The 2025 APQN Academic Conference (AAC) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) was successfully held in Hong Kong SAR, China, from 20 to 23 November 2025, hosted by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).

More than two decades after the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) in Hong Kong, members of the international quality assurance community returned to the city for one of the region’s most significant higher education quality assurance events. The conference brought together academics, policymakers, quality assurance professionals, institutional leaders, and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore emerging developments in higher education quality assurance.

Under the theme “Embracing Industrial Collaboration for Quality Higher Education”, the conference examined the growing importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and industry in preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world. Discussions highlighted how closer collaboration can enhance curriculum relevance, promote innovation, strengthen employability, and support lifelong learning, while also presenting new challenges for maintaining academic quality and standards.

The conference programme was structured around four sub-themes:

• Professional relevance and quality of higher education: Collaboration and integration with industry

• Innovation and quality in higher education curriculum and pedagogy in line with industry collaborations

• Fostering quality of flexible learning pathways

• Driving excellence in higher education: The role of external quality assurance

These themes provided a platform for participants to discuss the opportunities and challenges arising from technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, and their implications for curriculum design, teaching and learning, assessment, research, and quality assurance practices.

The conference attracted 444 participants from 32 countries and regions, reflecting APQN’s growing international influence and the global relevance of the issues discussed.

The Opening Ceremony featured a welcome address by Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong SAR Government, followed by the Conference Theme Address delivered by APQN President Dr. Galina Motova.

Several important APQN milestones were also announced during the opening session, including the release of the APQN 2024 Anthology and the launch of the newly redesigned APQN website.

Throughout the conference, internationally renowned experts delivered keynote speeches on higher education quality assurance, industry engagement, innovation, and artificial intelligence in education. Plenary sessions brought together higher education leaders and quality assurance professionals to discuss institutional-industry partnerships, international accreditation, and the evolving role of quality assurance agencies in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

A major focus of the conference was the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. Keynote speakers explored topics such as AI-enabled competency development, innovation and entrepreneurship education, and the need to rethink quality assurance frameworks in response to emerging pedagogical models and technological change.

The APQN Annual General Meeting was held on 21 November 2025. During the meeting, members welcomed new APQN member institutions, received reports from the President, Secretariat, and APQN Quality Register (APQR), and were informed of important constitutional amendments approved by the membership.

The academic programme also featured eight parallel sessions showcasing 34 peer-reviewed papers across the conference sub-themes. Presenters shared research findings, institutional experiences, and innovative practices that contribute to the continuous enhancement of higher education quality across the region.

During the Gala Dinner, APQN presented its Quality Awards to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to quality assurance in higher education. A total of nine awards were conferred upon eleven award recipients.

The conference concluded with the announcement of the host for the 2026 APQN AAC and AGM. Symbiosis International (Deemed University), India, will host the next conference in Pune. Representatives of the university introduced the institution and extended an invitation to APQN members and partners to join the 2026 event.

The closing session also marked the formal adoption of APQN constitutional amendments and featured closing remarks from APQN President Dr. Galina Motova, Programme Committee Chair Dr. Timur Kanapyanov, and HKCAAVQ Executive Director Mr. Albert Chow.

The successful completion of the 2025 APQN AAC and AGM reaffirmed APQN’s commitment to advancing quality assurance, strengthening regional and international collaboration, and supporting innovation in higher education. As the higher education sector continues to evolve in response to technological change and industry demands, APQN remains dedicated to fostering dialogue, sharing good practices, and building a quality culture across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.