From June 11 to 14, the Central Asia Regional Conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Dr shawn chen , President of the IAUP and Founder of SIAS University, attended the conference, where he delivered both the opening and closing remarks and participated in keynote discussions with higher education leaders from across the region.
During the event, dr shawn Chen also signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on behalf of the university with several institutions across Eurasia, further expanding SIAS University's international partnership network and advancing its global engagement strategy.
The conference was held under the theme “Impact-Driven Universities: Education, Leadership, and Social Transformation.” It was organized by the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), hosted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and Almaty Management University, and co-organized by SIAS University.
The event brought together more than 110 university presidents, government education officials, and higher education scholars from 27 countries and regions around the world. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of key topics, including global standards in higher education, the development of entrepreneurial universities, and strategies for aligning higher education initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the opening ceremony,Dr shawn Chen delivered a welcome address, introducing the development philosophy and global vision of the International Association of University Presidents. He also highlighted the vital role of universities in advancing social transformation, promoting intercultural understanding, and cultivating future talent in an increasingly interconnected world.
During a special session marking the release of the book Universities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Blueprint for the Next Generation of Learning Institutions,Dr Chen shared insights drawn from SIAS University's international education model and its innovative AI+X curriculum reform initiatives. His presentation showcased the university’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence across disciplines and prepare students for emerging global challenges.
The presentation was well received by international participants and earned strong recognition from higher education leaders and experts attending the conference.
In addition, at the Central Asia University Presidents’ Leadership Training Program held alongside the conference, Dr shawn Chen was invited to deliver a special presentation. During the session, he provided a comprehensive overview of SIAS University's internationalization strategy and its innovative reforms in artificial intelligence education.
Drawing on the university’s practical experience, Chen shared insights into institutional development, global engagement, and curriculum innovation. His presentation offered valuable reference points for universities across the region seeking to strengthen governance capabilities, expand international partnerships, and advance educational transformation in the era of artificial intelligence.
During the conference, Dr shawn Chen , on behalf of SIAS University, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with several universities, including Alikhan Bokeikhan University, Atyrau State University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, Azerbaijan State Customs Academy, Central Asian University, University of Warsaw University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Lahore Garrison University.
Under these agreements, the partner institutions will focus on practical cooperation in areas such as student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, faculty exchange, and collaborative curriculum development. These efforts aim to further strengthen academic connectivity between SIAS University and universities across Eurasia, while contributing to the development of the “Belt and Road” educational community.
The conference marks another important step in SIAS University’s active engagement in global higher education governance and its expansion of cooperation networks in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Looking ahead, the university will continue to leverage the IAUP platform to deepen collaboration with international partners, translate conference outcomes into concrete projects, and further enhance its internationalized education model and global influence. This will also help create a broader platform for cultivating high-quality applied talents with cross-cultural competence.
