48th Annual Pacific Conference Council (PCC) Meeting: The Future of Education in the Digital Age

On September 6-7, 2024, Van Lang University, in collaboration with the Pacific Circle Consortium (PCC), hosted the 48th Annual PCC Conference under the theme: Enhancing Student Engagement and School Culture; Nurturing Excellence in Programs and Initiatives. The event attracted a large number of educators and experts in the field from countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The conference welcomed distinguished participants, including Dr. Nguyen Thanh Truc from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and President of the Pacific Alliance, and Dr. Nguyen Quynh Mai, Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Education at Van Lang University.

The program was organized into multiple discussion sessions, featuring 18 reports focused on the development and enhancement of educational systems. These discussions provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, opening new perspectives on education and fostering school culture.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Quynh Mai, Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Education at Van Lang University, stated: "With the theme of student engagement and school culture, the conference aims to explore ways to create a positive educational environment that encourages students to participate in programs and projects. These efforts focus on talent development, unlocking students’ potential through innovative thinking and creativity, and nurturing their strengths comprehensively through groundbreaking initiatives..".

Over the two-day conference, experts delivered presentations and engaged in discussions on a wide range of topics, including the role of students in the learning process, building school culture, developing soft skills, integrating information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into education, cultural interplay in educational settings, student psychology, and the rights and equity of educators in the face of technological advancements. The sessions also explored continuous improvements in education to meet the dynamic demands of the modern era.

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Experts actively engaged in discussions, sharing their personal perspectives on various topics

Notably, Dr. Truong Thien Tu from Prinberk Academy, who was awarded the prestigious Peter Brice Award from the Pacific Circle Consortium in 2024, delivered a special lecture inspired by Professor Neil Baumgart titled “Secondary Education in the Era of AI.” He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between technology and the human role in AI-integrated education. Dr. Tu highlighted that educators remain indispensable in guiding learners on how to effectively utilize AI while designing innovative and engaging activities. Students, in turn, gain opportunities to participate in real-world projects such as developing chatbots or analyzing big data, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills.
However, Dr. Tu also pointed out significant challenges associated with implementing these approaches, including high costs, adherence to strict security protocols, and technological accessibility. He stressed the need for clear policies to ensure that AI is deployed safely and effectively within educational environments.

The 48th Annual Conference of the Asia-Pacific Educational Consortium provided profound insights into the development of school culture and student engagement, paving the way for new directions in the future of global education.

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Participants cherished memorable moments of knowledge exchange and networking while exploring Van Lang University’s facilities.

News: Hoang Anh - Phu Hau
Photos: Minh Hoang - Thinh Tran