The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) was held at Politeknik ATMI Surakarta in Solo, Indonesia, from August 23 to 26. Bringing together 31 representatives from 16 AJCU institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, the meeting explored the future of higher education in the age of AI, the mission of education, and opportunities for future collaboration. The Beijing Center (TBC) participated in the meeting as a partner in the AJCU-AP educational network.
Hosted by Politeknik ATMI Surakarta, the meeting provided a platform for leaders of Jesuit universities to address shared challenges and strengthen cooperation. Discussions focused on how higher education institutions can respond to rapid technological and social changes while remaining grounded in their educational mission and human-centered values.
Politeknik ATMI campus tour
AI and educational innovation were among the key topics. The first day featured a keynote address by Fr. Fernando Clemente Ponce León, S.J., Assistant to the Secretary for Higher Education at the Jesuit Curia, followed by an AI workshop led by Professor Galvin Ngo of Ateneo de Manila University. The sessions explored how universities can engage with AI effectively and ethically while remaining attentive to the human values at the heart of education.
Prof. Galvin Ngo, leading the workshop on AI for Education
Participants also reviewed the work of AJCU-AP task forces focusing on integral ecology, artificial intelligence, mental health and spiritual well-being, and democracy. Discussions also covered ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the Service Learning Program (SLP), Global Leadership Program (GLP), Collaborative Online International Learning Activities, Magis Microcredentials, and the Ignatian Leadership in Higher Education Training Program.
TBC staff shares insights during the meeting
TBC’s role in the network was also reflected in discussions on future cooperation. The 2027 AJCU-AP Service Learning Program (SLP) will be hosted by TBC in Kunming, China, providing another opportunity for students from across the region to learn through community engagement and intercultural exchange. Participants also received updates on initiatives related to partnerships with TBC and other areas of regional collaboration.
Through its participation in AJCU-AP, TBC continues to strengthen relationships with Jesuit institutions across the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to international academic exchange. The meeting provided an opportunity to share perspectives on education in the age of AI and to advance future cooperation in student learning, leadership development, and cross-cultural engagement.
TBC loaned three rare books to The Great Confucius exhibition at the Beijing Confucian Temple and Imperial College Museum, showcasing the spread of Confucian thought in Europe and centuries of cultural exchange.
On September 21, 2026, TBC contributed 29 rare books and maps from its collection to the Sino-French Cultural Heritage Exhibition at the Beijing Administration Institute.
TBC participated in the 2026 INCLUSION Conference on the Bund in Shanghai, where Executive Director Dr. Simon Koo joined discussions on AI, human-centric values, and the implications of technological innovation for society.
TBC joined the 2026 AJCU-AP Annual Meeting in Solo, Indonesia to exchange perspectives on AI, Jesuit higher education, and regional collaboration.