Discovering Gems Down Under: Insights from APAIE 2024 in Perth

Perth, Western Australia, a city famed for its isolation and natural wonders, welcomed over 2,000 delegates from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific for the 2024 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference. Amidst the backdrop of stunning landscapes and the unique charm of the city, attendees gathered to foster partnerships and deepen relationships over four dynamic days in early March.

Here are our top five takeaways from APAIE 2024:

1.?Sustainable Development Goals take centre stage

There was a big focus on developing sustainable targets regarding student population growth and sustainability programs for international students.

Universities are gearing up to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle future environmental and societal issues, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adaptation.

2. AI in Education

The integration of AI in education, from content development to student recruitment, was a prevalent theme. While concerns remain about the extent of reliance on this technology, there was also agreement on its undeniable benefits. Embracing AI, without losing the human element, underlines the evolving landscape of teaching, learning and beyond.

3. Kindness Opens Doors

The well organised conference also highlighted the power of kindness and openness in fostering connections. Simple gestures, like holding a door open, led to unexpected encounters and fruitful collaborations. The spirit of camaraderie among attendees showed how genuine interactions can pave the way for meaningful opportunities.

4. Embracing Indigenous learning experiences

There were some great inter-cultural exchanges at APAIE 2024. The inclusion of the traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ by the Whadjuk people of Perth set a poignant tone for embracing diversity and forging transnational partnerships.

5. Impactful Encounters

Personal anecdotes at APAIE 2024 highlighted the profound impact of education on individuals and communities. From chance encounters with thankful test-takers to participating in charity runs for educational causes, these experiences reinforced the transformative power of education.

The journey continues as we look forward to further engagements and collaborations at upcoming conferences including English Australia in September. This is fitting as we learnt there is no word for goodbye in the Noongar language, so instead of goodbyes, we will use the Noongar sentiment of 'see you later’ or ‘Noonook boorda djinang!’.

So, in the spirit of ‘Noonook boorda djinang’, let's keep moving forward together, creating ripples of positive change through education.