Transformation in Higher Education
AI, Digital Revolution and Innovative Engagement
for Future Challenges
The Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF) is an annual conference established in 2001, promoting cooperation and networking among higher education institutions across Asia and would seek expansion to include university presidents throughout Asia. Recent events that were held in Thailand (2023), South Korea (2024), and China (2025) were highly successful and attracted Presidents, Chancellors, Rectors, and Vice Chancellors and University Leadership from over 35 Countries. The AUPF has long served as a distinguished platform for university leaders, scholars, and policymaker’s across Asia and beyond to foster academic collaboration, exchange innovative ideas, and strengthen international partnerships. We are honoured to host the 24th Session and look forward to welcoming esteemed delegates from member institutions and partner universities around the world. The conference will feature keynote addresses, plenary discussions, thematic sessions, networking opportunities, and cultural programs designed to promote meaningful dialogue on the future of higher education, research collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and global engagement.
Read More
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome university leaders, distinguished academicians, policymakers, researchers, and delegates from around the world to the 24th Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF 2026) at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India. Since its inception in 2001, AUPF has become a premier platform for fostering academic collaboration, institutional partnerships, and visionary leadership in higher education. Building on the success of recent editions in Thailand, South Korea, and China, AUPF 2026 will bring together leaders from over 50 countries to exchange ideas and strengthen global cooperation.
At VIT, we believe that collaboration among universities is essential to addressing global challenges through innovation, research, and knowledge sharing. The conference will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, thematic discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural programs that inspire meaningful dialogue on the future of higher education. On behalf of the VIT family, I cordially invite you to join us for this prestigious forum, and I look forward to welcoming you to VIT for an enriching and memorable AUPF 2026.
Integration of AI tools to personalize learning, automate assessment, and enhance teaching effectiveness.
Adoption of digital infrastructure, smart campuses, and technology-driven administration.
Use of flipped classrooms, blended learning, experiential learning, and AI-assisted instruction.
Leveraging big data to improve student outcomes, track performance, and support decision-making.
Applications of VR, AR, and simulation technologies in higher education.
Partnerships to bridge skill gaps and prepare students for emerging digital economies.
Ensuring equitable access to AI-driven and digital learning technologies for diverse learners.
Addressing concerns related to data privacy, academic integrity, bias, and responsible AI use.
| Time | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM | Registration | Lobby (Dr. MGR Block) |
| 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Inauguration | Anna Auditorium Dress Code : Formal |
| 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Group Photo | |
| 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Coffee Break | CS Hall |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Plenary Talk | Anna Auditorium |
| 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Lunch | CS Hall |
| 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM | Session 1 | Anna Auditorium |
| 03:00 PM – 03:15 PM | Coffee Break | CS Hall |
| 03:15 PM – 04:15 PM | Session 2 | Anna Auditorium |
| 04:30 PM – 06:00 PM | Campus Tour | VIT Campus |
| 06:30 PM – 09:00 PM | Cultural Programme & Grand AUPF 2026 Banquet Dinner | Greeno & Foodys |
| Time | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote Talk | Anna Auditorium |
| 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Coffee Break | CS Hall |
| 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Session 3 | Anna Auditorium |
| 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Session 4 | |
| 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Lunch | CS Hall |
| 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM | Session 5 | Anna Auditorium |
| 03:00 PM – 03:15 PM | Coffee Break | CS Hall |
| 03:15 PM – 04:15 PM | Session 6 | |
| 04:15 PM – 08:00 PM |
Vellore City Tour
(Optional) |
|
| 08:00 PM – 09:00 PM | AUPF 2026 Networking Dinner | CS Hall |
| Time | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM | One-to-One Business Meetings & Networking Session | Anna Auditorium |
| 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM | AUPF Steering Committee Meeting | Board Room (Dr. MGR Block) |
| 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
Press Conference with AUPF 2026 Host University Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan and Upcoming AUPF 2027 Host University Rector of Macau Millennium College, Professor Zhong Weihe |
Board Room (Dr. MGR Block) |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Signing of MoUs with AUPF Member Universities | Anna Auditorium |
| 12:15 PM – 01:00 PM | AUPF 2026 Closing Ceremony | |
| 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Lunch | CS Hall |
The Registration of USD 800 (per person) will cover participation in Forum sessions, local transportation to and from Forum event, meals at Forum functions and hotel accommodation for 3 nights (December 09-11, 2026). All payments shall be made in US Dollars through bank transfer. (The deadline for payment transfer is September 30, 2026) Original receipts will be issued at the Forum venue. Scanned copies may be sent online in advance to participants upon request.
For those who do not have access to the Google Form, please download registration form through register now option & submit to aupf2026@vit.ac.in
Register NowAfter making the payment, please email the payment receipt to aupf2026@vit.ac.in with the subject: AUPF 2026 Payment.
Join us at the 24th Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF 2026) hosted by Vellore Institute of Technology, India.
Wednesday to Friday
Katpadi, Vellore District – 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.