking Methodology
As part of Xchange 2026, a dedicated Co-Create Workshop will be convened to initiate discussions on the development of the AppliedHE TVET Ranking.
This workshop will bring together key stakeholders to help shape the principles, priorities and community-informed direction of the ranking framework. Guided by the spirit of The People's Voices, the session will serve as the foundation for a more robust, relevant and credible ranking system to be launched in 2027.
The workshop is designed not merely as a discussion, but as a collective step towards building a framework that reflects the realities, aspirations and strengths of institutions delivering applied, career-focused and industry-linked education.
Workshop Modules
Format
Roundtable co-creation
Audience
All Delegates
Deliverables
Declaration milestones
Participation and nomination details will be added once the workshop process is finalized.
Accommodation
Official Hotels for AppliedHE
Xchange 2026 @ Sunway University
Access preferred delegate rates directly through the official booking links below. Each card includes the hotel address and quick map access.
Booking guideline
To access the official discounted rates, please follow the booking guideline instructions before selecting your preferred hotel.
Sunway Pyramid Hotel
Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Sunway Lagoon Hotel
Jalan 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
The bigger purpose
Why this gathering matters beyond the room
As economies evolve and workforce expectations shift, institutions must do more than deliver academic knowledge alone. They must strengthen employer engagement, alumni connectivity, soft skills development and real-world readiness. This is where the AppliedHE ecosystem adds value, by helping institutions build stronger brands, stronger outcomes and stronger links to the world of work.
At the same time, Xchange 2026 will also serve as an important platform for introducing a new initiative in applied and technical education: an AppliedHE TVET Ranking framework shaped by the community through a Co-Create Workshop and The People's Voices approach. This marks the beginning of a collaborative journey towards the launch of a robust and credible ranking system in 2027.
Over two dynamic days, AppliedHE Xchange 2026 will serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and action around the future of employability-driven education. More than just a conference, it is a platform to spark ideas, build partnerships and shape the next phase of institutional relevance and graduate success.
Partnerships
Sponsorship Packages
Elevate your brand and connect with higher education leaders by securing a sponsorship package.
Platinum Sponsor
$15,000.00
Includes 8× Delegate Pass
- Double booth
- Premium pull-up banner (Self-Produced, high-traffic zone)
- Hero leaderboard banner (970 × 250)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
- 5-minute speaking slot at Gala Dinner
- Elevator Pitch slot
- GDPR-compliant attendee list
- App.LE Club membership (1 year)
Gold Sponsor
$12,800.00
Includes 6× Delegate Pass
- Double-wide booth
- Premium pull-up banner (Self-Produced, high-traffic zone)
- Leaderboard banner (728 × 90)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
- Elevator Pitch slot
- GDPR-compliant attendee list
Silver Sponsor
$7,000.00
Includes 4× Delegate Pass
- Standard booth
- Sidebar banner (300 × 250)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
Bronze Sponsor
$5,800.00
Includes 2× Delegate Pass
- Standard booth
- Logo prominence on selected channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
Add-ons
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
Boost your visibility with targeted add-ons that complement any sponsorship tier.
Elevator Pitch
$500.00
- 2-minute speaking slot to all delegates
- Ideal for announcements (programs, partnerships)
- Logo on holding slide and event program
Visibility Plus Package
$2,800.00
- Logo on main event backdrop and official channels
- Brochure insert in all conference bags
- Banner placement on AppliedHE Xtra! Xtra! platform
Conference Lanyard
$18,000.00
Includes 3× Delegate Pass
- Logo on lanyards (1-color print)
- Logo prominence on all event channels
- Advertisement in program book (printed and digital)
- Brochure insert in conference bag
Conference Bag Sponsorship
$18,000.00
Includes 3× Delegate Pass
- Logo on conference bags
- Bags distributed to all attendees
- Logo prominence on all event channels
- Advertisement in program book (printed and digital)
- Brochure insert in conference bag
Registration Now Open
Secure Your Spot Today
Join higher education leaders, innovators, and policy-makers in Kuala Lumpur. Access our full event platform to view delegate pricing, submit nominations, and complete your registration.