Semi-Annual Osaka IAUP Programme Sparks Innovation in the idea of global Higher Education

Universities need to prepare students not only for their first job but for a lifetime of learning”- Dr. Tomar

The International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), in collaboration with the Tanoika Gauken Education Foundation, successfully hosted a semi-annual meeting in Osaka, Japan, from September 12 to 15th, 2023. This event brought together university chancellors and leaders from across the globe to engage in a profound exchange of ideas, knowledge, and strategies aimed at advancing higher education on an international scale. The Chief Guest and keynote speaker of the event was Prof. Dr. Balvir S. Tomar. Moderators for this session – Fernando Galván, Universidad Alcalá de Henares (Spain), Asilbek Kozakhmetov, Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan), Takahiro Ono, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Japan), Zi Hui, Hunan University of Science and Technology ( China) were included.

The four-day program was marked by insightful discussions, presentations, and collaborative sessions, highlighting IAUP’s commitment to fostering global cooperation and driving excellence in higher education. Attendees had the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to leadership, share best practices, and gain strategic insights into the ever-evolving landscape of academia.

Distinguished higher education leaders from around the world gathered to have deep conversations about issues that are extremely important to the progress of senior leadership, addressing both present trends and required future outcomes.

The first session focused on the critical issue of educating students with a comprehensive education while providing them with the necessary skills for the job market. It was titled “Developing Well Rounded Graduates and Employability: Do we have to choose??”

The session set the stage for this vital discourse, featuring, The Chancellor and Chairman of Nims University Rajasthan, Prof. Dr. Balvir S. Tomar who served as the plenary session’s keynote speaker. He divided his view into three main categories, the first was based on the skills needed by the employers in the digital era, the second was based on Good practices for embedding employability skills into the curriculum and the last and most important was based on what universities are doing for Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Tomar’s insights and the discussion at the conference highlight the need to prepare graduates for the rapidly changing job landscape. He highlighted 15 critical and analytical skills, which cover cognitive, methodological, and social elements of employability, highlighting the need for a broad education that goes beyond academics. Skills are essential for graduates to thrive in their careers and adjust to changing workforce environments.

At the institutional front he said, “Universities must adapt their curricula to regional, national and international standards, collaborate with organization and companies to facilitate the integration of education and industry requirements, foster employability through the incorporation of entrepreneurship concepts and opportunities, and implement practical strategies such as placement drives, seminars, and career events etc”.

He provided the insights for institutional development in terms of employability and said, “universities need to prepare students for more than just their first job – they need to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and adapting to the ever-changing job market”.

He outlined the concept of developing employability at the Institutional Level, emphasizing that there are three fundamental dimensions to consider, including:

The institution itself- mapping the needs, regional and national criteria,
The engagement of employers- Matching what is learned and identifying the needs of entrepreneurs
The enhancements of students’ employability- Give them entrepreneurship ideas and options, and Creation of new businesses.
Provide the latest improvements to the students- through Placement drives, Workshops, and Career Fairs.

The conference’s focus on international cooperation and the ongoing advancement of educational standards and research emphasizes the international nature of employability issues. In a world dominated by corporations and entrepreneurs, universities and educational institutions must play an essential role in guiding students through the process of ideation and implementation. This includes developing critical thinking, specialized abilities, and the capacity to make informed decisions.

Dr. Tomar said it best when he said E-Portfolios are the “need of the hour”. We’re living in a world where education and employment are constantly changing, so it’s no surprise that e-portfolios are here to stay. Keeping in mind the digital age – the use of e-portfolio is increasing day by day. E-portfolios are also an effective way to increase the reach and usefulness of digital badges. Not only do they help you stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving job market, but they also help you create a personal brand that matches your career goals.

Take responsibility for your employability: As a graduate, it’s important to understand that you are ultimately responsible for your employability. Take proactive steps to increase your employability, such as applying for internships, participating in extracurricular activities, and continually improving yourself.

Acquire as much knowledge as possible: In today’s highly competitive job markets, knowledge is one of the most valuable assets you can acquire. It can help you develop interdisciplinary skills and digital literacy, as well as soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and more.

Start Career Planning Early: Career planning should begin early in a student’s academic career. Students who choose to work while pursuing the university’s education are truly the catalyst for positive change in this world. Choose your career with the package of skill oriented fields.

Take full advantage of university resources

Universities offer a wide range of resources to support students’ career development. Students need to take advantage of the university’s resources to increase their employability. Initiating career planning at the outset of a student’s academic journey is paramount. Those who opt to work while pursuing their university education serve as genuine agents of positive transformation in our world. Select your career path equipped with a portfolio of skill-oriented fields.

Through the exchange of ideas and meaningful conversations, the program promoted international collaboration and contributed to the continuous improvement of educational norms, research, and the development of leadership in the academic world. These initiatives play an essential role in the development of higher education and the promotion of a more connected and informed world.

About IAUP

The IAPU (International Association of University Presidents) is a worldwide organization devoted to the advancement of higher education and its contribution to the global community. Through the mutual exchange of information, best practices, and strategic perspectives, the IPU assists university leaders in strengthening their leadership capacities, while promoting excellence in educational attainment, research, and community involvement. By promoting cooperation between institutions around the world, the IPU contributes to the ongoing advancement of higher education, and the attainment of a more equitable, informed, and interconnected world.

About Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation

Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation holds firmly to the principle of “fostering individuals, who contribute to society”. The foundation is committed to innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop new products and services that will boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through practical education, students not only acquire a broad range of knowledge but also develop the real-world skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.