Rector Jun Liu delivers keynote speech at 2nd Asian Universities Science and Technology Innovation forum

The 2nd Asian Universities Science and Technology Innovation forum, organized by the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and hosted by Shenzhen Center for International Exchange of Personnel (SCIEP), was recently held in Tokyo, Japan. Jun Liu, rector of City University of Macau (CityU), attended the forum as Macao's representative and delivered a keynote speech.  

This high-level academic event brought together 31 university leaders from across Asia, including 11 Chinese higher education institutions (mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao), 11 Japanese universities, and nine leading research universities from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. Participants engaged in discussions on strengthening international collaboration in science and technology (sci-tech) innovation, enhancing talent exchange mechanisms, and promoting synergy between education, sci-tech and talent resources, thereby creating a better future for the region. 

The forum was attended by distinguished diplomats, including Zhu Xuehua, minister-counselor for science and technology of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, along with representatives from the embassies of the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia in Japan. Opening remarks were delivered by Xia Bing, deputy director of CAIEP, and Morimoto Shigeo, board member of JST. Other prominent keynote speakers included Naoto Ohtake, president of Institute of Science Tokyo; Fang Fang, vice president of Peking University; Bernard Tan, senior vice provost of National University of Singapore; Izuru Umehara, president of Yokohama National University; Tatacipta Dirgantara, rector of Bandung Institute of Technology. 

At the conference, Rector Jun Liu initiated his presentation by examining the demographic patterns and distinct characteristics of Asian talents, conducting a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and industrial profiles of China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. He systematically categorized talent clusters across key domains including science and technology, creative design, engineering and manufacturing, as well as financial and business, while mapping their geographical distribution. Rector Liu regarded Asia’s robust talent reserves in scientific research, technological innovation, financial services, commercial operations, and educational development position the region as a dynamic and diversified powerhouse. He particularly highlighted the substantial potential and opportunities for enhancing talent mobility across Asia. 

Rector Liu proposed nine suggestions to optimize talent mobility within Asia:  

• First, enhance regional collaboration, establishing a unified framework for mutual recognition of professional qualifications, technical skills, and practical experience across different regions; 

• Second, streamline mobility protocols and work visa regulations, introducing talent passports or regional professional visas; 

• Third, develop educational pathways, creating mechanisms for talent mobility through scholarships, research fellowships, and cross - border internship initiatives; 

• Fourth, foster entrepreneurial exchange, supporting transnational startup ecosystems through entrepreneur networks, regional incubators, and accelerator programs; 

• Fifth, accelerate digital transformation and promote remote working practices, developing regional digital collaboration platforms; 

• Sixth, strengthen intercultural competence, implementing cultural exchange programs complemented by language proficiency training and soft skills development; 

• Seventh, develop regional talent databases and AI-driven talent matching platforms; 

• Eighth, engage private sectors, expanding corporate-led talent mobility schemes and increasing investment in talent development; 

• Ninth, implement inclusive policies, formulating inclusive recruitment strategies and promoting equality to maximize talent mobility. 

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Asia, as a significant source of global sci-tech innovation, has shown prominent growth in terms of sci-tech quantity, quality, and industrialization level in recent years. The rapid advancement of sci-tech innovation requires Asian professionals to drive innovative development; it also requires global talents to contribute their wisdom and strength to the prosperity of Asia. During the forum, participants also explored strategies to strengthen exchanges and collaboration among Asian universities, aiming to jointly enhance the global innovation landscape and boost Asia’s appeal to global technological talent. They also discussed and shared experiences on how to nurture and retain Asian sci-tech professionals while attracting more international experts to Asia.