Program Digests

This United Board program continued to advance holistic, future-ready education across Asia in the last few months, through programs that sowed the seeds of social entrepreneurship and reimagined assessment in the AI era. There were also initiatives that deepened whole person education and strengthened strategic resource development for long-term institutional sustainability.

Sowing the Seeds of Change: Social Entrepreneurship in Asian Higher Education

The United Board has launched Seeds of Change: Initiating Social Entrepreneurship in University Education, a new initiative that equips faculty leaders to integrate social innovation and entrepreneurial thinking into teaching, research, and institutional strategy, in line with our mission of holistic education and community engagement. After an online onboarding on November 4, 2025 and a three-part webinar series from November 19 to December 3, the program culminated in an intensive onsite gathering at Payap University in Chiang Mai from January 21 to 23, 2026, with 29 participants from 14 institutions across South and Southeast Asia.

Through panel discussions, curriculum workshops, and a field visit to the Akha Ama Living Factory, participants examined why social entrepreneurship matters now, explored regional case studies from India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and learned from community engagement focused on women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The pilot’s success affirms our commitment to expanding “Seeds of Change” as a cornerstone of faculty development and to nurturing a regional network of changemakers who will advance sustainable social impact through university education.

Alumni Webinar: Reimagining Student Assessments in the AI Era

On February 2, the United Board hosted the fourth session of its Alumni Webinar Series on “Supporting Educators: Integrating AI into Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in Asian Higher Education,” with over 42 participants. AI assessment expert Mr. Leon Furze led the session on how rapidly advancing AI technologies are reshaping assessment practices in higher education.

Mr. Furze emphasized the importance of multimodal assessments, trust and transparency with students, and collegial respect for faculty expertise as institutions incorporate AI into their assessment frameworks. Participants gained practical insights for detecting and addressing AI-generated submissions while designing AI-integrated assessments that remain aligned with intended learning outcomes.

Whole Person Education Academy 2026

From February 4 to 11, 2026, the United Board convened the Whole Person Education Academy (WPEA) at Ateneo de Manila University in Manila, bringing together 31 educators and leaders from 12 Christian and like-minded universities across Asia. Hosted by the Ateneo Teacher Center, this residential program combined plenary sessions, campus tours, and structured team time to deepen understanding of holistic and transformative higher education.

Participants engaged with contemporary issues such as generative AI in education and observed how whole person education is embedded in campus life—from sustainability initiatives and research practices to spirituality and inclusive student support through initiatives like the Gender Hub. They also developed institutional action plans around the ministry of teaching, service-learning, belonging, learning beyond traditional classrooms, and relational mindfulness, supported by feedback and peer critique, and presented these plans at the Academy’s conclusion.

Strategic Resource Development Workshops Launch in India

In February 2026, the United Board launched its new Strategic Resource Development (SRD) Workshop series in India to strengthen institutional advancement and financial sustainability among partner colleges. The inaugural workshop at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, on February 9–10 gathered 42 senior leaders from institutions across North and Northeast India for sessions on strategic intent, resource generation, alumni engagement, advancement office setup, and financial management, led by experienced resource persons and featuring a keynote from Dr. Sunita Siwach of the University Grants Commission.

A second workshop followed on February 12–13 at Women’s Christian College, Chennai, welcoming 52 leaders from 29 Christian colleges across six states in South India for the region’s first such gathering. Focusing on fundraising models, alumni engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities, and mission-driven financial management, the workshops prompted many institutions to plan new or strengthened advancement teams and opened a promising new chapter in resourcing their educational missions.