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Welcome to the 
Premier Higher Education Event of the Year

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A dynamic two-day gathering of education leaders, industry partners and policymakers exploring how institutions can deliver stronger employability outcomes, deeper industry relevance and future-focused innovation.

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About AppliedHE Xchange 2026 @ ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø

The AppliedHE Xchange 2026 brings together leaders from higher education, industry, government and quality assurance to explore how institutions can better prepare graduates for a fast-changing world.

Hosted by ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø at the newly launched Sunway Square, this two-day gathering will focus on employability, industry relevance, innovation and the evolving role of education in producing graduates who are ready not only for work, but to make meaningful contributions to society.

Through keynote conversations, panel discussions and strategic exchanges, the event will spotlight practical ideas, new partnerships and forward-looking initiatives that help institutions move beyond theory and deliver stronger outcomes.

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Why It Matters

Employers today want more than a degree; they seek graduates who can communicate effectively, solve complex problems and adapt to new technologies.

Success in education is no longer measured by knowledge alone, but by how effectively institutions prepare students for life, work and meaningful contribution in the real world.

Today's graduates need more than qualifications. They need adaptability, practical exposure, confidence, communication skills and the ability to thrive in diverse professional environments. Institutions, in turn, must become more connected to employers, more responsive to change and more intentional about outcomes.

The theme, Beyond Skills, reflects this broader ambition while creating space for important new conversations around applied learning, industry alignment and future benchmarking initiatives.

Moving beyond theory

Equipping the next generation of graduates with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive.

Core pillars

• Adaptability and problem solving
• Effective communication
• Intentional outcomes

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Key Conversations

What Xchange 2026 will put on the table

Explore the pressing topics that will shape the two-day agenda.

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Featured Highlight

The Declaration Workshop to help shape the AppliedHE TVET Ranking: 
ASEAN framework for launch in 2027

As part of Xchange 2026, a dedicated Declaration Workshop will be convened to initiate discussions on the development of the AppliedHE TVET Ranking.

This workshop will bring together key stakeholders to help shape the principles, priorities and community-informed direction of the ranking framework. Guided by the spirit of The People's Voices, the session will serve as the foundation for a more robust, relevant and credible ranking system to be launched in 2027.

The workshop is designed not merely as a discussion, but as a collective step towards building a framework that reflects the realities, aspirations and strengths of institutions delivering applied, career-focused and industry-linked education.

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The Bigger Purpose

Why this gathering matters beyond the room

As economies evolve and workforce expectations shift, institutions must do more than deliver academic knowledge alone. They must strengthen employer engagement, alumni connectivity, soft skills development and real-world readiness. This is where the AppliedHE ecosystem adds value, by helping institutions build stronger brands, stronger outcomes and stronger links to the world of work.

At the same time, Xchange 2026 will also serve as an important platform for introducing a new initiative in applied and technical education: an AppliedHE TVET Ranking framework shaped by the community through a Declaration Workshop and The People's Voices approach. This marks the beginning of a collaborative journey towards the launch of a robust and credible ranking system in 2027.