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Year: 2025

ECIU University’s achievements stand out in a European Commission report

Posted on by KTU

At the end of January, The European Commission published a landmark report assessing the outcomes and potential of the European Universities Initiative. The report underscores the Initiative’s achievements, highlights its challenges, and sets a course for future policy and investment to ensure its continued success.

ECIU University stands out prominently in the report; it is referenced 97 times for its best practices and achievements. The findings affirm ECIU University’s pioneering role in shaping the future of European higher education.

The EC report highlights four key ECIU University success stories, each presented as a best practice model. Digital Platform and XR Campus are labelled models for shared digital resources and virtual learning spaces, micro-credentials journey is set a s leading example of innovative education and mobility opportunities.

ECIU University’s gender equality and diversity strategy is recognised for its significant societal and economic impact. Challenges and local partnerships are identified as a driving force in regional collaboration and problem-solving in the report.

Unrivalled ECIU University’s leadership in micro-credentials

“We are immensely proud that ECIU University is leading the way in the development of micro-credentials, setting new standards in joint educational provision and student mobility. This recognition confirms our and other ECIU partners’ unwavering commitment to excellence and our key role in the development of European higher education,” says Eugenijus Valatka, the Rector at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania, and a member of the ECIU University Presidium.

Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), an active member of ECIU University, contributes significantly to the development of flexible learning pathways, micro-credentials, and collaborative research efforts aimed at addressing critical societal and industrial challenges. All these ECIU University achievements were positively mentioned throughout the European Commission’s Report.

ECIU University is responsible for an outstanding 82 per cent of all short courses leading to micro-credentials developed by the 39 alliances included in the study. Out of the 431 short courses launched by alliances as of October 2023, ECIU University contributed 355 courses, setting a benchmark for innovation in joint education provision and mobility.

Flexible education suits the needs of today’s learners

According to Kristina Ukvalbergienė, KTU’s Vice-Rector for Education, the ECIU University’s teaching and learning model is characterised by its flexibility and challenge-based approach. Students can create a flexible learning path, choosing the challenges and micro-modules that best suit their career goals and personal needs.

As part of ECIU University, KTU provides students with opportunities to engage in innovative, cross-border collaboration, working alongside international peers and stakeholders to tackle real-world issues.

“International interdisciplinary student teams work on challenges posed by business, public sector and non-governmental organisations, thus developing critical thinking, creativity and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. This learning model helps the students prepare for the global job market and an ever-changing professional world,” says Ukvalbergienė.

Through the issuance of e-sealed micro-credentials, ECIU university enhances learning flexibility and promotes lifelong education.

With 12 full partners, ECIU University is one of the two largest alliances in the European Universities Initiative. Additionally, it remains the only alliance that also operates as a university network, advocating for its partners beyond the initiative, including in Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs.

A call for continued policy and financial support

The report emphasises that 65 European University Alliances, representing over 570 higher education institutions from 35 countries, are playing a crucial role in strengthening European competitiveness. However, it also calls for sustained financial and policy support to allow alliances to achieve their ambitious goals.

According to KTU’s Vice-Rector for Education, The European University Alliances initiative is crucial for the European education system as it contributes to the creation of a unified European Higher Education Area, promotes the development and piloting of various innovative learning models, the sharing of good practices and the enhancement of quality.

It promotes academic mobility by enabling students and teachers to move more easily between different European institutions, thus increasing internationalisation and providing students with a broader intercultural and interdisciplinary education.

“Looking to the future, Europe’s education system needs to become more flexible, more inclusive and more prepared for the challenges of the future, while at the same time ensuring high quality education,” emphasises Ukvalbergienė.

In the report, key recommendations include long-term funding strategies (securing comprehensive funding through Erasmus+ and other EU programmes), and strengthening transnational cooperation. The European Commission continues to work on a Blueprint for a European Degree and quality assurance mechanisms and calls for all member states’ involvement in the process.

The European Commission’s report is a crucial step in ensuring the European Universities Initiative continues to drive educational transformation across Europe. For ECIU University, these findings reaffirm its leadership role and commitment to innovative, challenge-based education.

Chula Signs MOU with DTGO to Enhance Human Resource Development with Advanced Technology

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University and DTGO Corporation Limited have signed an MOU for the development of equipment to be used with the company’s Large Language Model DTLM to improve human resource development both within the university and in Thai society. The signing ceremony took place on January 27, 2025, at DTGO CampUs, Bangkaew, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, and was presided over by Prof. Dr. Kanaphon Chanhom, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Kittikun Potivanakul, Director of Technology, DTGO Corporation, with a report given by Mr. Pokai Sriratanobhas, Assistant to Chulalongkorn President.

The MOU signing between Chulalongkorn University and DTGO Corporation focuses on developing and implementing advanced technology to support internal management and create positive experiences for Chulalongkorn University personnel and students. The objectives of this collaboration, besides developing tools that make organizational communication more convenient, faster, and more efficient—whether in administrative inquiries, educational services, or organizational capacity development—also support the development of large language models using the university’s digital resources and data to enhance operational capabilities. This includes developing AI innovations such as the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system to address the needs of both Thai and international students, particularly the Chinese students.

This collaboration project also emphasizes working on the foundation of security and privacy by using standardized Private Cloud infrastructure to support operations involving large-scale data, high complexity, and special security requirements. The cooperation between the two organizations serves as a good model for integration between educational institutions and the private sector in applying technology to achieve maximum benefits for a sustainable future.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/221382/

When Spirituality & Business Collide

Posted on by Chloe Lane

Sister Laura Baritz, affectionally known as ‘Sister Pepsi’, is a Dominican nun who left a leading position with global food and beverages company PepsiCo to embrace religion.

She now teaches the Christian Social Principles in Economics (KETEG) course which she co-founded at Corvinus University of Budapest in Hungary. The course uses the Church’s Social Teaching (CST) principles to inject a “more logical, more human-centred and more viable” approach to economics, according to Sister Laura.

Sister Laura explains that Christian Social Teaching envisions an economic order built on moral principles, human dignity, cooperation, solidarity, subsidiarity, justice and the common good—where profit serves as a means to create value rather than the ultimate goal.

“This way of thinking attracted me, giving more meaning to economics than I had before,” she tells QS Insights Magazine.

Teachings from the Convent

Sister Laura’s course exemplifies the growing trend of integrating spirituality into business education. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Business Ethics by Soledad Moya, a senior lecturer at Spain’s ESADE, and Nuria Toledano, an Associate Professor at University of Huelva also in Spain, reviewed literature from 1996 to 2023 to explore how religion and spirituality have been integrated into business, management and entrepreneurship (BME) education.

Analysing 51 articles, they found that incorporating religious and spiritual wisdom can enrich discussions in BME courses, especially in the context of business ethics. Similarly, religious teachings can emphasise principles such as integrity, responsibility and compassion, helping to shape more socially responsible leaders.

While the consideration of religion and spirituality in BME education has become part of educational practices in some universities and business schools, the researchers note that as a field of research, it is still at an emerging stage.

“For some,” write the researchers, “there is no doubt that religion and spirituality have a space in a more humanistic BME formation. For others, however, this issue remains controversial, especially in multi-faith environments in which BME education is provided, such as most public universities in the West”.

The researchers attribute this scepticism to institutional and ideological barriers – business education often prioritises rationality and profit maximisation at the expense of religious principles.

For Sister Laura, however, these barriers are simply challenges to overcome. She views her course as a way to offer students a broader and more meaningful approach to economics—one that aligns with the deeper moral dimensions of human behaviour.

“The principles we teach on courses can be acceptable for atheists or non-believers because they speak of the social, economic, political life of the human community that is more sustainable than the one today,” says Sister Laura.

In her teaching, Sister Laura offers students a grounding in theology to help them better understand the spiritual side of economics. She discusses values, virtues, ethical issues and moral principles, often debating the meaning and notion of ‘good’, and philosophical ideas. Her aim is to teach CST-based economics on a human level, integrating the spiritual principles into business education that are relevant to all students, whether they are religious or non-religious.

Speaking about religious principles implicitly is one way to overcome scepticism, Sister Laura reveals. She finds profit is a good tool to speak about economics in relation to CST. “For example, cooperation brings more fruit than dog-eat-dog competition,” she says.

Philosophy, too, is often referenced in the KETEG course. “Sometimes philosophical groundings precede theological ones and give preliminary impulse to theology,” she reveals, naming Aristotle as a non-religious philosopher whose beliefs helped to ground religious principles.

In some occasions, however, ‘God’ and ‘Christ’ must be talked about. “On these occasions, I begin with ‘According to the Christian teaching’ showing that I do not expect it from the audience that they must think the same way,” Sister Laura explains.

The KETEG course has been well received by the students at Corvinus University. According to Sister Laura, students have been open and engaged, asking logical and profound questions. “The level of ethics brings them rather to a common understanding, but to speak about moral theology is interesting to them too,” she notes.

“I read and hear that there is a renewal of spirituality in economics, not only Catholic, but many other religions as well,” says Sister Laura. “CST has an upward tendency as many CST economists are listened to in the public and are influential people.”

Thammasat, CP Group join forces in health, science, technology

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University and Charoen Pokphand Group Public Company Limited (CP) convened a meeting to discuss the establishment of collaboration in research and academic knowledge concerning health sciences and technology, particularly regarding food and cancer prevention, innovative treatment through the modification of the body’s microorganisms to prevent and treat diseases (Microbiota and Microbiota-based therapy), and holistic care for the aging population in the country. Furthermore, they aim to promote cooperation in achieving excellence in various academic fields, such as biotechnology, preventive medicine through telemedicine systems, Thai herbal medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. It fosters collaboration between researchers and faculty members from Thammasat University and CP Company in the development and promotion of high-quality research, as well as the exchange of knowledge on technological advancements. Additionally, it provides Thammasat students with the opportunity to learn about progress, gain practical experience, and acquire knowledge from the quality personnel of CP Company.

Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, the Rector of Thammasat University, stated that this year marks the 90th anniversary of Thammasat University, and we are entering our 91st year. He believes that the strength of Thammasat University lies in the profound understanding of society, economics, and politics, making us one of the leading institutions in Thailand. However, what has changed is the expansion of knowledge into the fields of health sciences and technology. Today presents a significant opportunity for Thammasat University, as an academic world, to collaborate with the business sector amidst the waves of competition. This will be beneficial for both organizations.

Mr. Boonchai Opas-iam-likit, US, EU, and UK Business Chairman of CPG, stated that he feels honored to have the opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts. Thammasat University itself is a nurturing ground for knowledge and holds a distinguished legacy for Thai society, education, and the economy. From Thammasat, they will explore various aspects of medicine, traditional Thai medicine, and AI, in order to jointly develop knowledge for the benefit of the people, society, and the nation.

Thai Research Team Reaches Antarctica, Finds Alarming Increase in Ice Melt Levels Due to Global Warming

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

A Thai research team, part of the Royal Polar Research Project, has arrived at the Great Wall Station in Antarctica, uncovering significant ice melt compared to previous years—a stark indicator of climate change’s accelerating effects.

This expedition, conducted under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and supported by the Information Technology Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aims to study the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. Upon arrival, the team immediately began collecting sediment samples, revealing a surprising increase in ice melt compared to past expeditions.

This year, three researchers from Chulalongkorn University and Burapha University, along with a photographer, joined the 41st Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 41), organized by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC). They reached Antarctica in late January and began studying the effects of marine debris, microplastics, and climate change on marine life and ecosystems. Over the past two days, the team has collected soil samples, seal and penguin droppings, and conducted air pollution measurements in the region.

Preliminary findings show that ice in many parts of Antarctica has melted significantly compared to 11 years ago when the Thai team last conducted research in the area. However, air quality measurements indicate that the Antarctic atmosphere remains much purer than in other parts of the world.

Professor Dr. Suchana Chavanich, from the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University and Deputy Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, shared her insights on the findings. “We anticipated that global warming would have a significant impact on the ice and snow here, but witnessing the extent of ice loss firsthand was still shocking. Even when it snowed during our stay, the snow melted almost immediately upon reaching the ground, indicating that temperatures in Antarctica are higher than usual.”

She further explained that the team would continue collecting penguin and seal droppings to measure pollution levels and analyze microorganisms present in the waste, aiming to determine how these animals are being affected by global warming.

Joining Professor Dr. Suchana on this research mission are Assistant Professor Dr. Sujaree Bureekul from Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Nipat Pinpradab from Burapha University, and Mr. Pakinai Yimcharoen, a photographer from Siam Sopa. In addition to conducting scientific research, the team is also documenting their findings through photos and videos, which will contribute to a book and documentary about Thailand’s polar research efforts.

This expedition holds special significance as it coincides with the 70th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2025 and also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/217629/

Tokyo’s Waseda University Releases English Podcast Episode “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”

Posted on by Waseda University

Waseda University released the eighth and final episode of the first installment of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on February 18, 2025. The episode is titled “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Episode 8: “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”

In this final episode of the first installment of the series, Assistant Professor Robert Fahey (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) serves as the guest and talks candidly with his Research Assistant Romeo Marcantuoni (Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies) about their joint research project examining the rise of Japan’s Sanseito party, which was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their conversation explores the interplay between conspiracy beliefs, the increasingly complex information environment, populist movements, and the broader political system in Japan and beyond.

“Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact”

About the Series:

Waseda University’s first ever English-language academic podcast titled “Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is an 8-episode series broadly showcasing the diverse work of our renowned social sciences and humanities researchers. In each of the short 15-45 minute episodes we welcome a knowledgeable researcher to casually converse with an MC about their recent, rigorously conducted research, the positive impact it has on society, and their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda. It is a perfect choice for listeners with a strong desire to learn, including current university students considering graduate school, researchers looking for their next collaborative project, or even those considering working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

About Waseda University

Waseda University currently offers English-based degree programs at 6 of its undergraduate schools and 15 of its graduate schools. According to the 2023 Japan Student Service Organization’s report, Waseda welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 Waseda placed in the top 100 in the world in the broad subject areas of Arts & Humanities (rank #63) and Social Sciences & Management (rank #99).

The role of universities, governments, private organisations in digital inclusion to empower communities with AI skills

Posted on by Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Yamin Yasin, Nor Monica Ahmad, Muhammad Aidil Ibrahim & Mohd Farhan Ahmad Daruan

The faster growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is impacting numerous areas of society by shaping career prospects and accelerating technological advancement along with the development of digital skills. An initiative led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Biji-biji Initiative and strategic partners, has launched the MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme in Negeri Sembilan to prepare local communities for the evolving landscape. The programme aims to build AI skills and digital literacy among the people of Negeri Sembilan while supporting the goals of the Negeri Sembilan Digital Economy Plan 2027.

The initiative receives key support from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan through its activities spanning the Seremban and Kuala Pilah campuses. UiTM is positioning itself as a \”Globally Renowned, Locally Rooted\” to lead knowledge transfer and capacity development in the surrounding community based on its vision. With this programme, the university demonstrates its commitment to the UiTM2025 framework, which encompasses four key impact areas: technological innovation and talent development, as well as cultural transformation and economic growth. UiTM is building AI training to support the development of advanced technologies and provide local members with the skills needed to succeed in digital markets.

The two-day MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme was conducted on 25 and 26 January 2025 at UiTM Negeri Sembilan (Seremban and Kuala Pilah campuses) and over 60 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADIs) across the state. The widespread implementation of this training initiative will facilitate access to artificial intelligence, providing optimal support to disadvantaged groups. The programme provides important resources for career advancement through its combined teaching method of core AI ideas and ethical standards along with real-world skills such as resume writing and portfolio creation.

The programme promotes broader societal innovation as it goes beyond improving individual skills. The programme closes digital knowledge gaps to create an educational environment in which all people, regardless of their background, have access to technological progress. This program follows the quintuple helix model, bringing together UiTM, the government, the private sector, alumni, and the community. This is demonstrated through its collaboration with MCMC as the government regulator, private sector partners Biji-Biji Initiative and Microsoft, as well as UiTM and its alumni. These reciprocal partnerships demonstrate that educational institutions and government agencies, together with private interests, are developing strong and sustainable improvements for local communities.

These initiatives have far-reaching economic impacts that are remarkable. Equipping the workforce with digital skills and AI competencies is critical as industry needs continue to evolve with advancing digital and AI technologies. The MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme boosts economic performance through job creation and the ability to develop a workforce that can respond well to technological upheavals. Malaysia\’s move towards a digitally focused economy is supported by these programmes as they prepare the population for future job markets while enabling them to contribute to improving the industry.

This programme is an example of a comprehensive digital inclusion strategy that relies on the essential involvement of academia and government agencies as well as private organisations to help communities empower themselves. These initiatives are creating a technologically literate and inclusive society through their work to promote AI literacy, eliminate the digital divide, and develop career preparation. Education and strategic partnerships will also be critical to digital inclusion in the coming technological revolution, as they prevent a community from being left unattended.

National Taiwan University unravels complex mechanisms of multi-peak afternoon convection

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Observational data from Taiwan’s dense rainfall network reveal that tropical island mountain regions exhibit multiple precipitation peaks during summer afternoon convection—a finding that contrasts with the previously assumed single-peak behavior and suggests more intricate underlying processes. To investigate these multi-peak characteristics, NTU researchers designed an idealized terrain setup integrating ocean, plain, and mountainous features. Using a high-resolution (100-meter) Vector Vorticity Equation Model (VVM) developed by Professor Jianming Wu’s team, the study successfully reproduced the dual-peaked precipitation pattern locked by local topography.

The simulation results indicate that the first peak is predominantly driven by convective available potential energy (CAPE), while the second peak results from enhanced low-level moist static energy (MSE) transport by island-scale circulations. Notably, the study found that under drier free-atmosphere conditions, local circulations can intensify the second peak’s precipitation—a sensitivity that diverges from previous expectations. Furthermore, the interaction between the two convective peaks appears critical: the initial convective burst modifies environmental humidity and energy distribution, thereby influencing the intensity and structure of subsequent convection.

This research provides a novel perspective on tropical island afternoon convection and has significant implications for future studies on the impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation events. The NTU team plans to extend this work by integrating real-world topography and field observations to further validate their findings and offer more accurate scientific support for mitigating extreme weather challenges.

UNAIR Law Faculty alumnus listed in Fortune Indonesia 40 Under 40

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) Faculty of Law proudly celebrates the recognition of one of its esteemed graduates, Abraham Sridjaja, who has been named in the prestigious Fortune Indonesia 40 Under 40 list. As a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI) Commission 1 representing the Golkar Party faction, this accolade highlights his impactful contributions to politics and public policy.

In an interview on Friday (February 7, 2025), Sridjaja conveyed his deep gratitude and honor upon receiving the distinction. He emphasized that this recognition is not solely a personal achievement but a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and support from his colleagues and various stakeholders.

“This acknowledgment motivates me to continue working toward meaningful contributions to Indonesia, particularly in the realms of public policy and national development,” he stated.

UNAIR influence on career and leadership

Sridjaja credited his academic experience at UNAIR as instrumental in shaping his leadership approach and strategic thinking in politics. He highlighted the university’s dynamic learning environment, critical discourse, and rigorous policy studies as key factors in his broad understanding of social, legal, and political affairs.

“UNAIR provided more than just education—it instilled character and cultivated invaluable networks,” he remarked. He noted that his interactions with professors, peers, and alumni expanded his perspective and reinforced his commitment to serving the nation.

Dare to dream and embrace challenges

As an influential young leader, Sridjaja shared an inspiring message with UNAIR students aspiring to leadership roles. He underscored the importance of daring to dream big and embracing challenges head-on.

“The world today demands young leaders who are innovative, adaptable, and possess unwavering integrity. Develop strong competencies, gain diverse experiences, and commit to lifelong learning. Additionally, uphold moral and ethical values in all endeavors, because true leadership is not merely about wielding power—it is about service and making a meaningful impact,” he advised.

Future goals and aspirations

Looking forward, Sridjaja remains dedicated to championing forward-thinking policies that deliver tangible benefits to society. “I want to ensure that the policies we implement produce real, positive impacts on communities,” he affirmed.

Moreover, he aims to help create an ecosystem that nurtures youth development, both through youth-focused policies and various empowerment and educational initiatives.

“I firmly believe that the most valuable investment for our nation’s future is empowering young people. With the right opportunities and access, they can become the driving force behind transformative change,” Sridjaja concluded.

Finnish companies visit Kyiv Polytechnic to establish cooperation

Posted on by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Under the auspices of the Rebuild Ukraine Office, representatives of top Finnish companies visited the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute to explore avenues of cooperation. Among the guests were experts with extensive experience in many areas vital for the university, including:

– Advanced materials,

– Waste recycling,

– Energy-efficient technologies in heating and cooling systems,

– Biomedical engineering.

Representatives from Kimmelux, Toivo Group, Circulation, Grow Capital, Indufor, and Arctic Warm expressed a keen interest in joining ReBuild projects, particularly in the R&D area, which are aimed at renovating and enhancing Ukraine’s functional capabilities.

“Finland has made a giant leap in technology over time,” said Kyiv Polytechnic Rector Anatolii Melnychenko. “Their experience in implementing technologies and building up a high-tech nation is vitally important for us. We need to study it – this is the first component. The second is the high technological culture of the Finns. Our university should train engineers in new approaches to applying technology to business, industry, and the economy.”

One of the first joint initiatives involving the representatives of Finnish companies will be the International Forum “Innovations in Medical Engineering,” slated for May. Organized by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, the Sikorsky Challenge Innovation Ecosystem, and other partners, the forum is expected to serve as a platform for advancing cooperation and technological innovation.