At APAIE 2026, IIE Experts Led Five Sessions and Hosted a Reception for Global Partners
The Asia-Pacific region is playing a key role in shaping the future of international higher education. At the 2026 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference in Hong Kong, the Institute of International Education (IIE) reinforced its long-standing strategic partnerships and initiatives that create opportunities for universities, governments, students, and scholars in the region and worldwide.
For more than 60 years, IIE has maintained deep engagement across the Asia-Pacific, supported by its offices and collaborations with universities, governments, and organizations throughout the region. With teams based in Bangkok, New Delhi, and other cities across East Asia and the Pacific, IIE works closely with stakeholders to strengthen global academic collaboration, support student mobility, and foster pathways to higher education. As demand for STEM skills increases, IIE has been selected to administer several in-demand, global education programs with a presence in the Asia-Pacific, including the following programs:
IIE’s work also extends to those affected by crises such as displacement due to extreme weather and civil war; through its Crisis Response initiatives such as the Odyssey Scholarship and the Scholar Rescue Fund, IIE provides vital opportunities for the growing number of students and scholars affected by conflict, displacement, or unrest in this region. Since 2018, IIE’s Southeast Asia regional office in Bangkok has awarded more than 300 scholarships to refugees from Myanmar.
The APAIE Conference brought together universities, policymakers, scholarship providers, and international education organizations to explore the theme, Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good. “International partnerships are evolving rapidly, and institutions need data-driven insights to navigate this changing landscape,” said Jonah Kokodyniak, Executive Vice President at IIE. “Through our collaboration with APAIE, we look forward to bringing stronger Asia-Pacific perspectives into the global conversation and providing governments and institutions with practical insights to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships.”
Throughout the conference, IIE leaders shared their expertise, facilitated critical discussions in five sessions, and convened a global partners reception and corollary meetings.
Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars in the Region
Extreme weather such as flooding and earthquakes and other long-term crises have displaced more than 17 million people throughout the Asia-Pacific. In the panel, Partnerships for the Global Good: Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars, IIE President Jason Czyz joined global leaders to discuss the role of collaborative initiatives in supporting displaced and vulnerable learners. “Partnerships are the foundation of international education’s impact,” said Czyz. “When institutions, governments, and organizations work together across borders, we can support talented students and scholars and create opportunities for them to contribute to their communities and the world.”
Other IIE-led sessions highlighted sustainable global student mobility programs, innovative models for collaboration, and pathways to higher education for students facing significant barriers. These discussions also emphasized how IIE’s Crisis Response initiatives like the Odyssey Scholarship provide tangible, life-changing support to learners navigating crises while reinforcing the broader role of strategic partnerships in international education.
IIE Global E3 Consortium: Preparing Engineers for a Global Workforce
APAIE provided a forum for IIE to engage members of the IIE Global E3 Consortium, a network of leading engineering institutions committed to expanding international mobility for engineering students. IIE hosted a Global E3 meetup, bringing together institutional representatives to exchange perspectives, reconnect, and explore opportunities for strengthening engineering exchange programs in the region. The gathering highlighted the consortium’s commitment to preparing engineers for a global workforce through international collaboration.
Celebrating Global Partnerships
Beyond formal sessions, APAIE offered an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing partners and cultivate new collaborations. IIE hosted a Global Partners Reception, welcoming more than 70 colleagues from universities, governments, and international organizations. The event recognized established partnerships and explored opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing IIE’s role as a trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific higher education ecosystem.
Throughout the conference, IIE delegates met with universities, scholarship agencies, and global organizations to advance mission-aligned initiatives, including programs supporting scholars and students affected by crises. These engagements reflected the breadth of IIE’s work, from promoting global student mobility to ensuring that at-risk learners can continue their education.
Looking Ahead
Collaboration across institutions and sectors remains essential to strengthening research, fostering academic collaboration, and preparing students to thrive in a globally connected world. “Gatherings like APAIE remind us how interconnected our work is,” said Czyz. “The relationships built here lead to new collaborations, innovative programs, and new possibilities for students and scholars around the world.”
As IIE continues its work with partners across Asia-Pacific and beyond, the organization remains committed to advancing both global academic collaboration and its Crisis Response initiatives, building pathways that connect talent, knowledge, and opportunity worldwide.
