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The 12th APEC Conference on Cooperation in Higher Education in Asia-Pacific Region "In Pursuit of Development" (APEC CCHE 2023) has been opened at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) as part of the VIII Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). The series of events started with the plenary session “Education as a Path to Self-Realization: The Needs of the Future.” The session brought together experts from 11 APEC economies to discuss the future of education.

Representatives of the scientific and educational elite of Russia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region (APR) during the discussion touched the problems and prospects of education in the context of the “neural network boom”, approaches to bridging the gap between the capabilities of universities and the personnel needs of the real sector of the economy, as well as the personalization of higher education.

During her welcoming speech, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova noted that Russia is constantly expanding cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries in the field of science and education. The number of international students who choose Russian universities is growing every year. Such key projects as Advanced Engineering Schools and Priority 2030 also contribute to strengthening collaboration with friendly countries.

According to FEFU Presidents Boris Korobets, universities play a vital role in the formation of sustainable international relations. In particular, the regular holding of APEC CCHEs plays a major practical role in deepening direct dialogue between educational communities in the region.
“Here, on the sidelines of the forum, we are creating the future of our countries together. We train our students who dream of devoting their future lives to serving our states and strengthening our relations. I really hope that as a result of this conference, as well as as a result of many others that have taken place over the years, new relationships and new contacts will be born,” emphasized the head of FEFU Boris Korobets.

During the conference, experts from Russia and Asia-Pacific countries discussed the changing role of generative neural networks in the educational environment. Their impact on the quality of learning directly depends on how their use in the educational process is regulated, because artificial intelligence (AI) can both help students work more efficiently and lead to the abuse of its capabilities.

FEFU has a good foundation in complex research of artificial intelligence. The Far Eastern AI Center is developing models for forecasting tropical cyclones and monitoring rare animal populations. This year has become especially significant - FEFU, together with Sber, the anchor partner of the Center, reached an agreement with Hanoi State University on the opening of the Russian-Vietnamese AI Center, which will become a showcase of technological and digital solutions from Russia and Vietnam for the scientific and business community of Asia. Research in the field of law and ethics of artificial intelligence has also become one of the priorities of the FEFU AI Center.

Experts noted that despite joint efforts, in APEC economies there remains a gap between the needs of the real sector of the economy and the competencies of university graduates. This problem makes it difficult for engineering professionals to transition from a learning environment to a work environment. Far Eastern Federal University systematically deepens high-quality interaction with industrial partners. The university is implementing a model in which industry leaders act as technology customers, and the university, together with partners, generates new knowledge, transforms it into products and trains teams capable of accompanying these developments throughout their entire life cycle. Thus, in 2022, 24 industrial partners acted as direct customers of technologies and educational programs in the field of biomedicine, digital technologies, engineering and marine research.

In parallel, FEFU is systematically building mechanisms to support technological entrepreneurship. Last year, a startup studio was launched where students can pitch their business ideas and get support to create a tech-based business. Decisions to support their projects are made by leading entrepreneurs of the Far East with experience in high-tech business.

Discussions of the APEC CCHE also touched on the prospects for personalization of education and recognition of qualifications between APEC economies. Far Eastern University is successfully moving along this path, introducing new systems for training and developing personnel with multidisciplinary competencies. Thus, as a pilot project, a wide range of microqualifications was included in the educational programs of the Oriental Institute - practice-oriented courses from professors who know the specifics of business or the public sector of the Asia-Pacific region. Five training modules for obtaining applied Asian studies qualifications, for example “Analyst of Asian markets” or “Teacher”, will be introduced in the future in all training programs.

In addition, FEFU has developed the concept of a management exchange program within the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). The university plans to launch it within the next year. In the long term, it will contribute to the formation of a unified educational space within APRU, ensuring uniform standards of quality and education management. As part of this program, FEFU can act as a bridge between Russia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform for the exchange of management experience.

Let us remind you that the APEC CCHE is traditionally a flagship event on the FEFU international agenda within the evants of the EEF. This year marks the 12th time that the conference has established itself as a significant mechanism for discussing and developing practical recommendations for strengthening higher education systems in Asia. Based on the results of expert meetings, a strategy for the development of higher education until 2030 was developed, and proposals based on the results of the conference are presented annually at the final APEC summit. This confirms the status of FEFU as the flagship of the Russian educational agenda in the Asia-Pacific region.