Bridging Oceans
The APAIE 2020 Conference and Exhibition will highlight new and rising powers, economies and regions around the world.
We are witness to an emergent and multi-polar world order, with geopolitical shifts that have benefited the existing superpower to be sure, but have also encouraged the ascendancy and confidence of new and rising powers, economies and regions. Fareed Zakaria explored these themes in his 2011 publication, The Post-American World: Release 2.0 and will expand on these ideas at the upcoming APAIE 2020 Conference and Exhibition during his keynote address, taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in March 2020.
“It is now a cliché to note that the rise of Asia will prove to be the defining trend of our times,” Zakaria says. “And yet few in North America really try to understand it. I am delighted that APAIE is being held in Vancouver, a perfect place from which to build bridges to Asia.” The 2020 conference theme, Bridging Oceans, is meant to remind the international community that the Pacific is vast and washes up on many shores.
APAIE represents a large and diverse region, and we are delighted to be going to Vancouver, ideally located as the gateway between the Asia Pacific and the Americas
APAIE was established in South Korea in 2004 by university representatives from across the Asia Pacific region to encourage greater cooperation between institutions and to enrich and support international programs, activities, and exchanges. APAIE’s annual conference is the largest gathering of international education professionals in the Asia-Pacific Region and Vancouver is an inspired choice to host.
“Vancouver is often called the most Asian city in the world outside of Asia,” says Randall Martin, executive director at BC Council for International Education, explaining the city’s selection as the first APAIE conference site in the Americas. “The city is diverse and cosmopolitan, reflecting the new dynamics of the Pacific Century; more Asian languages are spoken here than in other metropolitan centres in the Pacific that have hosted this conference.”
The 2020 conference is expected to draw well over 2500 delegates from Asia and the Pacific as well as draw interest from other regions. APAIE’s theme recognizes that the Pacific also washes on to the Americas. “When I visit Latin America, I often hear colleagues suggest that they don’t know how or where or through which avenue to engage with Asia,” says Martin, adding that he hears the same refrain from Asian colleagues about Latin America.
“We are promoting Vancouver as a nexus for advancing cooperation across the Pacific as well as within Asia. APAIE 2020 will provide a forum for industry leaders, including presidents, vice chancellors, directors and principals in higher education, and those responsible for international mobility of students, faculty and staff; government representatives, policy makers; as well as national and international education organizations and associations will also attend.
It is now a cliché to note that the rise of Asia will prove to be the defining trend of our times, and yet few in North America really try to understand it. I am delighted that APAIE is being held in Vancouver, a perfect place from which to build bridges to Asia.
The 2020 conference is also expected to draw leaders interested in advancing opportunities for Indigenous and newcomer communities in international education — one of the conference’s subthemes. This work has been important to Simon Fraser University (SFU), lead host of the 2020 conference, and the other universities in British Columbia serving as co-hosts.
The city is diverse and cosmopolitan, reflecting the new dynamics of the Pacific Century...We are promoting Vancouver as a nexus for advancing cooperation across the Pacific as well as within Asia.
“There is so much happening in Asia right now,” says Joy Johnson, Vice-President, Research and International, SFU, and APAIE board member. “And we consider ourselves part of the Asia Pacific. I look forward to showcasing all the universities in British Columbia and our partnerships with Indigenous communities.”
Other sub-themes include interculturalization and internationalization; the student experience; multilateralism, regional cooperation and other next-generation collaborations; and the changing demands on education in the 21st century.
There is so much happening in Asia right now, and we consider ourselves part of the Asia Pacific. I look forward to showcasing all the universities in British Columbia and our partnerships with Indigenous communities.
“APAIE represents a large and diverse region, and we are delighted to be going to Vancouver, ideally located as the gateway between the Asia Pacific and the Americas,” says APAIE President Sarah Todd. “Together with their co-hosts, SFU has put together a program of events that will ensure attendees leave APAIE 2020 with a better understanding of the key issues impacting our region, and the implications for international education across the world. Against the backdrop of the beautiful and diverse location that is the city of Vancouver, I can guarantee that there will be something for everyone.”
Fareed Zakaria, APAIE 2020 Keynote
Fareed Zakaria, APAIE 2020 Keynote
The APAIE 2020 Conference and Exhibition will bring together thousands of academics and decision-makers from educational institutions across the globe to discuss the latest exciting developments in international education. Take advantage of the early bird discount (extended to December 6) and register now to join us from March 22 - 26, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada.
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