Reimagining HigherEd

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Listen in as we learn more about Singapore Institute of Technology’s President, Prof Chua Kee Chaing, and his vision to guide SIT to find its own space among leading research-intensive universities, to be Singapore's university for industry. Prof Judyth Sachs discusses with Prof Chua the opportunities with AI technology and why education and ethics are critical to students using it in their learning.

Prof Tan Tai Yong, President, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Prof Tan Tai Yong, the second President of Singapore University of Social Sciences, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs, to uncover his journey from historian to higher ed leadership.
 
They reflect on:
Leading complex organisations, emphasising the importance of long-term perspectives and engaging with students and staff
Adaptability and an open mindset, Prof Yong shares his advice to today’s students who will have longer working lives than ever before
How National University of Singapore (NUS) transformed student life, including developing ‘University Town’ to foster a stronger sense of belonging among students
Embracing AI and technology to enhance, not replace, critical thinking and synthesis skills of graduates.

Prof Freddy Boey, President, City University of Hong Kong

Prof Freddy Boey, President of City University of Hong Kong joins Prof Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation.
Freddy shares his experience as an international student, where he learned the importance of adaptability and building relationships, which shaped his personal philosophy on the critical role universities play in students' lives, beyond lectures and exams.
Listen in to hear the two professors discuss:
Key factors enabling the transformation of universities in Singapore to sit amongst the top ranked in the world
Cultivating curiosity and critical thinking in students
Enhancing the CityU student experience through student exchange, developing entrepreneurship, and leveraging emerging technologies.

Elizabeth Cantwell, President, Utah State University

President of Utah State University, Betsy Cantwell, joins Professor Judyth Sachs this week. From her work on national security, NASA missions, and to higher education leadership, Betsy shares her insights on:
The vital role of higher education in cultivating civic engagement,
Students' moral reasoning and critical thinking in this social, political, and technological landscape,
The changing nature of knowledge acquisition and adapting curricula and teaching to better prepare students for the future.
From USU’s very “happy campus” in the mountains, join Betsy as she speaks with Judyth this week. A must-listen episode for leadership and educators invested in learner success - in a rapidly changing HE environment.

Prof Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University of Wellington

This week Prof Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor at Victoria University of Wellington discusses the role of universities to foster respect and evidence-based understanding between people, especially as the world becomes more polarised - with Prof Judyth Sachs. Their conversation explores the importance of developing students' higher-order skills like critical thinking, synthesis, and communication; and why Prof Smith’s leadership philosophy focuses on empowering staff and students, building trust, and embracing the diversity of views within the university community. Don’t miss this lively chat between the two professors, giving listeners plenty of food for thought.

Prof Mohamed Kerkeb, President of Ibn Tofail University - winner of the 2024 THE Award Arab World for Outstanding Support for Students

From developing award-winning programs, pioneering initiatives and a vision of equitable support for every student - Prof Mohamed Kerkeb, the President of Ibn Tofail University in Morocco shares his passion for academia, his inspirations and desire to share knowledge.
Interviewed by Dr Ashraf Mahate, the two educators discuss the university's initiatives to support students with disabilities, including the award-winning Space for Students with Disabilities, and its efforts to democratise access to AI and coding. Professor Kerkeb emphasises the university's holistic approach to education, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals who can positively contribute to society. Listen in to hear Prof Kerkeb's vision for creating an inclusive, technologically-advanced, and socially-engaged university that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
Find out more about the THE Awards Arab World here: https://theawardsarabworld.com/2024/en/page/home 
 

Prof Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

Prof Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, joins Prof Judyth Sachs this week to delve into Grant’s remarkable career from student union president, to now leading the institution.
They discuss:
Working alongside remarkable women leaders, Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark, and lessons learned on intellect, compassion, and leadership
The importance of universities in addressing global challenges and the need to make them relevant and useful to governments
Observations on the changing student experience, notably the increased pressure and purpose-driven nature of today's students, and the desire to provide students with time to think, absorb, and explore
The role of universities in critically engaging with emerging technologies like AI, and Grant’s vision for nurturing well-rounded, socially conscious graduates

Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Hong Kong Baptist University

Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at Hong Kong Baptist University sits down with Professor Judyth Sachs for this invigorating conversation to kick off 2025. They discuss:
Studying as an international student, cultural immersion, and self discipline
Shifting to transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and the community in an effort to address global challenges
HKBU’s approach to incorporating AI: emphasising empowerment, critical thinking, ethical use, and preserving human creativity
The importance of communication and co-creation with students, and maintaining a curious mindset in the rapidly changing higher education landscape.

Prof Duncan Bentley, VC and President, Federation University

"The future of the world depends on us actually bringing the university into the community; into all of its aspects; and into our workplaces."
Prof Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President at Federation University and Prof Judyth Sachs reflect on the accidental events that have shaped Duncan's ‘unorthodox’ career path.
They discuss the purpose of regional universities and responding to local contexts; integrating work and university and bringing critical thinking into the workplace; facilitating students' learning journeys beyond study; peer support as the glue that binds students to university; and insights into how the sector can innovate to meet future needs of students and society. 

Prof Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor, Charles Darwin University

Another popular episode from the archives. Join Prof Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor at Charles Darwin University, in conversation with Prof Judyth Sachs, as they explore Scott’s enterprising journey to higher education leadership, and the people who have shaped it along the way.
They discuss Scott’s early years and why university was never on his radar; how Scott came to keep a Jiminy Cricket in his office; importance of authenticity for students and aspiring senior leaders; how engagement helped to transform CQU; and Scott's advice to anyone working in a university right now.