The application period for #ASEFInnoLab6 has ended.
If you applied, please standby for further communications on the status of your application.
Background
Established in 2021, the ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab) creates opportunities for higher education stakeholders from Asia and Europe to expand their professional network, exchange knowledge, and collaboratively build their capacity to address common global challenges. Guided by its overarching theme of “Universities’ Role in AI Innovation Ecosystems,” ASEFInnoLab stands as a unique platform for higher education stakeholders to exchange good practices and co-create new ideas at the intersection of education, research, and innovation.
Read about the project series or explore the highlights of ASEFInnoLab5—our previous edition—to know more about the programme and its impact in enhancing dialogue on AI for the collective good.
In its sixth edition, the project will bring together outstanding experts and scholars to explore universities’ role in developing skills for an AI-powered future.
Topic Overview
ASEFInnoLab6 places the spotlight on the critical role that universities play in developing skills for an AI-powered future. This includes anticipating emerging needs, designing inclusive and accessible learning pathways, and building interdisciplinary bridges that align academic knowledge with real-world applications. By centring its work on AI skills foresight and literacy, ASEFInnoLab6 responds to the urgent global need for academic institutions to keep pace with—and help define—the trajectory of AI development.
With the theme “Universities’ Role in Developing Skills for an AI-Powered Future”, ASEFInnoLab6 will focus its work in two main outputs:
- Micro-credential Programmes. Participants who will work on designing micro-credential programme outlines will contribute to building skills literacy in AI across disciplines in alignment with academic and industry needs. Programmes created within the project’s framework will bridge knowledge gaps, enabling more professionals and students to acquire critical AI competencies in flexible and accessible ways.
- Academic Papers. Participants who will work on academic papers will examine how universities are responding to the evolving demand for skills in the AI era—not only technical, but also ethical, creative, and socio-emotional. Placing the spotlight on emerging skill requirements and strategic approaches, they will explore methodologies for anticipating AI-driven workforce demands, as well as strategies, pedagogies, partnerships, and institutional transformations that enable universities to cultivate future-ready talent. Through this, participants will contribute to shaping long-term visions and education policies that ensure the talent needs for innovation and progress are met, while also addressing complex societal challenges.
Who should apply?
We welcome higher education professionals, academics, and researchers born and based in ASEM Partner Countries working with AI-related teaching, learning, research, management initiatives. No technical or coding skills required, as there will be no technological exchanges in the programme.
Read more about the eligibility and selection criteria below:
What will our participants get out of ASEFInnoLab6?
Knowledge, ideas, connections, and a project.
Programme Design
We are aiming to deliver a full programme with virtual and in-person elements which will begin with an Open Call for Applications in April 2025.
- Online Phase: Upon closing the Open Call, we will be inviting around 150-200 applicants based on their profile to participate in an 11-week online programme from May to July focusing on knowledge building and output creation. This phase will be divided into two sub-phases:
- The Self-Learning Phase will run for four (4) weeks from May to June. Beginning with an introduction session, the SLP will feature expert speakers and moderated discussions on specific topics related to the theme.
- The Team Learning Phase will run for seven (7) weeks from June to July. Participants will choose which output they would like to work on—either a micro-credential programme or academic paper—and form multidisciplinary, intercultural teams of 3 to 5. Under the guidance of Expert Facilitators, groups will build teamwork and kickstart the development of their joint output over the course of this phase.
- Onsite Events: Outstanding groups from the Online Phase will be invited to participate at one of the three on-site workshops depending on their chosen track. These events, taking place in China, the Philippines, and Slovakia between October to December 2025, will be the venue to develop further their outputs further.
What commitment is needed?
Participants are required to commit to the Online Phase which entails full, active participation in 11 online sessions. As output creation is also an integral part of the programme, participants are also required to complete their initial output upon the closing of the Online Phase.
If invited to join an Onsite Event, they must also commit to attend and contribute to the full in-person programme and finalise their joint output.
Join us for an enriching experience!
Read more on the milestones and achievements of ASEFInnoLab5—our highly-rated previous edition—here.
Need more convincing? Below are testimonials from select alumni who not only benefited from the programme, but also contributed their expertise and passion for a successful peer-to-peer learning platform for all. You can also watch the highlight video to get a feel of the experience that awaits you at an ASEFInnoLab onsite event.
