International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)

60th Anniversary Celebration and International Seminar

- Hosted by Seoul Cyber University, October 13^th(Mon) ? 15^th(Wed) at The Westin Josun Seoul

 [Photo] IAUP President Shawn Chen, Former President Leon Garcia, California State University San Bernardino President Tomas Morales (incoming IAUP President), President Yang Oh Bong of the Korean Council for University Education, Chairman Lee Sang Kyun of Seoul Cyber University, and President Lee Eun Joo of Seoul Cyber University, along with other attendees, take a commemorative photo at the IAUP 60th Anniversary International Seminar.

The International Association of University Presidents (IAUP, President Dr. Shawn Chen), an organization of university presidents from around the world, successfully held its 60th Anniversary Celebration and International Seminar in Seoul from October 13^th(Mon) to 15^th(Wed). The three-day event was hosted by Seoul Cyber University (Chairman Lee Sang Kyun, President Lee Eun Joo) and took place at the Westin Josun Seoul on October 13^th-14^th, followed by a closing session at the university’s campus on October 15^th.

On day 1, October 13^th, an opening ceremony and welcome reception were held at The Westin Josun Seoul, attended by around 200 higher education leaders, including university presidents from Korea and abroad. On day 2, October 14^th, under the moderation of IAUP Secretary General Tatsuro Tanioka, the opening ceremony and 60th anniversary celebration took place.

[Photo 2] IAUP President Shawn Chen delivering his opening address at the 60th Anniversary International Seminar.

In his opening remarks, President Shawn Chen expressed, “It is a great joy to celebrate IAUP’s 60th anniversary. I am deeply grateful for IAUP’s continuous growth and for everyone’s support that made this event possible.” President Yang Oh Bong of the Korean Council for University Education congratulated the association, saying, “I celebrate IAUP’s 60 years of history since its founding in 1964, and I hope the next 60 years will be remembered for innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.”

Minister of Education Choi Kyo Jin also sent a congratulatory video message, stating, “On behalf of Korea’s Ministry of Education, I extend a warm welcome to all gathered here to explore university leadership and the future of higher education in the age of AI, as well as peace and prosperity for humanity.”

Following the congratulatory remarks, participants watched a video commemorating IAUP’s 60-year history, followed by a group photo session. Afterward, Arturo Cherbowski, Executive Director of Santander Universidades Mexico, delivered a keynote speech titled “The Crisis and Chaos in Higher Education: The Need for Reinvention and the Importance of Returning to the Basics.”

Chairman Lee Sang Kyun of Seoul Cyber University stated, “It is a great honor for Seoul Cyber University, which has led innovation in Korean online higher education for the past 25 years, to host this meaningful event. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to its success.”

In the afternoon, an MOU signing ceremony took place, followed by the International Seminar, which consisted of three main sessions.

Sessions 1 and 2 focused on innovation. Session 1 addressed topics such as ▲Reimagining university models in the age of AI ▲ AI + X Workshop ▲ Promoting innovation through research and sustainable funding. Session 2 featured discussions on ▲ Advancing inclusive innovation in global education ▲Transformative women’s leadership

The IAUP is a non-profit international organization (NGO) composed of university presidents, chancellors, and other higher education leaders worldwide. Founded in 1964 in Oxford, the association currently includes over 600 members from about 21 countries. Its mission is to foster collaboration and mutual understanding in global higher education.

This year’s seminar gathered around 150 higher education leaders, including university presidents from Korea and abroad, who came together to discuss innovation and collaboration in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). As the host country, Korea took a central role in promoting global higher education cooperation. Domestically, Seoul Cyber University, along with institutions such as Kyung Hee University, has been an active participant in IAUP’s initiatives, helping to raise Korea’s profile on the international educational stage.