Seoul at center of global higher education as technology and culture converge

As the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 opens in Seoul, the city stands as a symbol of higher education’s new frontier — a place where technology, creativity and culture converge to define the future of learning.

“Seoul embodies the ambition and confidence that define modern higher education — one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs where tradition and transformation coexist,” Jessica Turner, chief executive of QS, said in a recent written interview with The Korea Times.

“Korea’s global cultural reach, powered by K-pop and the wider hallyu wave, has redefined how young people around the world imagine opportunity — and that same confidence now runs through its universities.”

The theme of this year’s summit, “Advancing Generational Potential: Skills and Partnerships in the Asia Pacific,” underscores the defining mission of modern higher education.

“Collaboration is no longer optional — it is the currency of resilience,” Turner said. “To stay relevant, universities must bridge generations, strengthen skills and work together across borders.”

Turner pointed to Asia’s sharply diverging demographics as a key challenge shaping the region’s educational priorities.

Countries such as Korea, Japan and China now have median ages in the 40s, underscoring the need to counter shrinking workforces through greater productivity, innovation and international partnerships.

In contrast, younger nations like India, Indonesia and Vietnam, where the median age remains in the late 20s to early 30s, must turn their demographic advantage into employability and inclusive growth.

Reflecting these dynamics, QS recently introduced the International Research Network indicator in its rankings to highlight universities that excel through diverse and collaborative global partnerships.

International students participate in a lecture at Korea University in Seongbuk District, Seoul, in this undated photo. Courtesy of Korea University

Turner noted that while Korea’s higher education system has gained remarkable global visibility, it now stands at a pivotal stage of growth.

“Korea leads all OECD nations in tertiary education, with more than 70 percent of young adults aged 25 to 34 holding a university degree, and its institutions rank among the most respected in Asia,” she said.

One of the country’s greatest strengths lies in its deep university-industry collaboration.

Partnerships such as Pohang University of Science and Technology and POSCO in materials research, Sungkyunkwan University and Samsung in talent development and R&D, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and Hyundai Heavy Industries in sustainable shipbuilding illustrate how academia and industry work hand in hand to drive innovation.

“These are genuine partnerships, not just collaborations on paper,” Turner said.

Still, she noted that many Korean universities tend to collaborate within familiar networks, leaving untapped potential beyond their traditional partners. Expanding ties with institutions in Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa would broaden Korea’s influence and foster more inclusive global research ecosystems.

“The next step for Korea isn’t about working harder, but working wider — building partnerships that enhance both global presence and shared purpose,” she said.

QS has recently introduced new indicators to its ranking methodology to better reflect the evolving priorities of global higher education.

“What we measure should mirror what matters,” Turner said. “Today’s students — especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha — value sustainability, inclusion and employability. Our updated indicators are designed to capture that broader social impact, not just academic performance.”

She also noted that while artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform research and knowledge production, it can never replace human imagination.

“The universities that will thrive are those that teach learners to think critically, ethically and creatively — and to use AI responsibly,” she said.

Looking ahead, Turner emphasized that QS’ mission goes beyond compiling rankings, focusing instead on fostering evidence-based collaboration.

“Rankings are a valuable language of reputation, but our deeper mission is to use those insights to promote constructive partnership,” she said.